Browsing All Posts filed under »Commentary«

Hopes of grassroots democratic change

October 9, 2014

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The fact that the “Save Our Metro” campaign in South Africa's east coast Nelson Mandela Bay area was flagged in an official press notice of the country's largest union federation is important. It gives the campaign wider credibility and raises hopes of greater grassroots democracy.

Need for labour to speak with one voice

September 14, 2014

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The labour movement is coming under increasing pressure as the global economic crisis continues to bite. Unless South African unions find a single voice, they are in danger of being further weakened.

A micro-chip road to real democracy

April 10, 2014

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Some food for thought about the future as the economic crisis continues, elements of barbarism and instability seem to be spreading to various arts of the globe — and as South Africa heads to another election.

Marikana: the pain SA ignores at its peril

March 8, 2014

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Warnings that SA will ignore Marikana at its peril, today seem even more appropriate than they did only days after the massacre.

Numsa, political parties & socialism

March 6, 2014

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Despite media claims to the contrary there is no move by the National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) to start a political party. What the union plans to organise is a series of “socialist consultative conferences” in the nine provinces of South Africa.

Marikana and the 2014 elections

March 5, 2014

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Most of the public, along with the media, appear stunned that miners on the platinum belt have maintained their strike for nearly two months. They need only to consider the depth of bitterness caused by the bloodbath at Marikana,

A democratic answer to escape from crisis

March 1, 2014

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Crisis-ridden capitalism is past its sell-by date and has become destructive, but a democratic way out beckons. All it requires is political will and organisation. The programme and the technology exist.

Inside Labour: solidarity means the fight goes on

January 29, 2014

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I am honoured and humbled by the incredible support given, and solidarity expressed, since my Inside Labour column was, earlier this month, canned. Such solidarity means: the fight goes on.