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News & Views by Terry Bell
Promised New Dawn & glimmers of hope
South Africa's governing ANC, along with the opposition political parties, share one thing in common: the mantra that they alone can usher in a “new dawn” for the working people of the country. But the important question remains: is a new dawn possible under the present circumstances and under the existing system?
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Lies, damned lies & statistics
July 1, 2018
As austerity policies start to bite, it is essential that reliable statistical data be critical analysed and interpreted to avoid the distortions of such material by politicians and others with self-serving agendas to push. Only in this way will we be able to see a clear way forward, uninfluenced by political agendas that are all too frequently spiced with wishful thinking.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
The role of remembrance
June 30, 2018
There are moments in history that must be remembered and discussed because of the profound influence they may have on where we are now and where we may wish society to be in the future. The past week, especially from South African perspective, has provided several such moments to remember.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
World of work gets a collective vision
June 24, 2018
Some small steps were taken in Cape Town last week that may revitalise the weakened trade union movement and so, hopefully, ensure that decent work regulations are not only put in place, but are closely monitored — and enforced.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
The long road to decent work
June 22, 2018
A university-based network may hopefully galvanise the labour movement to make a priority of the Decent Work project the network has started. This could, in its turn, move toward an essential reform on the way to radical economic transformation.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Time to focus on Gross Domestic Benefit
June 17, 2018
Unless there is some radical change, an estimated 71 million unemployed youth will be the forerunners of what may turn out to be the first of discarded generations of the future. Perhaps it is time to stop focusing on growth — on GDP — and instead target GDB (Gross Domestic — and international — Benefit).
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Youth may yet show the way forward
June 15, 2018
There is little for the youth of today to celebrate as they contemplate the present and the prospects for themselves in the future. For most — and especially those with little formal schooling — current prospects are bleak and the future outlook bleaker still. But change could come. The missing ingredient: political will and as the South African youth of 1976 showed, such will can be awakened
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
July 6, 2018
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