Arbeid en vergoeding voor 1994

Abstract

Are apartheid and other discriminatory laws and practices the main reasons for disparities in employment, occupation and income within the South African labour market? This article poses an answer to this question. In the article the development of labour and remuneration in South Africa since the seventeenth century up to 1994 is explored. The change in the labour market from subsistence farming to a mainly capitalistic system is indicated. The period was characterised by the unfolding and development of careers, mainly as a result of the influence of colonists from Europe. As economic development took place, subsequent factors played a role in workers’ occupation and the remuneration they received. Although apartheid and other dicriminatory laws and practices had a negative influence on the employment, occupation and income of black workers, these were not the only reasons for the disparities in the labour market in 1994.