a) The CCMA has noticed an emerging trend where political parties with established labour desks/advice offices are representing parties in CCMA processes, making use of the expanded representation provision as per CCMA Rule 25(6). This trend is likely to continue as worker representativity across various workplaces is declining with vulnerable workers seeking or forming new associations to assist them.
b) The participation of political parties in CCMA processes may be perceived as political interference by the public, posing a risk to the perceived objectivity and independence of the CCMA