Patterns of empowerment and disempowerment in the South African mining sector

Abstract

Recent conflicts in the South African mining sector tend to be explained entirely in rational choice theory. This paper utilises grounded theory, where the primary method was the collection of semi-structured and exclusive interviews triangulated with secondary data consisting of existing literature, government and company reports. The findings challenge the rational choice approach which is used to explain the root cause of mineral conflicts on the African continent. The research makes two contributions; first it shows that empowerment policies have worsened the socio-economic disparities of mineworkers and their respective communities in the North West province of South Africa. Second, it demonstrates inequality has led to a recurrence of labour unrest due to poor labour standards, wage disparities and poor living conditions for mineworkers.

Keywords: Empowerment; Mining; Rational Choice.