The Impact of Social Labour Plans (SLPs) on the Advancement of Local Economic Development: A Case Study of South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this survey was to theoretically appraise the impact of Social and Labor Plans (SLPs) on the advancement of local economic development with special reference to the South African situation. A desktop literature review research method was adopted by the survey to establish the role that SLPs have played in Africa as well as on the global platform. Reference was made to literature gathered on specific cases in the Republic of South Africa. The survey came up with the following findings: tendencies of undemocratic approach to development, no access to SLPs and related information, weak co-operative governance and responsibility shifting, no regional alignment of SLP initiatives, companies’ relationship with traditional leaders and exclusion of communities. Therefore, based on the aforementioned findings, the survey recommended the following: making the process of requesting information from the major stakeholders more accessible to communities; ensuring clearer legislative provisions regarding transparency of SLPs; ensuring that mining laws, regulations and policy recognise and acknowledge communities as central role players; Pursuance of Bench Marks Foundation’s proposal meant to address the challenges of mine-affected communities; specification of requirements for community participation in the design and amendment of SLPs; clarification on giving feedback to communities on progress made in SLPs;  integrating the development of SLPs into the IDP annual review and require community participation in this process.

Keywords: Social and Labor Plans, Local Economic Development, Mineral and Petroleum Resource Development Act

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/10-8-07

Publication date:August 31^st 2020