THE MONITOR Barry Baxter reports on a suggested reshaping of South Africa's mining industry

摘要

South Africa, described as "the engine of growth throughout southern Africa" and "the most exciting economic story on the continent" is being debilitated by the ongoing unrest in the country's mining industry. Although fears of more serious violence have diminished, there are still concerns. Strikes have spread into the general economy, but an activist's call for a general strike was not taken up. In November, security guards opened fire on strikers allegedly trying to break into an armoury at a coal mine. Two people died from their wounds. Police had to use tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse strikers at a gold mine as they attempted to set fire to a power plant.