A comparative study on the impact of labour legislation on the role of trade unions in South Africa and Cameroon

Abstract

The purpose of this inquiry, as suggested by the topic and explained in the problem statement, is to investigate the impact of labour legislation on the role of trade union in the South Africa and Cameroon. In a bid to realize the aims and objectives of this study, particular emphasis was placed on their unique historical context, the legal obstacles and diverse challenges which trade unions in both countries face with the overall intention of identifying deficiencies needing reform. The deficiencies identified and the proposals submitted follow a rigorous analysis of what obtains in South Africa, Cameroon and at the international level in terms of tripartism within and standard setting by the International Labour Organisation. This study relied heavily on primary and secondary sources of information for a rigorous analysis. What emerged at the end of the study is a confirmation of the basic hypothesis that trade unions in South Africa are more proactive than those in Cameroon because of: • The unique historical backgrounds of the trade unions including their levels of involvement in the liberation struggles of both countries; • The different legal frameworks operational in both countries; • The extent to which both countries have complied with their international law provisions regulating trade union activities; • The varying political platforms in both countries; and, • The relationship which unions enjoy or otherwise with the state in both countries.