This paper provides a historical overview of the South African trade union movement, followed by a brief discussion of the labour market legislation and institutions formed since 1994. Thereafter, a detailed evaluation of the impact of trade unions, legislation, and institutions on labour market outcomes in South Africa is provided, and it is found that despite a long history, trade union membership levels, their impact on average wage levels, and their pursuit of strike action, has resulted in

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... relatively benign economic impacts within country and relative to other economies around the world. The political-economy effects shaping the country's employment relations are then discussed. JEL Classification Codes: F50, J30, J51, J52