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News & Views by Terry Bell
The potential for economic change
In 1996 the combined labour movement in South Africa presented alternative economic policy proposals — and then back peddled. But the potential — and need — now exists to press for economic alternatives.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
How heritage got roasted
September 28, 2014
September 24 was a public holiday in South Africa: Heritage Day, called to "celebrate our unity in diversity". But perhaps rather than celebrate, South Africans should use the day to question why the country's diverse communities are so grossly unequal.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
When rights clash with tradition
September 21, 2014
Swaziland may provide the catalyst in a clash between the egalitarian concepts embodied in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and the demands in South Africa to retain undemocratic, feudal and colonial hangovers of the past.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Lies, defamation & the real MK
September 16, 2014
Former South African intelligence services minister and Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) veteran Ronnie Kasrils has launched a scathing attack on deputy defence minister Kebby Maphatsoe who, as chair of the MK Military Veterans Association has emerged as a principal cheerleader for President Jacob Zuma.
Posted in: General reporting
Need for labour to speak with one voice
September 14, 2014
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.
Posted in: Commentary
Political abuse & arrogant dogma
September 14, 2014
Deputy defence minister Kebby Maphatsoe this week withdrew his claim that public protector Thuli Madonsela was a “CIA spy” and apologised for the statement. But the issue continues to reverberate throughout the body politic.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Constitutional misunderstandings
September 8, 2014
South Africa's justly praised Constitution and the institutions it created have taken something of a verbal battering over the past week and more — and often for the wrong reasons. In the process, the office of the public protector has become something of a surrogate battleground for the opposing factions in in the country's major trade union federation, Cosatu.
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Business shoots itself in the wages foot
August 31, 2014
The opening salvoes have again been fired in another round in South Africa's war about a national minimum wage. Yet without more work with decent pay and a radical change in overall policy direction, the country's social fabric will continue to fray and tear
Posted in: Inside Labour Column
Terry Bell Writes 
October 6, 2014
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