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HOW DID THE CONGRESS OF SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE UNIONS (COSATU) RESPOND TO THE APARTHEID GOVERNMENT’S LABOUR REFORMS IN THE 1980s? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and answer the questions that follow - English General - NSC History - Question 1 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 1
HOW DID THE CONGRESS OF SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE UNIONS (COSATU) RESPOND TO THE APARTHEID GOVERNMENT’S LABOUR REFORMS IN THE 1980s? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:HOW DID THE CONGRESS OF SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE UNIONS (COSATU) RESPOND TO THE APARTHEID GOVERNMENT’S LABOUR REFORMS IN THE 1980s? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and answer the questions that follow - English General - NSC History - Question 1 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
1.1.1 Why, according to the source, did the newly launched COSATU threaten to call a national strike?
Answer
According to the source, COSATU threatened to call a national strike due to the government's potential actions against migrant workers. They had promised to support the organization of these workers, particularly in the homelands, in response to the government's threats.
Step 2
1.1.2 Explain why you think COSATU supported the campaign for disinvestment against the apartheid government.
Answer
COSATU likely supported the campaign for disinvestment as it aimed to isolate the apartheid government economically and politically. By urging companies to withdraw investments, COSATU sought to apply financial pressure on the regime, thereby advocating for the rights of all South Africans and pushing for an end to apartheid.
Step 3
1.1.3 Define the term nationalisation in your own words.
Answer
Nationalisation refers to the process by which the government takes control of privately owned industries or assets, transforming them into public entities operated for the benefit of the community rather than for individual profit.
Step 4
1.1.4 What is implied by the statement, 'that it [COSATU] was committed to one-person-one-vote in a unitary South Africa', in the context of its role as a labour movement?
Answer
The statement implies that COSATU was dedicated to the principle of democracy and equal representation. By advocating for one-person-one-vote, COSATU positioned itself not only as a labour movement but also as a proponent for broader societal changes towards inclusivity and equality in South Africa.
Step 5
Step 6
1.2.2 Identify evidence in the source that indicates that this was a COSATU poster.
Answer
The evidence indicating that this was a COSATU poster includes the COSATU logo, references to their campaigns, and specific wording that aligns with their objectives of labor rights and opposition to the government's policies.
Step 7
1.2.3 Comment on the limitations of this source to a researcher studying COSATU’s response to the Labour Relations Amendment Act.
Answer
The limitations of this source include that it presents a biased perspective, focusing solely on COSATU's viewpoint without including alternate narratives. Additionally, it may not provide comprehensive details about the broader socio-political context surrounding the Labour Relations Amendment Act.
Step 8
1.3.1 Quote evidence from the source suggesting that anti-apartheid groups were negatively affected by the state of emergency.
Answer
The source indicates that anti-apartheid groups faced severe restrictions, particularly in their ability to organize and campaign, highlighting the oppressive measures imposed during the state of emergency.
Step 9
Step 10
1.3.3 Why do you think the government prohibited COSATU from campaigning for the unbanning of the ANC and the release of political prisoners?
Answer
The government likely prohibited COSATU from campaigning for these causes to suppress dissent and maintain control over the political landscape. Allowing COSATU to support these movements could have galvanized further opposition against the apartheid regime.
Step 11
1.3.4 Explain the concept sanctions in the context of COSATU's position in resisting the apartheid government.
Answer
In this context, sanctions refer to measures designed to pressure the apartheid government through economic and political restrictions. COSATU supported sanctions as a strategic tool to push for change and highlight the injustices of the apartheid system.
Step 12
1.4.1 What, according to the source, were the TWO challenges that the COSATU special congress had to respond to on 14 May 1988?
Answer
The two challenges mentioned were the need to address the apartheid government's restrictive policies and to unify trade union responses to the societal and political issues facing workers.
Step 13
1.4.2 List THREE ways from the source which show how the Labour Relations Amendment Act would affect workers and their trade unions.
Answer
- It limited workers' rights to strike.
- It severely restricted the formation of new trade unions.
- It imposed barriers on organizing workers, making it harder for them to seek representation.
Step 14
1.4.3 Explain the meaning of the statement, COSATU was denied the right 'to operate on the national political terrain', in the context of restrictions imposed by the apartheid government.
Answer
This statement emphasizes that COSATU was constrained from engaging in political activities, limiting their effectiveness in advocating for workers' rights and broader social justice due to governmental restrictions.
Step 15
1.4.4 Comment on what is implied by the words, 'COSATU would not knuckle under (give in) without a struggle', in the context of the threat posed by the apartheid government.
Answer
These words suggest that COSATU was determined to resist oppression and fight for workers' rights, indicating a readiness to confront the apartheid government despite the risks involved.
Step 16
1.5 Explain how the information in Source 1B supports the information in Source 1D regarding COSATU’s response to the Labour Relations Amendment Act.
Answer
Source 1B highlights COSATU's emphasis on solidarity and collective action against the Labour Relations Amendment Act, while Source 1D provides specific examples of challenges faced by COSATU and the urgency of responding to restrictive laws, illustrating a coherent narrative of resistance.
Step 17
1.6 Using the information in the relevant sources and your own knowledge, write a paragraph of about EIGHT lines (about 80 words) explaining how COSATU responded to the apartheid government’s labour reforms in the 1980s.
Answer
COSATU actively resisted the apartheid government's labour reforms by organizing strikes and advocating for workers' rights. The union leveraged its large membership to push for social justice, participate in disinvestment campaigns, and challenge oppressive laws. They faced significant government restrictions yet remained committed to promoting equal rights and one-person-one-vote principles. COSATU's operations were characterized by solidarity with other anti-apartheid movements, reflecting their role as a crucial player in the fight against apartheid.