A, a full-time organiser of South Africa. We disagree at this will be an important workers in South Africa to solidarity and that is essential for the workers' 'familihood', based on the philosophy of black consciousness and black communalism.
Black workers in South Africa are by law (Industrial Conciliation Act) neither recognised nor classed as employees. Only whites are referred to as such. Black workers are nothing but a work force — a unit, a labour machine for the production of "white" economy in "white' industries in "white' urban areas, farms and MUNICS.
Trade unions are for those who are regarded as 'employees' and defined as such by the Industrial Conciliation ACI and other labour laws - namely white ority 224.3 293.6 *295.3 59.2 35.9 45.0 An inmal Tall in port producuvity caused by the departure of skilled Portuguese personner nas ocen onset Dy pressure from the government on exporters to direci cargo through Maputo resulting in a 90 per cent increase in South Africar cargo from May-August 1976.
FRELIMO has not remained a passive partner in this process and recently sent a delegation to conclude with South African Railways this mutually beneficial arrangement.
Huriner Sens- os Mozamoieles increasing integration into the world capitalist economy are consideration by the World Bank of a $100-200m white racism, and for all but a few inavoua back tarmers tne conse quences of the repeal of the Land enure ac wi beme bianicanuy the Government felt unable to accept the one recommendation of the Commission that might have had some TH DACE ine estaousnmcl ora limited, property-based black elecLOTALC.
Inside Rhodesia these reforms will oniy oe seci as a SIEn or wCakiess both by the black masses and by the white racists themselves. They are thus likely to accelerate the crisis of white racist rule rather than relieve Their only positive assistance to the Smith regime will be as an item for foreien consumption - a means of showing, in Smith's words, Government's sincerity and honesty oi purpose in tacklng inis vita question'. It is now an important task of the international solidarity movement to expose this bombast for the lie it is. workers. Although black workers are not prevented by law from organısing themselves into a trade union, they cannot be recognised by the Government.
The position of BAWU is that legal recognition by the Government is not a priority. What is essential is the organisation, education and mobilisation of black workers into a labour force which would gain itself de facto recognition by virtue of its existence and function.
RACIAL Black workers are not being oppressed, exploited or discriminated against because they are miners, salesmen, engineers, teachers, doctors or road diggers. They are simply deprived of their rights because they are black. Wage differentiation is levelled against the black worker, not because of the type of work they are doing, but because they are black.
SEaCaL origins and skin colour determine the worker's income and his or her social position. This discrimination affects black workers in all sectors of employment -mining, manufacturing, construction, farming, etc. (see accompanying table).
that black workers are always on the worst receiving end. This is in a very rich country. earning power rated fifth in the worid and first in Africa. The disparity in wages, working conditions, privileges and rights is purely based on race and colour.
In their struggle to liberate themselves from these shocking labour conditions and from the racist labour laws of the fascist regime of Mr John Vorster's minority Government, black workers are looking to themselves as the only competent agency to bring about that liberation and loan, the visit of the EEC Develop.
ment Aid Commission in September 19/0 and a ti. /m loan by them lor a survey of rail links, the arrival of two West German firms to survey coal mining possibilities in Tete province ano tse resumonon octne searcn to oil by Hunt Petroleum (USA). TRENDS Is the declaration of FRELIMOas a WaTXS -ECHnISI CarLV aserou reverse these trends towards the reintegration of Mozam bique into the world capitalist economv? The political trends in the country, despite FRELIMO's claims of building *People's Democratic Power*, show a disturbing tendency towards the exclusion of the mass of the population from effective partiCiDaulon l DonLICs In the fifty small, mostly abandoned, nationalised firms, the workers are not directly involved in any decision making, for FRELIMO has change the political, social and Systcms Africa.
The BAWU attitude to the TUC of South Africa and white trade unions as a whole is that blacks can no longer entrust their interests and liberation into the hands of whites whoare a party to 15p plus 10p p&p NEW Daugo from: Africa in Struggle, 97 Cal edonian Road, London N1. oppressing us.
Our stand is based on havelinks with the TUCSA.
DRAKEKOKA the making of industrial laws that are discriminating against and principle of self determination. Blacks should take the initiative in effecting a change in the labour system. Thus BAWU does not White unions can only play the role of educating their own members into accepting changethat is bound to come.
RESPECT Such trade as Ene Industrial and Commercial Workers Union, the South African Congress of Trade Unions, and TOFATUSA are regarded black workers in South Africa respect and reverence. BAWU considers itself as complementary to these unions and not in competition with them.
BAWU's practical involvement in the major struggles in South Africa cannot be stated without endangering the position and activities of its members within the country. Anyway, there could never have been a successful workers' strike such as the "Stay-at-Home' without full participation by conscious and well-organised black workers.
British firms, like any other business concerns Africa, are beneficiaries of the immoral, exploitative economic system. They enjoy the fruits of cheap labour and the protective measures for their white workers.
FIRED They joined the Government in threatening black workers who stayed at home during the three successful stay-at-home strikes in 1976. Their management either fired or deducted wages of black workers who followed national strike call.
They joined in the Industrial Employers Association who took a hard line and threatened black workers with dismissal if they obeyed future stay-at-home calls. They are in no manner different Vorster's oppressive regime.
In this respect we see the vital role that the British trade unions can play in helping their fellow workers in South Africa. They can pressurise those companies who have investments in South Africa to improve the working conditions and wages of black workers.
Unions can pressurise British concerns to recognise, assist and enable black workers and unions to achieve their economic aspirations. They should identify themselves with the black workers" struggle. In the words of the Roman Catholic Bishops they should come out into the open and clearly state that 'they are identifying themselves with the aspirations of the oppressed'.
BOYCOTT British unions should join and participate actively in the boycott of South African goods. withdrawal of British workers" handling of South African goods would have an impact on the South African Government. The international workers' solidarity with black workers in Africa is essential.
The British trade unions and other international trade unions could support black workers in South Africa financially and with personal know-how in order that they might organise themselves effectively.
The strengthening of the black workers organisation in South Africa and their support in the non-violent strikes is the only surest wav to bring about a bloodless non-violent change of the political and economic situation in South Africa.
The South African Government has plunged the country into a state of violence and bloodshed. Black workers are now finding themselves caught up in a violent society. It will be very difficult for them not to react violently. It is just a matter of time.
The British trade unions and others could rescue the situation for the sake of humanity, justice and peace
----- pull-quotes -----
ninism ique
RICH It can be seen from the table
FOR SOCIALIST AFRICA