Mines and Works Act
Quick Summary
The Mines and Works Act of 1911, with an amendment in 1926, was South African legislation that established a "colour bar." This act was designed to protect skilled white workers by restricting Black South Africans from certain jobs, particularly in the mining industry. This policy was part of a broader effort to reduce labor costs for mine owners by limiting the bargaining power of Black workers and ensuring a supply of cheap labor. The legislation contributed to the system of racial segregation and economic discrimination prevalent in South Africa during that era.1
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Southern AfricaThe impact of migrant labour…in South Africa under the Mines and Works Act of 1911 and its amendment in 1926. At the same time, industrial conciliation legislation introduced after a 1922 strike excluded Blacks from the wage-bargaining machinery. These examples were followed in the Rhodesias as well, although in the Copperbelt white workers were…
Read More…in South Africa under the Mines and Works Act of 1911 and its amendment in 1926. At the same time, industrial conciliation legislation introduced after a 1922 strike excluded Blacks from the wage-bargaining machinery. These examples were followed in the Rhodesias as well, although in the Copperbelt white workers were…
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South AfricaSegregation of South AfricaThe 1911 Mines and Works Act and its 1926 successor reserved certain jobs in mining and the railways for white workers. The Natives’ Land Act of 1913 defined less than one-tenth of South Africa as Black “reserves” and prohibited any purchase or lease of land by Blacks…
Read MoreThe 1911 Mines and Works Act and its 1926 successor reserved certain jobs in mining and the railways for white workers. The Natives’ Land Act of 1913 defined less than one-tenth of South Africa as Black “reserves” and prohibited any purchase or lease of land by Blacks…
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