In a recent article in Dollars & Sense called “Labor and democracy in South Africa: Where to now?” Franco Barchiesi and Thad Williamson explore the current economic position of South Africa. The article takes a close look at the life of working class black Africans and how the existing political climate is affecting these people’s lives. The article looks at the problems that these black Africans face in the light of a new democratic & capitalist government. “The problem of social decay will be measured by diminishing productivity, declining stability, and the erosion of public morality” (The Africans, 1986)
Barchiesie and Williamson discuss how the democracy that signaled the end of Apartheid in South Africa has had a different affect on the greater population than one would expect. With the word “democracy” one imagines freedom and a better life. In South Africa this is not what democracy brought. Trade unions were formed to protect the working class, as was the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). These trade unions were often seen as an extended family with big brother looking out for the unskilled worker, making sure he received a fair wage, good healthcare, and safe working conditions. The article als
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None of these goals were achieved. The consequence of lowering the tariffs was the decline of the appliance and clothing industries and a dramatic increase in unemployment. His intent was to focus on export industries and to create an upper class black population. With the collapse of this industry, over 600,000 jobs were lost. These communities are forced to recreate themselves to adapt to the current situation. In correlation with the book this article exhibits how the ties to community and family are tested and found sound in the face of hardship. This view was echoed in the South African President’s plan for an African renaissance, a bid for the globalization and modernization of South Africa. Unfortunately these were just campaign ideals and few campaign promises have been realized.
Another unfortunate repercussion of this job loss is the exploitation of women and children. As the lower classes fight again continued marginalization, personal qualities of resiliency and flexibility become crucial, and group ideals of faith, ethnicity, and community become essential to survival. "Labor and Democracy in South Africa: Where to now?. Eventually the ANC evolved to view the working class groups as obstacles to the advancement of South Africa.
These new civic groups choose one aspect that they believe needs to change and make it their goal to resolve the issue. The manufacturing industries, which had in the past employed working class blacks and accommodated rich whites, were all but annihilated.
Approximate Word count =
1377
Approximate Pages =
6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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