GLOBAL LABOUR UNIVERSITY PROGRAMME SOUTH AFRICA WITS

UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG CONTENTS Selection of Alumni Publications 34 Alumni “Voices” Funding Diversity GLU Activities GLU CommitteeMembers GLU Team GLU Structure GLU Governance and CertificateCourses GLU PostgraduateProgrammes What is Message from Prof. Edward Webster GLU? Message from Prof. DevanPillay Message from Prof. SarahMosoetsa Message from theChairperson 23 22 14 10 24 16 15 14 13 11 8 7 6 4 4 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

Message from the Chairperson, 2011-13, 2015-present

lay, Noor Nieftagodien, Bridget Kenny, Andries Bezuidenhout, Lucien van der Walt, Sakhela Buhlungu and Seeraj Mohammed) to design and implement the programme. It was under Eddie’s guidance that GLU became a reality at Wits. Indeed, it was the work and vision of these original initiators that provided GLU with the strong basis on which it flourished over the decade and a half.

With the rise of neoliberal capitalism, we have also seen the rise of authoritarianism (and Left and Right populism and proto-fascism) togeth- er with the fragmenting and weakening of la- bour movements in various parts of the world. Indeed, the context in which labour operates The Global Labour University (GLU) pro- today is much more complicated than it was gramme at Wits University formed in 2006/7 when the GLU programme began. In South and celebrated its 10th year in 2016. Since Africa, we’ve seen a further fragmenting of the its formation, the programme has developed labour movement, increasing retrenchments, in exciting and innovative ways. It is quite the rise of informal sectors, leaving labour’s extraordinary that such a trade union-orient- position in the democratic era more precarious ed programme exists in the neoliberal and than ever. Given this context, programmes like authoritarian times in which we live. Indeed, GLU are more important today than they were it was with great foresight that Frank Hoffer even just ten years ago. Indeed, GLU is the (ILO), Christoph Scherrer (Kassel University) labour-oriented, progressive alternative to the and Hansjoerg Herr (Berlin School of Econom- capital-funded MBA programmes that have ics and Law) approached Eddie Webster (Wits risen to dominance and proliferated across the University) and the late Guy Mhone (Wits Uni- world since the mid-twentieth century. versity) about launching a GLU programme at Wits. Eddie immediately put together a team For the GLU-Wits programme, it has been an of leading labour scholars at Wits (Devan Pil- exciting and challenging journey. On the one Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 5

hand, running a programme that caters to contributing to knowledge production from the trade unionists within the university environ- views of workers. The GLU-Wits alumni foot- ment is not easy as trade union education print is increasingly felt across Africa. is not the primary mandate of any university. This means that we have had to engage the We would also like to give a special thanks university to adjust and adapt itself to allow to the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) (Trade space for such a programme. On the other Union Competence Centre (TUCC) and South hand, getting trade unions to support GLU has African office), DAAD Germany, ILO (both in been even more challenging. Unions are fa- Geneva and Pretoria), and the Services Sec- mously over-burdened, under-staffed and lack tor Education and Training Authority (SETA) resources. In addition, many union leaders for their financial support of the various GLU and officials do not see the direct benefit of programmes. Through their financial support university-level education for their unions. As for GLU, approximately 260 trade unionist-stu- GLU we have tried to overcome both of these dents have successfully completed the post- challenges by insisting on the importance of graduate and certificate programmes. Without such programmes for progressive unions and the financial support from partner organisa- transformative politics in society. If we want to tions, GLU would not have survived! We would create more egalitarian, democratic and just also like to thank Wits University for opening societies, critical education is central! the doors of learning to trade union education and creating a dynamic and hospitable envi- Since we formed GLU, we have graduated ronment for trade unionists. over 90 high calibre postgraduate students at both the Masters (MA) and Honours levels It is with great pleasure and pride that GLU- and funded nine PhD students (five of whom Wits continues to provide high caliber critical have finished their PhDs!). We have also run education to labour activists in the complex a very successful annual two-month certificate times in which we live. We are committed to course for unionists and labour activists called continuing our work and look forward to work- ENGAGE South Africa (with 118 graduates ing with labour in strengthening workers’ abil- as of 2019), and an annual one-month certif- ity to take on the challenges of the neoliberal icate course for South African unionists and times. The GLU network is unique in the world! labour activists called Social Theory (with 45 graduates as of 2019). Our staff and students Sincerely, have published over 100 articles, many spe- cial issue journals and edited volumes directly related to labour issues. Members of the steer- ing committee are leading labour scholars in Professor Michelle Williams our society and bring this expertise into the classroom. Our global network translates into Department of Sociology and labour solidarity across our region, continent Chairperson GLU and world. One indication of the strength of our Wits University programme is that approximately 85% of our graduates remain in their unions or labour-ori- ented jobs and the vast majority of our alum- ni are from the African continent. Some have gone on to complete PhDs on labour issues, 6 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

Message from Prof. Sarah Mosoetsa, Chairperson 2014

As a labour scholar who has worked extensive- ensure it can play a role in ensuring a more ly on women and the world of work and what equitable and just society. happens to them when they are retrenched, I have come to see the importance of pro- I have been on the GLU committee since 2011 grammes like GLU as integral to not just the and have seen it grow from a Masters pro- formal working class, but to the many workers gramme to include an honours programme as who are unemployed, marginally employed, well as two short courses and a myriad of oth- and precariously employed. Teaching, super- er activities. My tenure as chairperson of GLU vising and participating in GLU has confirmed was shortened due to a secondment to the my view that providing high level, quality edu- Directorship of the National Institute of the Hu- cation to the working class is crucial for labour manities and Social Science. However, I have struggles, but also for our democracy. South remained on the GLU committee despite my Africa has one of the highest inequality rates in secondment as programmes like GLU are all the world, but also one of the strongest labour too rare in academia. It is a great pleasure to movements. While labour has been on the support the GLU and to be part of its exciting retreat in recent years, it is programmes like programmes. GLU that help to (re)build labour’s power and Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 7

Message from Prof. Devan Pillay, Chairperson 2009-10

I became involved with the GLU programme in 2006, and as a former trade unionist and la- bour scholar found its international scope stim- ulating and exceptionally meaningful. Firstly, the GLU has built up an ever-growing com- munity of unionists and labour activists across the world, building international solidarity and awareness about class issues that cut across national lines. Secondly, it has opened up a new terrain for labour research and teaching, which encourages the interaction of multiple perspectives and paradigms, in meaningful di- alogue. I became Wits GLU chair during 2009- 10 when the programme was establishing it- self at Wits, and witnessed an exciting crop of unionists emerge through the programme.

While some went on to PhD study (while re- taining active involvement in labour struggles), most went back into their unions with a height- ened awareness of the global interlinkages of the class struggle, as well as its intertwined na- ture of social, economic, political and ecolog- ical dimensions. It has been a privilege chair- ing this unique programme, and I continue to be actively involved in its continued growth, both at Wits and abroad. 8 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

Message from Prof. Edward Webster, Chairperson 2006-08

tional unions and the ILO. The third person in the “GLU Founding Three”, Hansjörg Herr, was to become an active teacher in our Wits certificate courses.

We were attracted to GLU’s aim of building the capacity among trade unionists to develop policy expertise for the challenges of globali- sation. We had seen how the neoliberal dereg- ulation of the global order had shifted the bur- den of restructuring on to workers. In addition, labour had no institutional voice in these new financial institutions such as the World Trade Organisation. Globalisation had developed in an ethical vacuum where the attitude of “win- ner takes all” had weakened the very fabric of Global restructuring is a force that both un- communities and society. dermines and provides new opportunities for labour. These opportunities do not arise spon- It had become clear to us that the shift to a taneously. They require labour and their part- neoliberal paradigm required new knowledge ners in Labour Service Organisations (LSOs) that could best be provided outside of tradi- and the universities to identify new sources of tional trade union education programmes. It power, develop new knowledge, new organi- also required face-to face exchanges in the sations, strategies and forge new alliances. classrooms and residences. It was clear that progressive academics had become isolated This was the goal of the Global Labour Uni- and a new generation of labour-oriented ac- versity (GLU) at its launch in 2004 in Germany. ademics needed to be created. This meant Moreover, this is why Wits academics respond- new courses had to be developed and new ed enthusiastically when Frank Hoffer from the cross-country research projects established. International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Christoph Scherrer from the GLU approached What have we achieved in these years? We de- us in January 2006 to become part of this new veloped a Master’s degree around the theme network of universities, international and na- of labour and development. We accepted our Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 9

first students in January 2007. Ninety-three the labour market. To overcome this gap and have now graduated with Masters and Hon- give precarious workers an institutional voice ours degrees. In 2012, we introduced an Hon- requires a bottom up participatory organising ours degree and in 2013, a two-month certifi- strategy. cated programme for non-degreed students. One hundred and eighteen students have now One of the curricula innovations that have graduated in this programme, ENGAGE. It emerged over the past decade is the introduc- has become a truly international course with tion in ENGAGE of a practical research proj- students from Europe, United States, South ect conducted in conjunction with unions. The America, South and East Asia and throughout course, called Transfer, is designed to provide sub-Saharan Africa. participants with a practical skill in building union capacity and recruiting new members. Most importantly, the over 250 GLU Wits alum- The skill is then transferred to their union when ni have built a much needed global and Afri- they return to their organisations. can network. They have either gone back to the labour movement with new knowledge In the past labour and academics tended to and skills some into leading positions, or are approach each other in instrumental ways – working in LSOs or completing PhDs in la- labour when it needed research and research- bour related fields. In 2015, our first GLU PhD, ers when they needed access and support for Crispen Chinguno, graduated with a topic on funding proposals. A true partnership rests the challenge of strike violence. Another, Janet on reciprocity and a willingness to learn from Munakamwe, graduated with her PhD on the each other. The test for GLU Wits as we cel- challenge of cross–border migration for the la- ebrate our continued growth and success is bour movement. whether our alumni are revitalising the labour movement and our colleagues successfully An exciting output of GLU Wits is the range of challenging, through their teaching and re- new research collaborations that involve com- search findings, the disruptive impact of the paring the conditions of workers and the chal- unregulated market. lenges facing labour in the countries where our fellow GLU partners are based in South America, South Asia and other parts of Africa. Edward Webster These research findings are shared annually at Professor Emeritus GLU conferences. Some of this new research can be accessed on the weekly GLU labour column also based at Wits.

To renew and revitalise the labour movement and challenge the neoliberal form of undem- ocratic governance requires a two-pronged approach. It requires, firstly, that we contest intellectually neoliberal policies through the creation of a new generation of unionists and academics. Secondly, there is a need to overcome the “representational gap” that has been created through the informalisation of 10 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

WHAT IS GLU?

GLU is a network of universities, unions and balisation and aims to build capacity and com- support organisations. The GLU network has petence for trade unions on the continent in five university programmes hosted by six order to enable labour’s constructive engage- universities - Wits in South Africa, University ment to improve the position of working peo- of Campinas in Brazil, Jawaharlal Nehru Uni- ple and society. GLU is a counter to the MBA versity in India, Penn State University in USA programmes that business schools offer to the and University of Kassel and Berlin School private sector. of Economics and Law in Germany. These programmes offer dedicated postgraduate At one level, GLU is about ensuring university degrees in labour studies for trade unionists, access to labour movements, workers and la- labour activists and labour experts. The uni- bour activists. At another level, it is about en- versity programmes partner with national trade abling unions and other social movements to unions and union federations, global unions, engage in the issues of policy, dialogue and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and the In- debate in order to strengthen their bargaining ternational Labour Organization (ILO), who to- position. To this end, GLU works closely with gether make up the GLU network. unions and worker organisations. For exam- ple, from its beginning, COSATU has been on The postgraduate GLU Programme at Wits the steering committee representing labour, has a special focus on Labour, Policy and Glo- but GLU has ensured open access and com- Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 11

munication with all federations. It hosts regular to the programme for at least four students a seminars and special events to which all fed- year, while the various unions and SETAs have erations and affiliates are invited, with many also provided funding for scholarships in dif- regularly attending. GLU has alumni from all ferent years. The FES Trade Union Compe- federations and a wide range of unions. GLU is tence Centre (TUCC) and the FES South Africa not politically aligned, but serves the working Office have generously funded the two certifi- class as a whole. cate programmes (ENGAGE and Social Theo- ry). FES in Germany together with the ILO and For many years, the ILO and some global the International Centre for Decent Work and unions provided a number of scholarships to Development (ICDD) funds the annual confer- students. Between 2007 and 2017, the ILO ence and GLU alumni summer school. provided scholarships and funding assistance

GLU Postgraduate Programmes and Certificate Courses

The Great Hall and Robert Sobukwe Block, Wits University

The GLU programme is a coursework Hon- Social Sciences or the School of Economics). ours and Masters in ‘Labour, Policy and Glo- The MA students also do a research report, balisation’ with a combination of compulsory which entails original research and counts for courses (e.g. Research Methodology, Labour 50% of the degree. In 2007, a cohort of five and Development and Economic Sociology) students pioneered the way and their success and elective courses (from within the School of laid the basis for the next two decades. One of 12 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

the noteworthy aspects of GLU is its interna- the Engage programme and have deepened tional composition with approximately 50% of the breadth of the network. By 2019, Engage the students in many years coming from be- had successfully graduated 118 participants. It yond South African borders, especially from is a certificate course, equivalent to NQF level the African continent. 5 within the South African system.

Alongside the postgraduate degrees, the GLU In 2017, due to the high demand for places also hosts two short courses: Engage and in Engage, GLU initiated a short course spe- Social Theory for South African Unionists. En- cifically designed for South African union- gage, started in 2013, is a two-month inten- ists: Social Theory for South African Trade sive course that combines classroom teach- Unionists. Social Theory runs for four weeks ing (five weeks plus a week orientation) with with modules on Development and the State, a practical research component (two weeks). Global Capitalism, Systemic Alternatives and The course includes modules in Global Gov- the Sociology of Worker Organisations and ernance, Global Finance and Wage Policy, La- Contemporary Challenges Facing Labour. bour and Development, Society and Develop- Intensive classroom teaching combines the- ment and Trade Union Capacity Building. After oretical ideas with concrete experiences of six weeks in the classroom every day, partici- the participants to enrich the learning environ- pants are trained in research methods and are ment. Presentations, role-plays and field visits given a concrete research project to conduct are used as ways to integrate abstract learn- in groups. The outcomes of the research proj- ing with lived experiences. With approximately ects are presented at the graduation on the 20 participants per year, representing unions last day of the programme. from all federations, Social Theory is one con- tribution to worker education and assisting in Engage admits 20 to 25 participants per year overcoming the fractured and divided labour from around the world, especially Africa. While movement. In three years, Social Theory has it focuses on the Global South, it has also graduated 45 participants from 15 unions and had participants from the Global North. Par- four federations. The programme is a certifi- ticipants from 29 countries from Africa, South cate programme, equivalent to NQF level 5 and North America, South Asia, Southeast within the South African system. Asia, Middle East and Europe have enriched Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 13

With nearly 260 alumni, GLU has contributed to four PhD students at Wits for up to four to worker education in South Africa, Africa and years. This programme started in 2009 and beyond. We are very proud that 229 of our two ICDD-funded PhD students graduated in alumni are from Africa and 105 from South Af- 2016, two more are graduating in 2018 and rica, showing that we service workers in our one in 2019. In 2015, we awarded three new country and continent. We are also proud that scholarships to three students and now have our alumni include 95 women, which trans- four associate PhD fellows. In 2018-2019 the lates into 37% of our alumni and we hope to ICDD also provided a year-long postdoctoral increase the number of women further. We are fellowship to Dr. Somjita Laha from India. In also proud of the fact that over 80% remain in addition, there are research clusters on Social the labour movement, in either their union or Security (led by Dr. Ben Scully), Happiness another support organisation. Index (led by Professor Devan Pillay) and De- cent Work and Precarity (led by Professor Ed- The GLU programme also houses the Inter- die Webster). Through the ICDD, we host PhD national Cooperation on Decent Work and workshops, colloquium, and research semi- Development (ICDD) programme, which is nars throughout the year. a DAAD-funded initiative that supports three

GLU Governance

GLU is governed by a Steering Committee emeritus Eddie Webster also continues to be comprised of scholars from Sociology (Pro- active in GLU. The steering committee over- fessors Devan Pillay, Sarah Mosoetsa and Mi- sees the strategic issues of the programme as chelle Williams, Dr. Ben Scully, Dr. Thabang well as collectively adjudicates on all admis- Sefalafala, and Dr. Tatenda Mukwedeya), Inter- sions, scholarships and applications. national Relations (Professor Vishwas Satgar), Economics (Dr. Nicolas Pons-Vignon), SWOP The day-to-day running of the programme is (Professor Karl von Holdt), and one represen- overseen by the Chairperson (Professor Mi- tative from the labour movement (the COSATU chelle Williams) and largely done by the Ad- National Education Officer, currently, Alfred ministrative Coordinator (Soraya Patel) and Mafuleka). One of the strengths of GLU is the the Programme Coordinator (Warren McGre- coherence and consistency of the steering gor). Warren also plays an important role in committee. Devan and Michelle have been on the classroom, interacting with students and the committee since the beginning, Sarah for coordinating our two short courses. eight years, Karl seven years, Ben and Nicolas for six years, Vishwas for two years, Thabang since 2019, and Alfred for seven years (and former committee member Professor Noor Nieftagodien was on it for ten years). Professor 14 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

GLU Structure

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"'':''''''''''''''''''''''''''! - Kassel University ...... I"'""" Wits FES 1 I I

Programme Academic Coordinator ...... ILO - Wits-Kassel Double Degree Programme Professor MicheUe Williams (Department of Sociology) ·····[ J Prwramco:$and Acthtitie:·$ Dailyoperations (Reponing to AcademicC.Oordinator)

GLU Postgraduate Programme Programme Admini strator GLU/ICDDCommittee Soraya Patel Ch a i rper son Prof Michelle Wiliams Members from Sociology Department ENGAGE Program me I Prof Deva n Pilay Prof Ser ah Mos,et.21 _J Programme Coordinator Dr Ben Sculy Warren McGregor Dr Thabang Sefalafala Dr Tatenda Mukwedeya Social Theory Programme l Member from Economics J Dr.Ni:olas PonsV'gnon GI ob,,I Labour Column Administrative As.si.stant.s Member from SWOP Dr. Nicolas PonsVignon Prof Karl von Holdt r Mbuso Nkosl Member fromInternational Relations Dept ProfVis"lwasSa:gar

Member from Trade Union Organisation \. Glob,ilLabour Journal Mr Alfred Mafuleka Dr Ben Scully (COSATU)

GLU Team

Soraya Patel Warren McGregor Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 15

GLU Committee Members

Prof. Michelle Williams Dr Nicolas Pons-Vignon Dr Thabang Sefalafala Prof. Vishwas Satgar

Prof. Sarah Mosoetsa Prof. Karl von Holdt Prof. Devan Pillay Dr Ben Scully

Mr Alfred Mafuleka Dr Tatenda Mukwedeya 16 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

GLU Activities

Since its beginning, the GLU programme has grown substantially. The GLU-related activities at Wits include the following: postgraduate programmes and short courses; seminars and conferences; research and publications; and international networks.

Postgraduate Programmes and Certificate Courses

• Honours and MA Coursework: The prima- • Engage: In 2013, GLU-Wits began an ry activity of GLU is the Honours and MA eight-week Certificate of Completion short coursework programme. See detailed de- course and Transfer Project for labour ac- scription above. tivists and trade unionists. The course has • Double Degree Programme: In 2017, GLU- become enormously popular with large Wits began a double degree programme numbers of participants from South Africa with Kassel University. With DAAD funding, and beyond applying to the programme. up to three Wits GLU students can study in See detailed description above. Kassel for one semester.

The Engage 2018 participants at the Food Sovereignty Centre at Wits University

• Engage Transfer: After the Engage course, conducts a workshop with the host union a selected number of graduates partic- in their country and oversees the actual re- ipate in a Transfer Project in which they search project via email. The Transfer Proj- conduct research with their unions under ect culminates in a workshop presenting the guidance of Wits staff members and the research findings hosted at Wits. the Engage Coordinator. The Coordinator Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 17

Kenya Engage Transfer Project participants, in Nairobi, representing four Kenyan trade unions and Programme Coordinator, Warren McGregor, one of four such projects run in 2018/19

• Social Theory for South African Unionists: • International Cooperation on Decent Work In 2017, GLU-Wits started a four-week and Development (ICDD): A DAAD-funded Certificate of Completion short course for programme providing PhD scholarships South African unionists. The programme and research funds to academics working has received very positive reviews and on decent work and development. See de- growing worker interests. See detailed tailed description above. description above.

Past and present ICDD students, Committee members and ICDD Workshop 2018 participants 18 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

Research and Publications Seminars and Conferences

• Publications: GLU steering committee • Seminar Series: The GLU programme members and a number of GLU graduates hosts approximately eight guest seminars have been active publishers with over 150 a year by leading labour scholars and publications. After the 2007 and 2011 con- trade unionists. Some of the recent speak- ferences hosted by GLU, members of the ers include: steering committee (Professors Michelle Williams, Devan Pillay and Sarah Mosoet- 1. Birgit Mahnkopf, “The ‘4th industrial revo- sa) published two special issue journals lution’: a Promise Blind to Social Conse- and one edited volume. After 2016 confer- quences, Power and Ecological Impact” ence, presenters have published a num- 2. Malehoko Tshoaedi, “The Politics of Sexu- ber of articles. In addition, there have been al Harassment in COSATU: Is the Personal edited volumes published of the Global Becoming the Political?” Labour Column (under the leadership of 3. acklyn Cock, “The Food Crisis in Con- steering committee member Dr Nicolas temporary South Africa” and “Addressing Pons-Vignon). Professor Michelle Williams Environmental Inequality and Injustice in edited a special issue of the Global La- South Africa” bour Journal and Professor Eddie Web- 4. Andries Bezuidenhout, “Labour After the ster edited two volumes, one published by Alliance: Insights from the 2014 ‘Taking Routledge and the other by Jacana. All of Democracy Seriously’ Survey of COSATU these publications were direct outcomes Members” of GLU-related research projects. GLU 5. Zingiswa Losi, “Gender from a Trade Union also hosted two book launches of steering Perspective” committee members: Struggle in the Time 6. Jane Barrett, “The Trade Union “Scope” of Crisis (2015) and Labour in the Global Debate” South (2012). In addition, GLU committee 7. Matteo Rizzo, “Taken for a Ride: Ground- members publish widely in labour related ing Neoliberalism, Precarious Labour and areas and are public intellectuals. Public Transport in an African Metropolis” • Global Labour Journal: The Journal of- 8. Carin Runciman, “Organising Against Pre- ficially associated with GLU in 2014, and carious Work: the Law, Labour and Power” one of the Wits steering committee mem- 9. Somjita Laha, “Holding it all together: Trust bers (Dr. Ben Scully) is on the four-person and Governance in Informal E-waste Han- editorial board. dling in India” (to be presented in 2019) • Global Labour Column: The Column aims 10. Thomas Englert, “Precarious Workers and at publishing online short analyses by their Power: a Case Study of the Struggle scholars, activists and unionists on current of Heineken Workers” (to be presented in issues. It has been enormously successful 2019) enjoying a readership of over 18000 and 11. Inviolata Chinyangarara, “The ILO’s Work having released two edited volumes. Globally” 12. Sue Ledwith and Janet Munakamwe, “Gender regimes and inequalities in la- bour markets, pay and union leaderships, Brazil and South Africa” Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 19

13. Alf Gunvald Nilsen, “Making Our Own Lula Moment: Lessons from South Africa” Seminars and Conferences History: Marxism and Social Movements in the Twilight of Neoliberalism”, Edward • Film Screenings: The GLU runs bi-month- Webster, “Precarious Work and the Future ly film screenings of labour-related docu- of Labour” mentaries. This initiative has had the sec- 14. Debby Bonnin, “Race and Gender in the ondary advantage of a social space for Making and Remaking of the Labour Mar- students to give feedback about the pro- ket for South African Textile Designers” gramme and form comradery among the 15. Khwezi Mabasa, “Workers and the Food group. Some of the films shown include: Crisis in Post-Apartheid South Africa” 16. Lotta Takala-Greenish, “The Wage-Em- 7. “Black Gold” (2006) directed by Marc ployment Relationship Reviewed” Francis and Nick Francis, 8. “Hlanganani Basebenzi - A Brief History of COSATU” (2005), • South-South Lectures: In 2015, the pro- 9. “Miners Shot Down” (2014) directed by gramme co-hosted a South-South lecture se- Rehad Desai, ries with colleagues in Brazil. Speakers includ- 10. “The Take” (2004) directed by Naomi Klein ed: and Avi Lewis, 11. “An Anarchist’s Story: The Life of Ethel 1. Walter Belik, “Food Security Policies and MacDonald” by Mark Littlewood, Combating Rural Poverty”, 12. “Capitalism is the Crisis” (2011) directed 2. Ana Rosa Ribeiro & Mendonça Sarti, by Michael Truscello, “BRIC’s Bank: a New Proposal to Finance 13. “Workers Republic” (2011), by Andrew Development?” Friend, 3. Hugo Dias, “Brazilian Trade Unionism at 14. “Insimbi Ayigobi – A History of NUMSA” the Crossroads? Strengthening Corpo- (1994), by Nyana Molete, rate Action vs Broader Social and Political 15. “Commanding Heights: World Economy – Role” New Rules” (2002), by Greg Barker, and 4. Devan Pillay “Working Class Politics in 16. “Inside Job” (2010), by Charles Ferguson. South Africa: What Does the Future Hold?” 5. Karl von Holdt, “Patronage and Protest Film and documentary screenings are also Politics in South Africa” vital components of the modules offered by 6. Eddie Webster, “Searching for the Elusive facilitators in the Engage and Social Theory

Professor Hansjörg Herr, in a typical ENGAGE class scene, presenting on Global Wage Policy and Finance 20 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

short courses. Some of these include: Development, the Gross Domestic Happi- ness Index, Social Protection and Labour 1. “The Economics of Happiness” (2011) by as a Democratising Force. Helena Norberg-Hodge, Steven Gorelick, 3. The GLU programme has also hosted the and John Page, and produced by Local GLU Alumni Summer School in 2011 and Futures (formerly the International Society 2016 and the ICDD PhD workshops every for Ecology and Culture) year. In 2016, it hosted a 10th anniversa- 2. “North Country” (2005) a drama film di- ry celebration and from 2016-2019, GLU rected by Niki Caro hosted alumni colloquia, bringing together 3. “Pride” (2014) a British LGBT-related his- approximately 20 GLU alumni each year to torical comedy-drama directed by Mat- Wits to present on specific labour themes thew Warchus such as revitalizing trade unions, address- 4. “The War on Democracy” (2007) a docu- ing the decline and attempts at organising mentary directed by Christopher Martin outside of trade unions and innovative or- and John Pilger ganizing (these events are funded by FES 5. “Seeds of Freedom” (2012) directed by TUCC). Jess Phillimore. 4. In 2018, GLU-ICDD hosted an alumni col- loquium showcasing the four PhD Alum- • Conferences, Colloquia, and Workshops: ni’s work: • Dr. Asanda Benya, “The Deconstruction 1. In 2011, GLU-Wits hosted the annual GLU and Construction of the Underground conference on “The Politics of Labour Self”, and Development” bringing together 150 • Dr. Themba Masondo, “Power Relations in labour scholars, activists, unionists and the Global Commodity Chain for Industrial practitioners from over 50 countries. Bread in South Africa”, 2. In 2016 it hosted the conference on “The • Dr. Crispen Chinguno, “The Making and Just Transition and the Role of Labour” Unmaking of Union Order: Workers’ Strug- with over 200 labour scholars, activists, gles for Power on the Platinum Belt”, and unionists, and practitioners from 38 coun- • Katherine Joynt, “Power Relations in the tries. At least forty GLU alumni also attend Global Commodity Chain for Industrial the conferences. Out of the conferences Bread in South Africa” are a myriad of publications by scholars, alumni, and unionists. In addition, GLU hosted workshops on Decent Work and Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 21

Alumni Colloquium 2017

• Union-Federation Liaison Meetings: Since • Prof. Simon Roberts, “The Role of 2017, GLU-Wits has held regular meetings Competition Policy in Addressing In- with representatives of South African trade equality in South Africa”, unions and federations and labour service • Dr Gilad Isaacs, “A National Minimum organisations. The aim of these meetings Wage for South Africa” and is to deepen GLU’s links with our local • Prof. Birgit Mahnkopf, “The ‘4th indus- worker organisations; to use these meet- trial revolution’: a Promise Blind to So- ings as a platform to engage unions/fed- cial Consequences, Power and Eco- erations; and to provide workers’ organi- logical Impact”. sations information about programmes offered and to encourage participation in International Networks our programmes. GLU-Wits has held five such meetings, with direct interaction be- • Visiting Scholars: GLU has hosted dozens tween organisation representatives and of international scholars from Europe, In- GLU Committee members. Each meeting dia, East Asia, Latin America and the Unit- also has a keynote speaker addressing a ed States topic of interest to meeting participants. • Academic Exchange Visits: Wits academ- The presenters and their topics are listed ics have travelled to Germany, the Unit- here: ed States, India, Pakistan, Mexico and Brazil for GLU/ICDD conferences, work- • Prof. Eddie Webster, “A Historical shops and guest lectures. Michelle Wil- Timeline of Worker Education in South liams (2014), Devan Pillay (2017), Nicolas Africa”, Pons-Vignon (2019) and Vishwas Satgar • Prof. Devan Pillay, “Marxism, Ecology (2019) were the Ela Bhatt Visiting Profes- and Labour”, sors at Kassel University. 22 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

Prof. Edward Webster addressing a Union-Federation Liaison meeting

Diversity

The programme has maintained and developed an international flavour since its inception and, in particular, the last six years. The tables below show the geographical spread of stu- dents who have participated in the postgraduate programme: Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 23

Alumni According to Country (2007-19)

AFRICA 229 REST OF THE WORLD 27

South Africa 108 India 5 Zimbabwe 26 Brazil 3 Botswana 17 Argentina 2 Kenya 14 USA 2 Ghana 13 Bangladesh 2 Zambia 10 Germany 2 Nigeria 10 Palestine 2 Namibia 8 Turkey 1 Malawi 7 Italy 1 Swaziland 5 Poland 1 Lesotho 3 Barbados 1 Tanzania 3 Cambodia 1 Togo 2 Philippines 1 Uganda 2 Belgium 1 Liberia 1 Vietnam 1 Mozambique 1 Pakistan 1 Cameroon 1

Funding The programme has received funding from the following sources:

• International Labour Organisation (Geneva) • International Labour Organisation Decent Work Team (Southern Africa) • Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (Germany) • Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES–TUCC and South Africa office) • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH • Services SETA • CATHSSETA • DAAD • Kassel University (Germany) • Wits University

On average, 80% to 90% of the budget received from donors goes toward scholarships and funding of the postgraduate and certificate programmes with the remaining funds utilized for operational costs. The short courses are entirely donor-funded by the FES. 24 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

Alumni “Voices”

“I had few concerns coming into the Global La- of academic work. Though we had a few dis- bour University Programme at Wits: I had ap- agreements and arguments around our indi- plied to the German stream of the programme vidual views and preferences - which was not but was advised to try out the South African something to be unexpected given our activ- programme, mainly because the former was ist backgrounds - it was definitely a pleasant oversubscribed. This had very little to do with group. I also sensed some level of competition my concerns, though. I guess there was this among us arising from colleagues attempting anxiety that stemmed more from the fact that to outdo each other in the form of attaining ac- I had a teaching and research background in ademic milestones, which was quite healthy. the field of labour studies already, and needed Over all, there was this high level of group sol- to be convinced that this was going to be a val- idarity. It would not be possible to go through ue-adding experience. What with the usually the GLU-Wits programme and not observe the complicated process of getting an employer’s quality of the faculty. Apart from being knowl- permission to be away from the job for fully edgeable in and engaged with labour issues, one year. Once in Johannesburg, one was most faculty members seemed to have links immediately confronted with the challenge of with the broader labour movement. This schol- making necessary adjustments with respect ar-practitioner orientation is usually helpful to campus life, school work and other logis- when it comes to relating theory to practice tical and social issues that international stu- and pointing to concrete examples in society. dents and guests everywhere would normally be faced with - and the survival instinct had The programme has been of tremendous ben- to be fully activated. Here, I must commend efit to my work. There is no doubt that my knowl- the excellent effort of the GLU Secretariat in edge base on labour issues was enhanced by making the adjustment process fairly seam- the programme. I remain particularly grateful less, particularly by way of excellent logistical to the programme for honing my analytical arrangement prior to my arrival and sustained skills. The training in economic policy contin- advisory services throughout the programme. ues to serve intellectual and practical purpos- es, especially when it comes to interrogating The class of 2009 was not so diverse, being policy choices of labour organisations and largely drawn from the African continent, but national authorities. It should interest readers we still had to learn to deal with individual id- to learn that a good number of my published iosyncrasies and leverage our strengths. We papers and conference presentations were supported each other most of the time. This developed from course assignments under- was especially helpful in dealing with academ- taken and resources acquired during my time ic rigours, which were initially a nightmare for at Wits. Currently, I am finalizing my doctoral quite a number of classmates who had been studies, for which considerable motivation and out of a school situation for a while. We had momentum has come from my involvement this regular joke about who among us would in the GLU-Wits programme. A fitting way to be the first to crack up under the sheer weight capture my engagement with Wits would be Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 25

to characterise it as a ‘defining experience’.” tered Wits University with extreme patriarchal Edwin Anisha – GLU 2009 (Nigeria) tendencies and perceptions, and came out as a completely transformed gender-sensi- “Before enrolling for GLU programme, I had tive graduate, and adjudged with outstanding shallow knowledge of trade unions and the performance award in feminist theory from the role of unionists. I have always had an inter- Department of Sociology. For the first year, it est in Labour Rights Activism but didn’t have was challenging and exciting for me to study the expertise. I did not know that, when well- at Wits as I battled with profound internalised equipped with the skills and knowledge of the patriarchal perceptions and experiences… ever-evolving world, trade unions are a potent and the progressive gender and academic weapon to combat the growing ills in labour environment of Wits. It was very challenging markets. for me to depart from chauvinistic perceptions, much as I tried. For the second year however, The GLU Programme, through its brilliant I succumbed to counselling and signed up for range of courses, has broadened my under- a feminist theory course and excelled with an standing and comprehension of trade union- outstanding performance award, whilst perus- ism and its role in the agile global labour ing research in “Gender Transformation at the market. Although I haven’t yet landed any job Workplace and the Role of Trade Unions”, with opportunity, the GLU experience will be an particular focus on women. Most importantly, opening for me to pursue my long held dream my research work was supervised by a female of working with and for a labour movement. scholar, Dr Sarah Mosoetsa. The experience will not only contribute to my personal development, but also indirectly and I must confess that I was influenced by her ac- directly to the development of my native coun- ademic energy and resilience which served as try, Botswana and by extension to the African the main source of my complete transforma- continent. The significance of trade unionism tion and changed in attitude as far as gender in Botswana seems to be less when compared perception is concerned. I have realised that to that of other countries, such as South Afri- women are, rather, the most effective source of ca. Hence there is a need to attract scholars of transformation and as such, I have been trans- Industrial Relations in the labour market in or- formed into a logically balanced graduate, and der to develop the quality and significance of an advocate of women in societal transforma- trade unionism in Botswana. The knowledge tion…to the extent that I have influenced equal obtained from the GLU Programme will go a representation of women (four women) in the long way in bringing about needed change in eight-member Regional Executive Committee the Botswana labour movement.” Mpho Pa- of the trade union in which I serve currently in tience Mwatcha – GLU 2014 (Botswana) Ghana. My profound gratitude goes to GLU Programmes at Wits in South Africa for the “The GLU Programme offered me the best and life-changing role…” Libanus Quanson – GLU rare opportunity to transform from an extreme 2013 (Ghana) patriarchal perception to a progressive gen- der-sensitive individual. I feel proud and priv- ileged to be counted among the graduates of the GLU Programme at Wits University, South Africa. I was admitted into the Programme in 2012 for BA Honours and 2013 for MA. I en- 26 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

Members of the Ghana ENGAGE Transfer Project 2018/19, in Accra

“The Engage program is one of the presti- in 2014. This is when I was able to complete gious fellowships for Trade Unions. I chose my studies and graduated on 9th December the engage program at Wits University be- 2015. As a student, I was exposed to not just cause of the valuable scholarly resources and African experience of labour issues but glob- well-known reputation of the highly qualified ally. Technically I got the same learning meth- knowledge and skills of the engage program. odology that any other university student was Through the Engage Program was able to given without discrimination and compromise learn a lot about the trade union movement to education standards. Apart from labour on a global scale and I had the opportunity studies, I was also exposed to political econ- to truly expand my knowledge and get out omy, research methods as well as Cambridge of my comfort zone. I was also able to build English which were well-fitted to my studies. I networks with other trade unionists from inter- also had access to all the campus benefits like esting backgrounds. Through interaction with library, Wellness and Health Care centres, the other labor activists and trade unions from Counselling, Careers and Development Unit, across the globe I will be able to develop a net- as well as WCCOO. I had access to housing at work of other leaders in the industry and had the WCV and Medical Insurance too. an exchange of ideas and strategies to further the interests of workers in Zambia. I was able The staff were supportive as well as the Coor- to apply the knowledge and research skills dinator. Much appreciation goes to my Super- I acquired from the program to organize the visor Prof. Devan Pillay who, despite my initial Mobile money agents on Zambia.” Etambuyu little knowledge on climate change – my re- Ziwa – ENGAGE 2017 (Zambia) search area – he helped to expose me to a lot of people and institutions. These became very “I was first admitted into GLU MA program in important in my research work. After qualifi- 2012, but due to health reasons, I withdrew by cation, I am able to advance workers’ interest May 2012. I am grateful that after 2 years I was and this is seen in my Government Gazette able to get my place back and the scholarship appointments to the Tripartite Labour Advisory funds were also reversed back to my account Council (TLAC) and Industrial Relations Court Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 27

Panel. These are over and above many forums ticularly on studies that are labour-related but my federation (Malawi Congress of Trade not limited to social and economic enquiries. Unions) and affiliate union (CIAWU) requests Since 2011 till to date, I have been conduct- me to represent them on. At my workplace I ing gender –related research for the COSATU received a promotion to the position of Bank Gender Desk including providing technical ad- Manager. All these are in recognition of my vice to other trade unions in the country. Janet qualification.” Ruth Zione Manjawira – GLU Munakamwe – GLU 2007 (Zimbabwe) Alumnus 2015 (Malawi) “I completed my MA in 2015 and just recent- “Before I got the opportunity of undertaking a ly submitted two articles awaiting feedback Master’s Degree in Labour Policies and Glo- from the Southern African Labour Journal. On balisation (Wits LPG 1), I thought I was knowl- a personal level, I have registered with James edgeable enough until when I enrolled with Park College of Education and Labour stud- Wits University through the Sociology of Work ies with the Zambian government. The school Programme (SWOP) for their first intake of the is scheduled to start offering lessons, initially, Global Labour Programme (GLU). Until then, on distance learning basis and hopefully full- I realised that I was a “tabula rasa” (empty – time by 2019. The idea behind this project headed) especially when it comes to research is to support trade unions through capacity Skills. Today, I boast of the research skills that I building, training and consultancy. While I do have acquired, mentally, economically, social- not have finances at the moment, this project ly, psychologically, etc. from the GLU initiative. will definitely come to pass. But how did this I have gained very useful and in-depth-under- come about? It started with the question ‘what standing of academic/applied research includ- the hell is wrong with GLU?’ As soon as I got ing analytical thinking skills that I can apply to registered in the GLU programme at Wits Uni- trade unions, civil society and to the broader versity, I realised that there was a lot I needed society. The course not only equipped me to learn. I thought that the lecturers were just mentally but has also groomed me to become being unfair in the way in which they critiqued a global citizen. I had the opportunity to meet my writing, referencing and my arguments in with other students coming from all parts of the assignments they gave us. For white lec- the world and have been integrated into a very turers I thought it was racism, yet for my fellow strong global academic family. African lecturers I was sure they didn’t like me.

While I did not go back to my country after But anyway I followed their corrections and completion of my degree programme, as a by the time I went into exams for my honours, labour activist and researcher I have had the apart from improving on writing, referencing privilege to work with the National Labour and and avoiding plagiarism, my way of thinking Economic Development Institute (NALEDI) and view of life had completely changed for which is a research institute of the Congress of the better. I could now think like a sociologist South African Trade Unions (COSATU), where and more confident about my arguments. I had the opportunity to further develop and When I was the only one who managed to go apply my research skills in the field of labour through to the Master’s program from a class (trade unions). Again, I had the opportunity to of four students, I then realised that in fact, work with progressive unions here in South Af- ‘nothing was wrong with GLU’ but everything rica and possess almost ten years’ experience was wrong with me. I must confess that I had working as a researcher in South Africa par- never thought of doing a PhD, opening a train- 28 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

ing institution or anything like that. Today I am “Attending the GLU-ENGAGE programme confident of writing a comprehensive book of 2015 at Wits University was a wonderful ex- trade unions in Zambia, doing a PhD, open- perience for me. It was a good experience ing a university or doing the unimaginable. sharing amongst unionists from 14 countries On top of that I am connected to a number worldwide. Being capacitated by…Professors of friends across the globe and feel that I am like Eddie and Michelle was an incredible now part of the global village. When I made a chance for my unionist career and my univer- presentation on ‘Trade Union Responses to In- sity scholar one. Once back home, I’ve been formalisation of Work’ at one of the workshops immediately operating in the youth and wom- of trade union leaders, the reactions from the en capacity building programs through which participants to my presentation made me re- I shared my experience acquired at Wits –GLU alise why GLU has an been a very important Engage program. Focusing on the importance part of my life. Overall, I would like to thank the of collective bargaining and use of ICT de- GLU team and teaching staff for the good job vices for mobilizing; Youth and women have that you are doing. Though not yet employed I been aware about new challenges faced oth- feel more confident about the world than I ever er unions around the continent and beyond. felt, thanks to GLU. Today a union President They have, then, been deeply engaged in can pick a call for consultation and this is re- union activities. So, we are facing an emerging ally humbling. Finally I would like to suggest of new youth and women leadership at um- that a course on labour laws be included in brella unions. Since, there have been inside the program because trade unionism operates and outside revolution at unions’ level in Mali. I in a legal environment on a daily basis. Thank pay tribute to our Golden coordinator, Mr War- you (All is well with GLU).” James Musonda – ren McGregor, for his kind assistance during GLU Alumnus 2015 (Zambia) our stay at Wits!” Drissa Tangara – ENGAGE 2015 (Mali)

Alumni at the GLU 10th Year Anniversary Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 29

“Being a student under the GLU program was sity Master’s programme at the University of both a challenging and exciting phase for me the Witwatersrand in 2008. The experience in as it not only broadened my knowledge but the programme kindled and further enhanced also gave me an opportunity to meet and in- my critical thinking and sharpened and broad- teract with other students from different coun- ened my interpretation of the socio-economic tries, many of whom have become valuable and political world in which organised labour networks. I especially benefited greatly from exist. This offered me critical lenses to anal- the workshops and seminars organized for yse the complex socio-economic and political post graduate students, the well-stocked li- context and to challenge dominant societal braries and above all the hands-on dedicated discourses, and deconstruct ‘taken for grant- guidance from the lecturers and support staff ed’ knowledge. with GLU who were always at hand to assist both academically and personally. As a for- This exposure provoked me to study further eign student this kind of committed assistance and sharpen my analytical skills. Overarching towards my studies and general well-being this motivation has been the compulsion to ar- was invaluable. Post-GLU, I have become a ticulate the position of labour in the broader so- go-to person in the area of my research (do- cio-economic and political context. In pursuit mestic service) which has seen me contribute of this goal I enrolled for a PhD programme at towards various studies for local students and the University of the Witwatersrand, focused on organizations in Zambia & regionally, includ- understanding workers’ struggles in the neo- ing the Research Network for Domestic Work- liberal dispensation. I graduated with a PhD in ers, the International Domestic Workers Net- December 2015 and am currently working as work as well as the development of the first a post-doctoral researcher at SWOP and Lec- ever training guide for domestic workers in turer (social science) in the school of Mechan- Zambia for the ILO. The research skills horned ical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering during my GLU days have inadvertently turned at the University of the Witwatersrand. One of out to be my passion and source of income my current and sustained interests is to close given the growing challenge of unemployment the gap between the university as a space of my country is facing.” Silvia Chimpampwe knowledge production and trade unions as Mwansa – GLU 2012 (Zambia) drivers of social change. In pursuit of this goal, I joined hands with fellow Global Labour Uni- “The interest to pursue a higher research de- versity alumni in Zimbabwe in the setting up gree emerged from my engagement with the of the Zimbabwe Institute of Socio-Econom- trade unions in Zimbabwe where I was in the ic and Labour Research www.ziselar.co.zw/ national executive of the Railway Association about-ziselar/ which is centred on trade union of Enginemen (RAE) affiliated to the Zimba- and social movement capacity building and bwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU). In my collaboration with universities. The thrust is to experience as a union executive and negotia- enable these organisations to effectively deal tor there was a glaring gap in capacity in the with change.” Dr Crispen Chinguno – GLU representation and articulation of the position 2008 (Zimbabwe) and experience(s) of organised labour. This posed broader socio-economic and political “If Capitalists devote themselves in studying questions which stretched beyond my capac- on how they will cut down the cost on the labor ity at the time. This partly influenced my de- force that will result in oppressed lives of the cision to apply for the Global Labour Univer- working class society, Us the working class 30 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

must do an paradoxical job, that is to curb this as global labour federations and social move- affectless doing of the capitalists people. We ments is to counter capitalism at a global scale may not see the fruits of our work during our as capital has also gone global. As a schol- lifetime but your plight today will surely have ar-activist the GLU-WITS programme has con- a huge effect in the future generations of the nected me with other activists throughout the working class. As the great Mandela said: world to share experiences and this has helped “Education is the most powerful weapon which me at my union and beyond. I am now able you can use to change the world”. Amandla!” to carry out research and package messages Carlo Tabia – ENGAGE 2015 (Philippines) in a way that helps in spreading the working class message of countering capitalism. As “Being at Wits University for the first time as GLU alumni from Zimbabwe, we have gone a a Global Labour University (GLU) student step further to form the Zimbabwe Institute for changed the way I view trade unionism and Socio Economic and Labour Research (ZISE- the world of work. The perception from the LaR) as a way of thanking the GLU for chang- country I come from (Zimbabwe) was that ing our lives.” Taurai Mereki – GLU Alumnus trade unionism is for those that failed to make 2009 (Zimbabwe) it to college or university hence the degreed should be in management positions serving “Receiving the offer to read an M.A. Labour the interests of capital not workers; but now and Development, Economic Policy and Glo- my mind-set has shifted. It was also my first balisation, at the Global Labour University time to mix with other trade union scholars (GLU)-University of the Witwatersrand, Johan- from other countries and this cross-pollination nesburg, was one of the historic moments in of experiences added flavour to the experienc- my career in the labour movement. The aca- es I had from my own country. Studying and demic life at GLU-Wits ranged from formally graduating from GLU-WITS was a life-chang- structured coursework on Labour & Develop- ing experience for a simple trade unionist like ment, Advance Research Methods, Economic me and it was also an achievement for all my Policy & Globalisation, the Research Report comrades in the trade union movement back and other informal avenues of sharing ex- home in Zimbabwe. It was a rare opportunity periences such as the monthly SWOP semi- which I could not have achieved on my own. nars, seminars with labour activists from local unions in South Africa and COSATU Education I would say the GLU programme was a programmes. All these made the GLU-Wits ex- game-changer in terms of my capacity as a perience all-encompassing in me appreciating worker representative. It gave me the opportu- the relationship between theory and practice nity to graduate from being an activist to being in industrial relations in South Africa and be- a scholar-activist and this was helpful in terms yond. The obvious euphoria of going to the of my capacity to appreciate policy at compa- other GLU campuses especially those in the ny, industry as well as national level the sum first world has made several students dodge being capacity to represent my constituency studying in the South. Alas! For us, it was nev- with confidence. Before then, my appreciation er a regret, but a nourishing experience that of global trends was deficient and only limit- traversed various phases of labour vis-à-vis ed to my industry and country. Going into the capital’s contradiction which in academic cir- GLU Masters programme helped me widen cle is defined as a ‘labour regime’. We under- my scope of thinking as I now understood the stood how labour and trade union movement need for the working class to come together grappled with the Fordist regime of accumu- Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 31

lation, the post-Fordist regime and its flexible me with different union responsibilities, for labour market under the guise of neoliberal- example, negotiating with employers on work- ism. Most importantly, is the extent to which ers’ issue, handling disciplinary and grievance labour responded to the various waves of cri- issues, while socially, the qualification enables sis unleashed by capitalism and its destructive me to make critical judgments/decisions in competition to use Schumpeter’s’ neologism. different social issues. The BA (Hons) degree Through GLU-WITS, we appreciate how labour has opened many opportunities for me, as I could be both a mobilising and counter-hege- am writing to you, UNICAF University awarded monic force to the global onslaught of capital- me a scholarship for a two-year programme ism, both nationally and internationally. Some to pursue Masters in Business Administration, of the labour strategies involved transnational with the GLU programme degree other unions solidarities through inter-movement linkages, respect me so much such that they invite me developmental states and the way they were to facilitate in their trainings and workshops. shape by labour through Peter Evans notion of Our union federation also consider me as one Counter-Hegemonic Globalisation, as well as of its assets especially in labour policies for building counter-movement through labour or- example it has again nominated my name to ganising in the work places and alliance build- Ministry of Labour to continue as one of the ing with civil societies. What scholars such as industrial relations court employee panelists Webster & Adler, von Holdt, and Seidman lat- for another three years. In a nutshell, Global er referred to as Social Movement Unionism Labour University qualification has enhanced (SMU). Muttaqa Yshua’u Abdularuf – GLU my knowledge, confidence and status aca- 2012 (Nigeria) demically, professionally and socially more than ever before. Sophie Chitenje – Engage “As every aspect of life is changing every day, 2013, GLU 2015 (Malawi) labour is unexceptional. To deal with change needs special expertise. Labour is also eco- “Coming from a developed country (Italy), the nomically, politically, environmentally, techno- GLU programme was an eye opening expe- logically and socially affected; therefore labour rience to challenges and opportunities of the also needs to move with time and that means labour movement in developing countries par- to move from traditional ways of doing things ticularly in Africa. Also, participating in the GLU to modern ways in order to deal with current masters allowed me to make contacts into the situations. With the view above, Global Labour South African trade union movement and I met University in collaboration with other develop- some of the best comrades and friends. Years ing partners offer advanced capacity building after graduation I still think of myself as a GLU academic programmes for labour activists, alumna!” - Miriam di Paola – GLU 2011 (Italy) trade unions and other labour specialists, in order to deal with change in labour. Being one “Being a GLU alumnus has helped in broaden- of the beneficiaries, I have benefited in differ- ing my understanding of the dynamics within ent ways, not only academically, professional- trade union movements and media. Studying ly but also socially. Academically, I have im- at GLU made me appreciate that in addition proved my understanding of academic issues; to trade union internal media tools, the main- professionally, it has raised my status. For in- stream media is important for trade unions. stance, I have been appointed as one of Mala- This is critical during collective bargaining and wi’s Industrial Relations Court Employee Pan- other related trade union activities. How this is ellists. My union (T&GWU) has also entrusted reported in the media is of paramount impor- 32 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

tance to trade unions as it affects communica- with interests in precarious labour and mi- tions with members on the outcomes of nego- grating for work. Currently, I am registered in tiations and other processes. In addition, it is the School of Architecture and Planning Wits important space to contest the dominant ideas University and have taken my labour back- and hegemony in the society. Being awarded ground and the skills I acquired through the the chance to study this phenomenon was an GLU program to Architecture and Planning. In opportunity for me to unearth the assumptions my current study, I am arguing that as people of each side in an objective manner. Media re- migrate for work, they carry with them their portage on issues of trade unions and ideolog- religious beliefs and practices and these reli- ical contestations with other social players can gious identities to a large extent help them to be perceived as a threat to democracy and overcome the complexities of life in the city should be subjected to scholarly investiga- as they attempt to exercise their rights to the tion.” Sandra Hlungwani – GLU 2016 (South city. For a group with less representation and Africa) exposed to various forms of insecurities, the use of religious identities to overcome these “The GLU programme has helped me to criti- become a better option. To date, I have written cally look at socio-economic issues with differ- and published a policy document for South Af- ent perspective. It has shaped my understand- rica’s National Minimum Wage entitled: Mon- ing of political economy and the implication itoring and enforcement: strategies to ensure of globalisation and neoliberal policies on the an effective national minimum wage in South labour market, and the role that trade unions Africa. (National Minimum Wage Research Ini- can play to regulate the system. The course tiative Working Paper Series No. 5, available at has offered me with a valuable knowledge to www.nationalminimumwage.co.za). I am still understand why the poor are not necessarily in the labour movement but my participation responsible for the conditions they find them- is being slowed down by my current PhD de- selves and the uneven development of the mands. I remain hopeful that I will be able to west versus the global south.” Shane Cho- join the International Labour Organisation and sane – GLU 2017 (South Africa) contribute meaningfully to labour issues either through direct activism or publications. De- “I am a former Masters student with the high- spite being registered in the School of Archi- ly esteemed Global Labour University at the tecture and Planning, my labour background University of the Witwatersrand (2016 class). and sociological skills have helped me fit in The GLU program was instrumental in shap- very well in this new space.” Brian Mrahwa – ing my career path as an upcoming scholar GLU 2016 (Zimbabwe) Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 33

Engage and Social Theory Graduation in 2017

“I learnt a lot about globalisation, produc- “After attending the engage program 2018 tion-chains, economical exploitation, financial my working life and social life has never been circular flows, hegemony, power-relations, de- the same. I was stuck for a long time in the pendencies, workers’ movements and fights, traditional way of doing trade union business brave women and men, history of capitalism, but the programme was my salvation and a the impact of humans on nature, the power of beginning of a new life and way of doing my grassroots movements, and much more. It was work and understanding it, since then I always a wonderful experience to meet so many com- approach my work with strategies informed rades from around the world and hear about by research.” Jokoniah Mawopa – ENGAGE their experiences. It was also interesting to get 2018 (Zimbabwe) to know Germany (Kassel) through their eyes. This was topped by my amazing experiences “Greater awareness, network of like-minded during my stay at Wits, Johannesburg, and my comrades and friends, opportunity to package internship in Malawi. Thanks to the marvelous and present my strong feelings and advoca- people, I met that allowed me to take part in cy on youth unemployment, skills, education, their lives; I got a good insight in the societies inequality, class contradictions, gender and of those two African countries. Back at home, the dynamic labour market!” Petunia Mpoza I consciously appreciate the social system in – GLU 2018 (South Africa) Germany, even though far from just, and that I can walk around freely at day and night. The “[M]y experience…was both transformative studies were very hard. I would say that I never and inspirational. I was challenged and at the worked that much in my whole life. I learnt to same time introduced to new concepts that keep my nerves, to focus and to lower my ex- made me look at issues from very different pectations towards myself - always motivation perspectives. Overall, I grew both as an in- me by telling myself that I can do it :-) My view dividual and as a leader. I appreciate all the on the world has become much broader and lecturers who took time away from their busy I feel connected to many more countries and schedules to teach us and help us learn very their citizens now.” Susanne Düring – GLU new concepts, but also very important in the 2016 (Germany) struggle to emancipate workers from the en- 34 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

slaving claws of capitalism. There were mo- commitment to the labour movement knowing ments I felt like my mind would explode from clearly that I am on the right path. I am looking all the knowledge that we were being intro- forward to sharing everything I have learned duced to, but thankfully, the professors were with fellow comrades and I feel confident that always present, guiding us patiently without the knowledge gained from the programme tiring. The ENGAGE programme is very ben- will really improve our union and increase our eficial to any trade unionist that has workers’ in-depth participation in national, regional and interest at heart. It has set me off on a path of global working class emancipatory projects.” discovering new knowledge and reaffirmed my Mercy Nabwire – ENGAGE 2019 (Kenya)

Selection of Alumni and Wits Academic Publications

Adewumi, F., Anisha, E., Olanrewaju, J. and mony: Deconstructing Labour Policies in Nige- Rafiq. F. (2011) Furthering Social Protection ria” (2011) in Onyeonoru, I., Anisha, E., Olan- in Nigeria: Issues and Perspectives. Ilorin: rewaju, J. and Rafiq. F. (eds) Global Economy MINILS and the Nigerian Labour Market. Ilorin: MINILS Anisha, E. Olanrewaju, J., and Rafiq-Alaji. F. Anisha, E (2010) “Trade Unionism and the (2012) Consensus Building, Conflict Resolu- Dual Transition in Nigeria: Matters Arising”, tion and Social Transformation: An Industrial Nigerian Journal of Labour and development Realtions Perspective. Ilorin: MINILS Studies. 1, 75-88 Anisha, E. (2011) “From Corporatism to Con- Anisha, E. Olanrewaju, J., and Rafiq-Alaji. F. tentious Politics: Is there Change in the Labour (2013) Labour Laws, Institutional Reforms and Regime in Nigeria?” in ASAN 2011Congress the Development Process in Nigeria. Ilorin: Proceedings, 683-698 MINILS

Anisha, E. (2011) Linking Social Protection Babatunde Adebola & Muttaqa Yusha’u (2012) to Labour Standard: Policy Issues for Nige- The state of trade Unionism and Industrial re- ria in Adewumi, F., Anisha, E., Olanrewaju, J. lations Practice in Export Processing Zone in and Rafiq. F. (Eds) Furthering Social Protec- Nigeria, International Training Centre ILO Turin tion in Nigeria: Issues and Perspectives. Ilorin: Bennie, Andrew (Forthcoming). ‘When a com- MINILS munity says “no”: democracy, mining and alternative development options on the Wild Anisha, E. (2012) “Rethinking Labour Policy Coast’. Forthcoming in In Good Company? in the Context of Economic Crisis”. Nigerian Conversations around Transparency and Ac- Journal of Labour and Development Studies, countability in South Africa’s Extractive Sector Vol 1 (2) pp 55-69, Ilorin: MINILS – 3rd Edition. Open Society Foundation South Anisha, E. “Beyond Neoliberal Market Hege- Africa. Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 35

Bennie, Andrew with A. Satgoor. 2018. ‘Deep- counts.org/#!/publicacion/22 ening the just transition through food sover- Benya, Asanda. 2016, Gendered Navigations: eignty and the solidarity economy’ in V. Satgar Women in Mining, Review of African Political (ed.) The Climate Crisis: South African and Economy Blog, http://roape.net/2016/08/09/ Global Democratic Eco-Socialist Alternatives. gendered-navigations-women-mining/ Johannesburg: Wits University Press. Benya, Asanda. 2017, New labour federation Bennie, Andrew. ‘“Resistance is fertile”: Amadi- and the gender question: Amandla! Issue No ba agriculture challenges elite mining agenda’, 53, July 2017. pp 32- 33 Daily Maverick, 20 July 2017. https://www.dai- lymaverick.co.za/article/2017-07-20-op-ed-re- Benya, Asanda. 2017, New Union Federation sistance-is-0fertileamadiba-agriculture-chal- Risks Failure if it Ignored a Gendered Reali- lenges-elite-mining-agenda/#.WZlA1a17Gu4 ty, Business Day 19 May 2017. https://www. Benya, A. (2013) “Absent from the frontline but businesslive.co.za/bd/opinion/2017-05-19- not absent from the struggle: Women in the new-union-federation-risks-failure-if-it-ignored- Marikana Massacre”, Femina Politica 22 (1), a-gendered-reality/ 144-147. Online access: Benya, Asanda. Forthcoming, “South Africa’s Benya, A. (2013) “Gendered Labour: A Chal- Underground Women Miners”, Africa’s Miner- lenge to Labour as a Democratizing Force”, al Fortune, University of Chicago Press Rethinking Development and Inequality 2 Benya, Asanda. Marikana: The Absence of (Special Issue), 47-62. Online access: http:// Justice, Dignity and Freedom? Dejusticia, Co- www.andir-south.org/rdi/index.php/rdi/article/ lombia (Pub Date Dec 2014) view/11 Benya, Asanda. The Invisible Hands: Women in Marikana Benya, Asanda. 2013, “Absent from the front- line but not absent from the struggle: Women Chinguno, C. (2010) “Why Should Trade in the Marikana Massacre,” Femina Politica Unions Pay Attention to Mega Sport Events”, Vol. 22, Issue 1 (144-147) Peripherie 117, 45-68.

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depth/features/2012/09/20129994446402210. tors in the South African construction indus- html. try”, Juridikum 3, 386-396. Chinguno, C., Davies, S. and Williams, G. Chinguno, C. “Continuities and discontinuities (Forthcoming) “Subcontracting and Labour in repertoires of strike violence in post-apart- Standards: Reassessing the Potential of In- heid South Africa: Cases from Rustenburg ternational Framework Agreements”, British platinum mines”. Paper presented at the Inter- Journal of Industrial Relations. national Mining History Congress, Johannes- burg, South Africa, 17-20 April 2012. Chinguwo, P (2010) Women and Gender in Trade Unions in Malawi, research paper pub- Chinguno, C. “Mine workers, fragmentation lished in 2010 by African Labour Research and violence in Rustenburg/Marikana”. SWOP Network (ALRN); Colloquium on precarious society, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 4-5 Sep- Chinguwo, p (2012) Impact of 2008 Global Fi- tember 2012. nancial Crisis on Workers in South Africa, book published in 2012 by LAP Lambert Academic Chinguno, C. “The Marikana tragedy /massa- Publishing in Germany; cre: The post-apartheid workplace regime in a crisis?”. Public Lecture, University of Botswa- Chinguwo, P (2013) Trade Union Services and na and Botswana Federation of Trade Unions, Benefits in Malawi, research paper published Gaborone, 29 November 2012. in 2013 by African Labour Research Network (ALRN); Chinguno, C. “Things fall apart after Marika- na”. Public discussion guest speaker, Univer- Chinguwo, P (2013) Workers in the Informal sity of Western Cape, Cape Town, 11 Septem- Economy in Malawi, research paper published ber 2012. by Southern Africa Trade Union Coordination Council (SATUCC) in 2013; Chinguno, C. “Violence, Unions and the State - What can we learn from the Lonmin Marikana Chinguwo, P (2014) Globalisation and Trans- mine massacre?” Institute of Security Studies, formation of Workplace, academic paper in a Pretoria, 24 August 2012. book The State of Labour: The Global Finan- cial Crisis and Its Impact published in 2014 by Chinguno, C. and Mereki, T. (2011) “ZCTU 7th Routledge in New Delhi; Congress: From optimism to despair?”, South African Labour Bulletin 35 Chinguwo, P (2015) The Role of Trade Unions in Productivity Improvement in Africa, a Work- Chinguno, C., Bezuidenhout, A. and von ers’ Training Manual published by Internation- Holdt, K. (2012) Marikana aftermath – Out- al Labour Organisation (ILO) which I co-edited rageous claims or outrageous order?, City with Dr. Mohammed Mwamadzingo; Press, 26. Online access: http://www.citypress. co.za/Columnists/Marikana-aftermath-Outra- Di Paola, M., 2016, ‘The Political Economy of geous-claims-or-outrageous-order-20120825. Health in South Africa. Implications for Nursing Chinguno, C., Davies, S. and Williams, G. Work and Training’ in Motala, E. and Vally, S., (2011) “Translating words into action: Interna- Post-School Education Review, Vol 2 Issue 2 tional framework agreements and subcontrac- Di Paola, M., 2017, Return and Reintegration Global Labour University GLU Booklet | 37

to South Africa. An Information Kit for Migrant Mmmereki, T. (2012): Zimbabwe Congress Workers, Ferney-Volataire: Public Services In- of Trade Unions aftermath: Cracks deepen: ternational. Available at: http://www.world-psi. South African Labour Bulletin Vol 36, No. 1 org/sites/default/files/documents/research/fi- With Mutyanda N nal_rrsa_information_kit.pdf Mmmereki, T. (2015): Chinese investments, Di Paola, M., 2017, Trade Unions in Transfor- Marange diamonds and “militarized capi- mation. An Assessment of Numsa’s Attempt talism” in Zimbabwe. Global Labour Colum to Develop its Political and Organizational Number 200. http://colum.global-labour-uni- Independence 2012 – 2016, Berlin: Fried- versity.org/ with Chinguno C and Mutyanda N rich-Ebert-Stiftung. Available at: http://library. Muttaqa Yusha’u, Sian Byrne, Warren McGre- fes.de/pdf-files/iez/13638.pdf gor and Lucien van der Walt, 20 June, 2013, http://www.femina-politica.de/inhalte/ “Beyond May Day Celebrations: Towards a politischeoekonomie.html Viable Counter-Movement in Nigeria,” Dai- ly Labour, volume 26, number 7, (Nigeria), Joynt, K. and Webster, E. (2012) “Discordant p.10. at: https://lucienvanderwalt.wordpress. Voices: The Hidden World of Johannesburg’s com/2014/05/02/article-pdf-yushau-byrne-mc- Inner City Clothing Workers” J. Workerplace gregor-van-der-walt-towards-a-viable-counter- Rights 162 (2), 149-169. movement-in-nigeria-beyond-may-day-cele- brations/ Masondo, T. (2010) “VW in Germany and South Africa: What Differences for workers?”, Nigeria Journal of Labour and Development South African Labour Bulletin 34, 10-12. Studies (2012) Vol 1 (2) Ilorin: MINILS Onyeonoru, I., Anisha, E., Olanrewaju, J. and Mmmereki, T. (2012) Strikes for wages and Rafiq. F. (2011) Global Economy and the Nige- democracy in Zimbabwe: CASWUZ experi- rian Labour Market. Ilorin: MINILS ence. South African Labour Bulletin, Vol. 36, No. 3 Ozo-Eson P. & Yushau Muttaqa (2014) Pricing of Petroleum Product in Nigeria, Research Re- Mmmereki, T. (2013): How the MDC lost the port by African Centre for Leadership Strate- plot: Zimbabwe election from a labour per- gy and Development, with support from Open spective: South African Labour Bulletin Vol 37, Society Initiative OSIWA West Africa No. 4 With Mutyanda N Pons-Vignon N., Di Paola M. (2017) Arbeit- Mmmereki, T. (2011) Zimbabwe Congress smarkt-Restrukturierung in Südafrika: Der of Trade Unions: Breaking into smaller bits. Traum verzögert sich. In: de la Fontaine D., South African Labour Bulletin, Vol. 35, No. 5, Müller F., Hofmann C., Leubolt B. (eds) Das With Chinguno, C politische System Südafrikas. Springer VS, Wiesbaden Mmmereki, T. (2012): Collective Bargaining or Collective Begging? A case of the public sec- Webster, E. (2010) “There shall be work and tor in Zimbabwe. Global Labour Colum Num- security: Utopian thinking or a necessary con- ber 114. http://colum.global-labour-university. dition for development and social cohesion?”, org/ Transformation 72 (3), 225-246. 38 | Global Labour University GLU Booklet

Yusha’u Muttaqa & Alkali Adam (2015) Human Labour Bulletin, Vol. 36. No.1 March/ April, at: Right Abuses in the Context of Insurgent Vio- http://www.southafricanlabourbulletin.org.za/ lence in Nigeria: The Case of Apo Workers Kill- author/yusha%E2%80%99u-muttaqa-and-ta- ing in Habu Galadima & Moses Alugba (ed.) hir-hashim Insurgency and Human rights in Northern Ni- geria. Centre for Information Technology and Yusha’u Muttaqa, Tahir Hashim (2012) Labour, Development CITAD. civil society and the state, South African La- bour Bulletin, Vol 36, No 1 Yusha’u Muttaqa & Tahir Hashim (2012) La- bour Civil Society and the State, South African GLU Steering Committee: Professor Michelle Williams (chair), Professor Devan Pillay, Professor Sarah Mosoetsa, Professor Karl von Holdt Professor Vishwas Satgar, Dr Ben Scully, Dr Nicolas Pons-Vignon, Dr Tatenda Mukwedeya, Dr Thabang Sefalafala, Mr Alfred Mafuleka (Cosatu).

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