Abstract
M.A. (Anthropology)
The scope of this study covers the deployment and application of black labour within the Roodepoort Municipality. In order to fulfill certain so-called obligations the Municipality is dependent on cheap labour which is appointed and applied within
the framework of South African law and according to specific methods. The Municipality gives preference to homeland labourers who are recruited on average once every three years in Venda. The preference for recruiting labourers in Venda stems from the relationship which exists between Venda and the R.B.A. at government level, and the ensuing relationship which the Municipality has fostered with the Venda Embassy. In this respect the Municipality exploits the political system in the R.S.A. to satisfy its own needs. The Roodepoort Municipality functions as an arm of the central authority in as much as it subscribes to the dominant ideology of the country. The political and economic systems of South Africa form the basis of bargaining power which influences the patterns of control and domination. The interaction between the central government and the municipal authorities influences the functioning and policy of the latter. This liaison enables, amongst others, the Municipality of Roodepoort to enforce its policy and to put certain directives to its workers. In addition to the constitutional framework, mechanisms such as the municipal structure as well as rules and regulations are
used to control the workers. The workers do not; , however, accept the administration and control of the Municipality without further ado. They respond by making use of certain strategies aimed at adapting their working environment. Despite the loss of certain liberties, the workers adapt relatively quickly to the conditions in their working environment. The circumstances in Venda which result in large numbers of migrant labourers leaving their home to work in highly industrialized areas is related to the historical development of the territory and consequently its economic dependence and
political restrictedness. Despite being "independent" since 13 September 1979, Venda is still dependent on South Africa judging by the financial support it receives and the reliance of the population in respect of job opportunities in white areas. Without the revenue it receives from its migrating labour as well as the remittances sent back, Venda would not be capable of its reproduction. Limited resources and insufficient capital input from the central government leads to minimal development in Venda and this results in there being insufficent means to fulfill the needs of reproduction. Blacks
are therefore compelled to work outside their homeland for meagre wages and under circumstances over which they have virtually no control.