COSATU Today, 12 February 2010

NUMSA members employed at ACTOM (formerly ALSTOM), Ekurhuleni have embarked on an industrial strike action in demand of better conditions of employment and benefits.

The intransigent ACTOM management is applying the old apartheid Bantu conditions of employment and racialised benefits amongst its workforce. It is disturbing that when the workers and the poor of our country are celebrating the 20^th Anniversary of the historic release of Cde Nelson Mandela from apartheid jails, the ACTOM management is maintaining and reproducing the old apartheid and racialised income and benefits.

This is a clear reflection that ACTOM is negating the noble sacrifice made by Cde Mandela and his generation for the restoration of the rights of our people, more especially workers who had to endure pain and suffering under the bastion of apartheid capitalism and racial segregation.

Numsa calls on ACTOM in honour of Cde Mandela to respond to the fundamental grievances raised by workers. The failure by the management to respond to the demands of the workers will be a betrayal to the sacrifices and struggles waged by Cde Mandela and his generation.

The workers are demanding that ACTOM’s Skills, Employment Equity, Housing , Transport, HIV/AIDS, Funeral and Education policies and directives to be implemented and standardized throughout out its group of companies spread across the country.

In the meantime the Union is engaging other ACTOM workers across the country to embark on a national strike as part of exerting workers pressure.

1.2 CEPPWAWU to fight WINTHROP over dismissals

Thabane Mdlalose, CEPPWAWU Deputy General Secretary, 11 February 2010

CEPPWAWU is dismayed by the manner in which a Pretoria based Pharmaceutical Company Winthrop is treating workers.

During the Pharmaceutical legal strike July 2009, the company dismissed 20 employees of which 8(eight) were reinstated and 12(twelve) were not. Our demand to ensure that the twelve (12) are reinstated did not bear any fruits as the CEO of the company continues to undermine any efforts to address this issue amicably and even snub the intervention of the third party through conciliation and they said that any outcome against them, will be reviewed.

CEPPWAWU is disturbed that instead of engaging with the workers on this issue, the arrogant CEO is threatening workers with the legal action of which the sitting will be on the 16 February 2010. We believe that the legal route taken by the CEO is not necessary as this is a clearly demonstrations by the company to frustrate workers. SANOFI Aventis as a group is silence on this matter. It must be further mentioned that this Multinational Company has won a lucrative tender to manufactures tablets from government last year. One of the main conditions on the tender processes was that the company which would emerged victorious must contribute in saving and creating jobs. To our surprise this Company is doing the opposite. The CEO even refused to meet the union to discuss this matter and resolve amicably.

The Company is participating in NBCC and was part of the negotiations represented by the Human Resource Manager Lettitia Janse Van Rensburg when dispute was made.

The union remains unapologetic that the Company must reinstate the dismissed workers with immediate effect, and that the case that is currently going on against the workers be withdrawn to allow proper negotiations.

CEPPWAWU is going to mobilize all our members, progressive forces and our sister union within COSATU to ensure that we save the jobs of our members.We further call upon the progressive international organizations to join hands in fighting these selfish and arrogant employers.

1.3 Vavi to visit striking miners at Pamodzi

Patrick Craven, COSATU’s National Spokesperson,11 February 2010

COSATU General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi, will be addressing the COSATU North West Provincial Executive Committee, tomorrow, 12 February 2010, at 11h00. The venue is the COSATU Provincial Office, 2^nd Floor, NBS Building, 42 Church Street, cnr Boom, Klerksdorp.

At around 13h30 he will then visit striking miners at the Pamodzi Mine in Vaal Reefs.

1.4 SAFA’s foul play can be fair play

Andre Kriel, SACTWU General Secretary, 11 February 2010

SACTWU has taken note of the recent controversy surrounding the sourcing of World Cup paraphernalia.

The union is very concerned that World Cup products, such as the Zakumi doll, are being manufactured in sweatshops where workers reportedly earn R23 a day and have no rights.

By importing World Cup paraphernalia, which are manufactured under undesirable labour conditions, South African workers will not benefit from hosting this World Cup. Hosting the World Cup is not simply a means to showcase South Africa to the world. It is, more importantly, a significant opportunity to contribute to the economic development of the country by stimulating local industry and supporting decent jobs.

The Framework for South Africa’s Response to the Global Economic Crisis, drawn up under the instruction of former President Kgalema Motlanthe by government, business and labour, identifies the imperative to use the World Cup as a means to create jobs. This Framework Agreement was re-endorsed as government’s “starting point” during President Jacob Zuma’s 2009 State of the Nation address.

SACTWU is committed to ensuring a successful World Cup and will throw our full weight behind the event, due to its significance for nation-building and our developmental goals.

For this to happen, we require

The SA Football Association to ensure more Bafana Bafana gear is made in South Africa
FIFA to ensure World Cup products like flags, caps, scarves and fleece blankets are manufactured in South Africa.

SACTWU calls on SAFA and FIFA to meet with us and COSATU on these matters.

In 2008, we initiated a process in which we helped sports authorities to find South African manufacturers. Similar offers of assistance have since been ignored. We again offer to assist these authorities to find local suppliers with decent work standards.

SACTWU wants a successful World Cup. But it must be fair to workers.

2. South Africa

2.1 COSATU’s response to State of the Nation Address

Patrick Craven, COSATU’s National Spokesperson, 11 February 2010

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has welcomed many of the proposals in President Zuma’s State of the Nation Speech. We are reassured that the government is still guided by the priorities outlined in the ANC election manifesto, which were to achieve major reforms and improvements in the following areas:

Creation of decent work and sustainable livelihoods
Education
Health
Rural development, food security and land reform
The fight against crime and corruption.

In pursuit of these priorities, COSATU therefore warmly welcomes, among others:

· The recommitment to the Expanded Public Works Programme

· The extension of social grants to two million more children aged 15 to 18 years

· The reaffirmation of preparations to establish a national health insurance system

· The allocation of over 6 000 hectares of land for low-income and affordable housing

· A new initiative to provide housing finance for those with no access to it

· Support for the teachers’ unions commitment to quality learning and teaching

· Ambitious targets for skills development

· Continuation of support measures to protect vulnerable sectors, contained in the 2009 Framework Agreement.

On other areas the Federation was somewhat disappointed by the speech. We are concerned that there was too little recognition of the extent of the massive crisis of unemployment, poverty and inequality, and consequently no plans for a new economic growth path. There is no evidence yet that we are on track to create new jobs on the scale required and bring down the world-record levels of inequality.

COSATU was particularly concerned that the President said nothing on the creation of decent work, the spread of casualisation of labour and the scourge of labour broking.

There was also a worrying suggestion that privatisation has a role to play in the electricity generating sector, through the participation of independent power producers and an independent system operator. COSATU remains convinced that moves towards privatisation will ultimately destroy a crucial public national service.

While welcoming the commitment to stepping up the fight against corruption, the federation was worried that the emphasis was on corruption at the lower levels of drivers’ licences and ID cards, rather than the critical problem of officials abusing their public position to amass private wealth and the inevitable conflict of interest of public representatives who continue to be involved in private business.

COSATU will be producing a fuller statement and looking very closely at the forthcoming budget speech and the budget vote speeches by the government ministers.

2.2 DENOSA on SONA and celebrating 20-years of Mandela’s release

Asanda Fongqo, DENOSA Communications Officer, 12 February 2010

DENOSA has noted the State of the Nation Address delivered by President Jacob Zuma on the historic day that celebrated 20- years of the release of struggle stalwart and elderly statesman Nelson Mandela.

DENOSA reiterates its appreciation of President Zuma’s acknowledgement of the adverse impact of the global economic recession to our country as this allows his administration to respond accordingly to the challenge.

We similarly caution that, while our country is steadily showing signs of recovery from the economic meltdown there is no room for complacency.

DENOSA welcomes the announcement by President Zuma that R846 billion will be made available to improve public infrastructure over the next three years.

We are further encouraged that cabinet Ministers will now sign a detailed performance delivery agreement with the President. We view this as a progressive step in accelerating service delivery to our people.

In line with what DENOSA has been calling for over the years, President Zuma reiterated the building and upgrading of hospitals and clinics- and improving working conditions of health workers. We also note the announcement that working relationship with DPSA will be established in public-private health partnerships to improve our health system.

The union demands the Ministry of Health to provide clarity and detail on the Public-Private partnerships in health.

We are encouraged by government’s commitment to advocate for prevention and treatment measures on HIV and AIDS and Tuberculosis.

In line with the Millenium Development Goals, the announcement by President Zuma to lower maternal deaths and infant mortality through expanded immunization programmes is encouraging.

DENOSA is however concerned by the lack of detail in the progress made in the implementation of the all-important National Health Insurance- that is aimed to ensure that all our people have access to quality healthcare.

It is further disturbing that there was no mention of improving salaries of health workers with a vision of retaining and recruiting more them.

DENOSA reiterates its support and commitment in working together with government to improve our health system and the working conditions of all health workers.

2.3 NEHAWU welcomes SONA but opposed to PPP’s

Sizwe Pamla, NEHAWU Media Liaison Officer, 12 February 2010

NEHAWU welcomes the State of the Nation Address {SONA} by President Jacob Zuma delivered before Parliament yesterday and we are hoping that more details will be made available during the Budgets Votes and implementation. We hope to see further details regarding the plans outlined in the SONA translated into funded programmes in the national budget.

The union is encouraged and supports the President’s announcement that the Ministers will sign detailed Performance Delivery Agreements with timeframes on the delivery of targets that have been set.

We want the government to review all the lavish and unnecessary privileges enjoyed by public officials in the national, provincial and local government spheres. This review must include entities and state owned enterprises many of whose CEOs earn far higher than the President of the republic.

We are looking forward to the Public Service summit so that we can engage the government on a number of critical issues pertaining to the performance of the public service to which the President alluded to. Thus, we commit to work with the government to improve service delivery, as part of our response to the government’s call of the year of action.

NEHAWU supports the government’s plan to increase the pass rate of matric students eligible for university admission to 175 000 a year by 2014 and to increase the training of 16-25 year olds in further education and training facilities.

However, we believe that enrolment in the FET sector should not be seen as a second best option after higher education, instead government should be setting targets to increase enrolment of students in FETs if it is to meet its target of 1 million students in 2014.

We are happy that the government has committed itself to ensuring that an additional two million children from poor households, aged 15 to 18 years, will benefit from the child support grant in the next three years.

On health issues we are happy that government reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of the National Health Insurance, building and upgrading of health facilities and further improving the working conditions of health care workers.

However, we call for the termination of outsourcing in the health sector and the filling of all funded vacancies in order to boost its capacity to deliver quality service.

Although the union is happy with most of the issues raised in the SONA we are deeply concerned about the announcement that the state is planning to utilise Public-Private Partnerships in the implementation of the Ten Point Plan.

Whilst we support the raising of funds from the private sector to build new hospitals and improve infrastructure as part of preparations for the implementation of the NHI, we are totally against the use of PPP’s, especially regarding the management and operations of facilities.

The union believes that the state has to be the sole agent of change and while we are open to engagement with government, we will fiercely oppose and fight against the use of PPP’s in the health sector.

2.4 SACTWU responds to the State of the Nation speech

Andre Kriel, SACTWU General Secretary, 11 February 2010

SACTWU has noted the President's statements in his State of the Nation speech that "industrial policy will build labour absorbing industries", that the broad policy direction outlined in his address will be practically detailed in implementation strategies to be announced by the responsible ministries, that Ministers will be required to sign target performance agreements and that 2010 will be a year of action.

SACTWU welcomes this.

The union now looks forward to the details and call for increased resources to be allocated for industrial policy implementation measures to build labour absorbing industries, such as clothing and textiles, by the various responsible ministries, in particular by the Minister of Finance in his budget speech next week.

2.5 ANCYL celebrates Madiba’s release

Floyd Shivambu, ANC YL Spokesperson, 11 February 2010

The ANC YL celebrated the Anniversary of the release of Former ANC Youth League, ANC and RSA President Nelson Mandela after 27 years for being a political prisoner of the colonial-cum-apartheid, repressive, racist regime. Comrade Nelson Mandela a leader of the ANC fought against the ruthless oppression of the black majority of South Africa and is an icon of the people's suffering who sought to organise the masses of our people in the armed struggle for liberation.

Comrade Nelson Mandela was certainly not an observer of the processes of the Freedom Charter but a volunteer in chief in its adoption and hence an advocate for the Nationalisation of Mines as a means of ensuring that the mineral wealth of country belongs to the people. In his first public address after release from prison, former President Nelson Mandela said, “nationalisation of the mines, banks and monopoly industry is the policy of the ANC and a change or modification of our view in this regard is inconceivable”. The ANC Youth League is aware that there are deliberate attempts to forget this outstanding observation by President Nelson Mandela and will stop nowhere to ensure that his vision is ultimately realised.

Comrade Nelson Mandela called for Freedom in his lifetime when he led the ANCYL and such freedom beyond the achievements of struggle for liberation against the racist in inhumane regime. Nelson Mandela fought for and lived to realise political freedom in his lifetime. Inspired by his courage, commitment and dedication, our generation of the Youth League is calling for Economic Freedom in Our lifetime and that will happen in our lifetime. Economic Freedom means the attainment of the all clauses of the Freedom Charter, with no additions, no substitutions and no liberal interpretations.

The ANC YL reaffirms the absolute truth that Nelson Mandela was never released by F.W. De Klerk; he was released by the people of South Africa. We reject the notion that F.W. De Klerk was solely responsible for the release of political prisoners and should because of that be celebrated. F.W. De Klerk’s address to Parliament 20 years ago was never a result of his individual brilliance, but a capitulation to the revolutionary forces in and outside South Africa, who had exposed apartheid’s murderous, immoral and repressive practices of the black majority and Africans in particular. The address by De Klerk was a demonstration of the reality that no unjust system can rule over people forever.

As we mark the 20 years of Nelson Mandela's release we call upon all young people of South Africa to honour the heroes of our struggle that served the ANC in exile and sacrificed their lives and families for the democracy we enjoy. We call upon our young people to serve the nation and the ANCYL at all times as defenders of the revolution on guard. The road ahead of us is too long and might be difficult, but all young people are called upon to honour Nelson Mandela through defence of the ANC and its vision of building a truly non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.

2.6 Making expenditure control, equity and efficiency work for Rural Health

Health in Focus, 12 February 2010

This is the first issue of Rural Health in Focus, which aims to draw systematic attention to the successes and challenges of rural health in order to improve national health outcomes. This issue focuses specifically on rural health financing, efficiency and equity. To fully appreciate the support rural health care needs in order to meet national goals, we invite the President, the Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance, the Minister and Deputy Minister of Health, as well as the other Finance MinMec and Members of the National Health Council to shadow a rural doctor for a full day.

In his State of the Nation Address, President Zuma reinforced the message that government is serious about improving the nation’s health. The National Minister of Health, Dr Motsoaledi, has announced various strategies to achieve this. These include the National Health Insurance, and first and foremost, the overall strengthening of the public health service through improved ‘Quality and Efficiency’, specifically at Primary Health Care level. A central role has been allocated to expenditure control and equity. Enhanced accountability among public servants is another key ingredient, as pointed out in the ANC Today edition of 29 January - 4 February 2010 by Deputy Minister of Health Dr Sefularo.

The announced plans, and focus on quality, efficiency and equity, pose an important opportunity for rural health improvements. Rural communities have fewer resources, less information, less access to health facilities, fewer health care practitioners and worsening health outcomes. To meet the national call for equity in health, we need to strive for equal access to quality, affordable health care for those in equal need of health care. With the levels of inequality in our society, this thus requires more resources for specific groups and services.

Caution is required. In the past well-intended policy decisions have had a negative impact on rural health. The closing of nursing colleges in rural hospitals, the OSD, and the separation of hospitals from clinics are some examples. How do we ensure that the newly announced plans at national level have far-reaching, sustainable benefits for rural communities, where 43,7% of our population resides? They key question is:

Will the move to expenditure control and achieving quality and equity lead to more funds for rural health care, better planning and less waste?

As we speak today, decisions continue to be made that harm quality, efficiency and equity in rural health. Improper planning, insufficient and inequitable allocations, waste and budget cuts hamper service delivery on the ground.

3. International

3.1 SNN collects 200 fans on Facebook forum on its first day

Lucky Lukhele: SSN- Spokesperson, 12 February 2010

Swaziland has no democracy. On the 20th anniversary of the legitimisation of the ANC and the SACP in South Africa, Swaziland was in its 36th year of 'State of Emergency' - i.e. the brutal, thieving dictatorship of one man.

Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV infection in the world.

To view or join the new SSN Facebook Forum, please go to: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=nf&gid=301238832249

The SSN wishes to inform the world that it has since got to our attention that one of the students who was arrested yesterday has since been charged with Terrorism and will today appear at the High Court. Comrade Sicelo Vilane, a journalism student at Citec College (the exact name of the college has not yet be confirmed), was one of the people who converged at the Manzini city centre as part of the student protestors and was abducted and tortured.

He says that he was carrying a camera to take pictures of the event in order to give the Times offices, particularly a journalist he works closely with.

His only crime was that he took pictures of police torturing and tormenting Pius Vilakati, UNISWA President, and while going back to take more pictures of other students one police officer followed him and grabbed him from behind and demanded that he delete the pictures. He was taken to the police headquarters in Manzini where he was tortured while being asked why he was taking the pictures. He told them that he was working closely with a Times journalist, Joseph Zulu, and wanted to give him the pictures.

The police then phoned Zulu and enquired if he knew comrade Sicelo and he responded to the affirmative. He was then searched and a Swaziland Youth Congress [SWAYOCO] card bearing his name was found. He was then tortured viciously and then charged with contravening Section 19 (1) (b) of the Terrorism Act. Yesterday he spent the entire day at the police station and no efforts was made that he be taken to court even though according to law suspects must have appeared before a Magistrate by at least 48 hours of their arrest. Owing to the many comrades that were abducted and tortured yesterday, we could not trace the comrade's whereabouts only to get to know today. Even though the comrade has been arrested and tortured viciously, police have not made efforts to contact his parents to inform them of his arrest.

3.2 SAMWU supports Swaziland Democracy campaign

Tahir Sema, SAMWU’s National Media and Publicity officer, 11 February 2010

Yesterday morning, a group of representatives from trade unions, civil society and faith based organisations were gathered in Johannesburg to finalise a programme to launch the new Swaziland Democracy Campaign. The Campaign is designed to be an active partnership of Swazi and South African organisations committed to achieving democracy in Swaziland. It is to be formally launched on Sunday 21^st February after a strategy workshop the day before.

As if to emphasise the absolute necessity of such a Campaign, news came through from Swaziland via text messages while we were meeting, informing those present that four prominent student leaders had just been arrested by the police and taken to an undisclosed destination. Other students were manhandled and threatened with state violence if they tried to intervene. Part of the town where a student protest was planned was cut off by armed police.

This is just one example of the day to day terror that exists in Swaziland and that serves to completely contradict the manipulated image of a peaceful kingdom ruled over by wise men and much loved royal elite. The royal Swazi regime can boast two shocking world records. The first is that they have maintained through force, the longest State of Emergency in Africa, for 36 years to be exact. A State of Emergency that grants the repressive state draconian powers of arrest, bannings and disappearances the like of which was not out of place under apartheid.

The second world record is that Swaziland has the highest infection rates of HIV than anywhere else in the world. Infection rates that are no doubt exacerbated by chronic poverty and the absence of even basic facilities for the overwhelmingly poor population. This stands in stark comparison to the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by the royal elite and their shameless hangers-on.

We commend the Swaziland National Union of Students and all those other progressive forces who have dared to stand up and fight for their rights despite the constant threat of suppression. We demand the immediate release of the student leaders and an end to the repressive actions of the state.

We applaud all of those who have courageously committed themselves to forming the Swaziland Democracy Campaign, even though they risk being victimised for daring to voice the need for human rights within a democratic Swaziland.

The new Campaign will call upon the South African Government and SADC countries as a whole to acknowledge that within their ranks they are effectively protecting a regime that denies its citizens even the most fundamental rights. This cannot continue without being challenged. A very large number of organisations in Swaziland, South Africa and across the world have already committed themselves to the Campaign. There is no doubt in our minds that the days of the Swaziland regime are limited. As South Africans and democrats everywhere celebrate 20 years of Nelson Mandelas walk to freedom, we would do well to remember that the once powerful apartheid regime once poured scorn on those demanding freedom as the much less secure Swazi regime does today.

We urge all those who are inspired by the progressive actions of students and the countless others who have refused to remain subjugated, to embrace the new Swaziland Democracy Campaign and attend its launch on Sunday the 21^st February at 11.00am the Civil Centre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

3.3 Swaziland students hold night vigil

Maxwell Dlamini, SNUS National Organising Secretary, 11 February 2010

Students will have an all night prayer vigil at the Bishop's house in Manzini starting at 6.30 pm. The Bishop's house is located next to Caritas at the hub of Swaziland. Those from Manzini who do not know the Bishop's house will have to meet at Caritas where they will be given directions.

Comrades do not be misled, we ALL want to go back to class and we will be praying that government gives us a positive feedback so that we could get back to class as soon as possible. Also, students will get the chance to hear what the Ministry's responce to our demand is. Students must know that we did not close the colleges and University and we must demand that they be opened now. We must come to the prayer in our numbers. Transport from Mbabane will take students at Engine garage at 6pm and Nhlangano at the KFC at the same time. Each one must invite the other and spread this message as wide as possible

3.4 Swaziland student faces charges of terrorism

Mancoba Nxumalo, SNUS, 11 February 2010

It is with great regret that we announce that it has since got to our attention that one of the students who was arrested yesterday has since been charged with Terrorism and will tomorrow appear at the High Court.

Sicelo Vilane, a journalism student at Citec College (the exact name of the college has not yet be confirmed), was one of the people who converged at the Manzini city centre as part of the student protestors and was abducted and tortured. He says that he was carrying a camera to take pictures of the event in order to give the Times offices, particulary a journalist he works closely with.

He told me from his jail cell (I was one of the first people to visit him yesterday) at the Manzini police station that he took pictures of police torturing and tormening Pius Vilakati, UNISWA President, and while going back to take more pictures of other students one police officer followed him and grabbed him from behind and demanded that he delete the pictures. He was taken to the police headquaters in Manzini where he was tortured while being asked why he was taking the pictures.

He told them that he was working closely with a Times journalist, Joseph Zulu, and wanted to give him the pictures. The police then phoned Zulu and enquired if he knew Cde Sicelo and he responded to the affirmative. He was then searched and a SWAYOCO card bearing his name was found. He was then tortured viciously and then charged with contravening Section 19 (1) (b) of the Teeorism Act.

Today he spent the entire day at the police station and no efforts was made that he be taken to court even though according to law suspects must have appeared before a Magistrate by at least 48 hours of their arrest. Owing to the many comrades that were abducted and tortured yesterday, we could not trace the comrade's whereabouts only to get to know today. Even though the comrade has been arrested and tortured viciously, police have not made eforts to contact his parents to inform them of his arrest and we had to call them late after lunch today to alert them that their son had been arrested.

4. Announcement

4.1 Professor Michael Burawoy Presents:Conversations with Pierre Bourdieu

The Society, Work and Development Institute (SWOP) and the Sociology Department, together with the Faculty of Humanities and the School of Social Sciences Seminar Series in Social and Historical Enquiry at the University of the Witwatersrand are hosting a series of eight lectures by Professor Michael Burawoy (Department of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley and Mellon Distinguished Visiting Professor, Wits University) aiming to surface conversations between Pierre Bourdieu and diverse social theorists working in the Marxist tradition.

Mon. Feb. 22, 2010: Introduction: Who’s Afraid of Pierre Bourdieu?

Wed. Feb. 24, 2010:Theory and Practice: Marx meets Bourdieu

Mon. March 1, 2010:The Nature of Domination: Gramsci meets Bourdieu

Wed. March 3, 2010: Colonialism and Revolution: Fanon meets Bourdieu

Mon. March 8, 2010: Pedagogy for Whom? Freire Meets Bourdieu

Wed. March 10, 2010: Antinomies of Feminism: Beauvoir Meets Bourdieu

Wed. March 24, 2010: Intellectuals and their Publics: Mills Meets Bourdieu

Mon. March 29, 2010: Is there a Working Class?: Burawoy Meets Bourdieu

Venue: Graduate Seminar Room, South-West Engineering Building

Time: 16h00-18h00

RSVP: shameen....@wits.ac.za

Pierre Bourdieu

Pierre Bourdieu (1930-2002) was the most renowned sociologist and social theorist of our time. His work ranged from politics to culture, from sport to literature, photography and painting, from economics to philosophy, from gender to colonialism. He continues to be read across the disciplines of the social sciences and humanities and increasingly in every corner of the world. Great theorist though he was, he was always committed to empirical research – from his ethnography of the Kabyle and the Algerian War to his studies of French peasants, from his correspondence analysis of consumption patterns to in-depth interviews with immigrants. He was at once a theorist of symbolic domination, a defender of reflexive science, a vehement critic of market society and a prominent public sociologist. It is not possible to grasp his work outside its relation to others, in our case relations constructed as conversations with Marxism – a tradition with regard to which he was at best ambivalent. The conversations are largely silent in his own work, and it is the purpose of the lectures to make them audible.

Michael Burawoy

Michael Burawoy has studied industrial workplaces in different parts of the world through participant observation, casting light on the nature of postcolonialism, the organization of consent to capitalism, the peculiar forms of working class consciousness and work organization in state socialism, and the dilemmas of transition from socialism to capitalism. He has developed theoretically driven methodologies that allow broad conclusions to be drawn from ethnographic research and case studies. Throughout his career he has engaged with Marxism, seeking to reconstruct it in the light of historical challenges of the late 20^th and early 21^st centuries. He teaches sociology at the University of California, Berkeley and is the author of The Colour of Class (1972), Manufacturing Consent (1979), The Politics of Production (1985), The Radiant Past (1992), Ethnography Unbound (2000), and The Extended Case Method: four countries, four decades, four great transformations, and one theoretical tradition (2009). Professor Burawoy is Vice-President of the International Sociological Association, and is a Visiting Scholar at the Society, Work and Development Institute (SWOP) at the University of the Witwatersrand.

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