The apartheid city and its labouring class: African workers and the independent trade union movement in Durban, 1959-1985

Updated: 26 Jun 2019

The apartheid city and its labouring class: African workers and the independent trade union movement in Durban, 1959-1985

Document Preview

Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Literature and Philosophy in the subject history at the University of South Africa. This thesis examines the emergence and development of the African working class in Durban between 1959 and 1985. It begins with an analysis of Durban's economy, which significantly changed the lives of Africans. It shows how, during an era of economic boom, of intensive state repression and unparalleled social engineering, the state intervened in the shaping of the African community and created the oppressive setting of the African working class, which was to pose the greatest challenge to the established order.

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2016, February 22). The apartheid city and its labouring class: African workers and the independent trade union movement in Durban, 1959-1985 . South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/R-0120312

South African History Online (2016) ' The apartheid city and its labouring class: African workers and the independent trade union movement in Durban, 1959-1985 ', South African History Online, 22 February. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/R-0120312 (Accessed: 22 July 2026).

South African History Online, The apartheid city and its labouring class: African workers and the independent trade union movement in Durban, 1959-1985 [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/R-0120312, (accessed 22 July 2026).

" The apartheid city and its labouring class: African workers and the independent trade union movement in Durban, 1959-1985 ." South African History Online, 22 Feb. 2016, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/R-0120312. Accessed 22 July 2026.

South African History Online. " The apartheid city and its labouring class: African workers and the independent trade union movement in Durban, 1959-1985 ." South African History Online. February 22, 2016. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/R-0120312.