Scramble for Africa: Minerals

Mining, migrant labour and its effects

Mining and Migrant Labour

The discovery of diamonds (1867) and gold (1886) attracted foreign mining companies. A migrant labour system was created — Black men were forced to leave families and work in mines for low wages. Pass laws controlled their movement.

Example

The Mining System

• Workers recruited from rural areas and neighbouring countries • Lived in single-sex compounds • Dangerous work: rock falls, lung disease • Very low wages compared to white workers • Pass laws: needed permission to travel • This system lasted into the apartheid era

Note

Remember

The mining industry built SA's wealth but at enormous human cost. Workers faced dangerous conditions, discrimination and family separation. This system entrenched inequality we still see today.

Key Vocabulary

Migrant labourWorkers who travel far from home to work in mines

CompoundA fenced area where mine workers were housed

Pass lawsLaws requiring Black people to carry identity documents

ExploitationUsing people unfairly for economic gain

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Migrant labour

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