Nomkhosi Xulu-Gama – författare

Analyses the fragmentation and future of labour movements in South Africa and globally in the context of globalisation, the fourth industrial revolution and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Analyses the fragmentation and future of labour movements in South Africa and globally in the context of globalisation, the fourth industrial revolution and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published in the 50th anniversary year of the 1973 Durban strikes, Labour Disrupted honours this milestone by reflecting on the past and the future of labour, primarily in South Africa but also globally. It focuses on how South Africa’s lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic further exposed key contradictions and challenges that labour movements face. The contributions include a diverse range of topics by those actively engaged in the labour movement, who tackle a number of thorny issues: from redefining democracy in South Africa, to experiences of inclusiveness (or lack thereof) in workplace environments by women, young people, migrant workers, LGBTI people and people living with disabilities. They address contemporary issues related to the use of technology and the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on the youth and the working class, and the challenge of skills development and restructuring in the workplace. Labour Disrupted debates new forms of organising and labour movement alliances required to address issues of social justice in education, health and community solidarity, and exposes the precariousness of union organisation under the brutal forces of globalisation.

Published in the 50th anniversary year of the 1973 Durban strikes, Labour Disrupted honours this milestone by reflecting on the past and the future of labour, primarily in South Africa but also globally. It focuses on how South Africa’s lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic further exposed key contradictions and challenges that labour movements face. The contributions include a diverse range of topics by those actively engaged in the labour movement, who tackle a number of thorny issues: from redefining democracy in South Africa, to experiences of inclusiveness (or lack thereof) in workplace environments by women, young people, migrant workers, LGBTI people and people living with disabilities. They address contemporary issues related to the use of technology and the impact of the fourth industrial revolution on the youth and the working class, and the challenge of skills development and restructuring in the workplace. Labour Disrupted debates new forms of organising and labour movement alliances required to address issues of social justice in education, health and community solidarity, and exposes the precariousness of union organisation under the brutal forces of globalisation.

This open access Regional Reader proposes new ways of theorizing migration in Southern Africa by arguing that traditional western forms of theorizing do not adequately fit the South-South migration context.  It explores the existing definitions of a ‘migrant’ with a view to conceptualise a definition which will speak to the complexities, envisioning a more inclusive Southern African region. The book investigates the various levels of migration moving from the local (rural to urban and urban to rural) to cross border migration; middle-class versus working-class migrant household livelihoods; livelihoods procurement versus wage earning; social capital (networks) and how they make meaning of their circumstances in a ‘foreign’ space. It also acknowledges the intertwined issues of gender and class as important in analyzing migration processes and the chapters feature both in varying dimensions. As such, the book provides a great resource for students, academics and policy makers.