Abstract
D.Phil.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the situation
of the white labourer in the secondary industries during
the years 1924 to 1933 on the Witwatersrand. This research
is, however, not limited to working conditions such as
wages, working hours and physical circumstances, but it
also takes a look at the daily living conditions of the
labourer.
In the first place the study focuses on the secondary industries
as milieu within which the labourer functioned.
The development and growth of the secondary industries were
to a large extent inspired and encouraged by the First
World War, the mining industry and also urbanisation.
These factors led to certain demands on the secondary industries
that had to be met. The above factors not only
contributed to increased production and: markets, but, also
created much needed job opportunities for the inhabitants
of the Witwatersrand.
During and after the war the industrial growth was to a
large extent without direction. The labourer also had only
the labour union which he could appeal to. To provide the
necessary order and direction, important legislation had
been introduced since 1918 to serve as framework within
which employer and employee could act. When the Pact
Government assumed power in 1924 industrial growth was
therefore not only further stimulated, but the government
made a conscious effort to eliminate problems between
employer and employee.
Then a look is taken at the men, women and youth labourers.