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Revolutions distinguish themselves as phenomena that change those who wield social power, replacing old ruling classes with new classes of rulers. In South Africa, the revolution that culminated in the 1994 April Democratic Breakthrough is always thought of as having...
Only one week before the massacre in Marikana on 16 August last year, Bench Marks Foundation published its report, 'Policy Gap 6'. It was a part of a long series of critical studies of SA mining. It described in detail the social and environmental havoc created by...
Johannesburg, 14 October: The recent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, Queer (LGBTIAQ) marches held across Gauteng that culminated in Pride Month came at a contentious and opportune time, considering the recent, somewhat more explicit...
WHY THE NAME BLAQPEARL? Back in the day I was part of a hip hop group called Insidious Inc. The three males in the group, including my late brother, Mr Devious, all had stage names – of course I also wanted one! So being rarely aware of myself from a very young age...
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." "There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again...
Why consider the history of a hundred-year old law? Surely the Marikana massacre and farm-workers' strikes are more urgent? In fact, there are direct links between the Natives' Land Act of 1913 and current struggles. The Land Act and its consequences still shape rural...
NO NEED FOR RETRENCHEMENTS Delegates wrapped up the 19th annual African Mining Indaba in early February 2013 full of back-thumping promises to improve the public image of the sector. Little wonder that the mining captains feel the industry needs a facelift: since the...
Anglo's platinum operations are not "unprofitable". Rather, they are not "profitable enough". Plans to restructure will jeopardize the income of 14 000 workers and more than 100 000 dependents. AMCUs call to nationalize in response reflects the growing consensus on...
For two months Angloplats refused to negotiate over the minimum demand for R16,500 per month before tax and deductions – a variation of the demand for a living wage of R12,500 in hand that spread like wildfire in the mining industry. The bosses repeatedly sent...