Against social inequality in South Africa

After the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa established democratic principles and a progressive constitution. However, society is still characterised by major social and economic injustices. Nowhere in the world is economic inequality greater than in South Africa. At 63 points, the country leads the Gini index, which statistically measures income inequality. In this environment, Solidar Suisse has been campaigning for social justice and better working conditions, especially for precarious workers, since 1991.

Unemployment and exploitation

The unemployment rate in South Africa today is over 40 per cent. And those who do have a job are often exploited for very low wages. Temporary employment agencies that do not adhere to collective labour agreements are on the rise. These companies place workers who usually do the same work as permanent employees. However, they do this for a much lower wage, without social benefits and without protection against dismissal.

This exploitation of workers leads to extreme inequality and great poverty. Half of the people in South Africa today live on less than USD 70 per month. At the same time, the cost of living is rising. The consequences of extreme inequality are crime and a life behind barbed wire.

  • Life expectancy: 64 years Average life expectancy in Switzerland: 83.6 years
  • Literacy rate: 90 % Literacy rate among adults in Switzerland: 99.9 %
  • Gini-Index: 63 The Gini-Index measures the degree of income inequality: The higher the number, the more inequality. Switzerland: 32.7
Vor der CWAO Beratungsstelle: Treffpunkt von Arbeiter*innen Vor der CWAO Beratungsstelle: Treffpunkt von Arbeiter*innen

The Casual Workers Advice Office in an industrial suburb of Johannesburg. © Solidar Suisse

Self-organisation, legal advice and strikes

In cooperation with local NGOs and trade unions, we campaign for precariously employed workers in South Africa.

Thanks to legal advice, they can go to court or organise strikes and demonstrations. Organisational advice enables workers to better organise themselves in the factories. Solidar Suisse works with local partner organisations to fight for labour rights to be respected and against exploitation.

However, the problem of the exploitation of precarious workers does not stop at national borders. It is a problem throughout Southern Africa. The South African Solidar partner organisation CWAO was the inspiration behind the founding of the Southern African Regional Network (SARN), which brings together organisations of workers from seven countries: Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Mauritius. So far, organisations of agricultural workers, domestic workers and migrant workers have been represented. They exchange information on labour rights and coordinate strategies in the fight against exploitation and precarisation. Most SARN meetings take place via Zoom. Once a year, the organisations meet physically, usually in Johannesburg.

“You can’t buy much or choose your own lifestyle with what you earn from distributors. Let’s try to improve the situation for upcoming generations.”

Winnie Nkutha Temporary worker at a shopping centre

Projects in South Africa

Decent Work

We fight for social justice in South Africa together with the Casual Workers Advice Office (CWAO), local NGOs and trade unions.

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