Worker education in South Africa: Lessons and contradictions
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
All Rights Reserved © Faculty of Education, McGill University, 2013
Abstract
Worker education played a crucial role in the development of the trade union movement in South Africa and in the broader struggle for social transformation. This article reviews key moments and dynamics in the trajectory of worker education in South Africa. We argue that international developments, the rise of neoliberalism, and the negotiated compromise between the African
National Congress (ANC) and the apartheid state, as well as corporatism resulted in changes to worker education. While the latter as it existed in the past has weakened, the centre of gravity has shifted to community organizations where various forms of learning and creativity continue. Despite the challenges and setbacks of recent years, there remains a significant legacy and influence of the
traditions of worker education and militant trade unionism in South Africa, which can and should be drawn upon.
Description
Keywords
Worker education, South Africa, Trade unionism, Apartheid, Social transformation
Citation
Vally, S. et al. (2013). Worker education in South Africa: Lessons and contradictions. McGill Journal of Education, 48 (3): 469-490.