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News & Views by Terry Bell
Austerity, democracy & wishful thinking
A united, fully democratic trade union movement, supported by the mass of workers, may be the only way to bring about desperately needed and radical political, economic and social transformation. However, in the present circumstances, does this amount to wishful thinking?
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Prediction, the EFF & fascism
June 6, 2018
In the light of a series of actions and the very recent controversy regarding statements made by the Economic Freedom Fighters, along with earlier EFF statements in similar vein, is it accurately to assume that a home grown fascism is emerging? The red trappings of socialism, at root internationalist and extremely democratic, have been assumed by what seems increasingly to be an ethnic nationalist movement that is headed by a Commander-in-Chief. And authoritarian nationalism, with a dash of socialist rhetoric is, in essence, fascist.
Posted in: Commentary
Minimum wage, innovation & persecution
June 2, 2018
By the time — perhaps a year down the line — that South Africa's minimum wage legislation is passed, inflation would have caused the cost of living, especially for lower paid workers, to rise substantially. In any event, the claim that the the minimum wage is R3,500 a month and will improve the lot of more than 6 million workers is an illusion.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Too much murk in dealings by the PIC
May 27, 2018
Are Cosatu-affiliated trade union investment companies, under the umbrella of Cosatu Investments, in line to be helped by Pubic Investment Corporation (PIC) to a R15 billion debt funded share deal? It's an important question following the disclosure of slide presentation featuring an apparently unlisted Rothe Consortium headed by "Cosatu Investments" and involving R15bn in Vodacom shares.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
SA union challenge to govt investment body
May 25, 2018
South Africa's Public Investment Corporation (PIC), the government-owned manager of nearly R2 trillion of public sector workers’ pension funds has until month end to “come clean” or face formal legal action. A "can of worms" may be opened, but another chapter in a long running saga seems about to begin.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
The need to talk about Marxism
May 21, 2018
The ideas of Karl Marx have, in one way or other, had the greatest influence on trade union and labour movement internationally. But these ideas have been more distorted and lied about than those of any other social theorist. What, in fact, does Marxism actually mean?
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Still none so blind…..
May 18, 2018
Economic growth remains the mantra across the board as the economic crisis staggers on. This, despite all the evidence that the drive for economic growth is part of the problem and not any form of solution.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Terry Bell Writes 
June 12, 2018
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