Arbeidstransformasie in die landbousektor in die Noordwes-provinsie sedert 1994

Abstract

During the past decade and particularly following the election of the ANC to Government, there has been a dramatic change in labour relations in the agricultural sector of South Africa. This has primarily been the result of the implementation of new labour legislation which, after many years now includes the agricultural sector. Together with the change in legislation, farmers are increasingly confronted with the reality of Black Trade Unions. The importance, of Black farm workers in trade unions, is high on their list of priorities, as their membership would increase, resulting in strengthening the political bargaining power of the unions. Trade unions have already spread to every province in South Africa and at least twelve are, to a greater or lesser extent, successfuIly active agriculture. In a agricultural environment which is characterized by deregulation in contrast to the increasing regulation of labour, the South African farmer is forced to abandon the traditional way of management and is compelled to find a style of management which satisfies the demands of a formal environment where he finds himself at present. Objectives of the study The main objectives of the study were to determine: - How farmers handle and experience the current transformation process. - Whether farmers are ready to manage labour successfully according to the demands of a changing labour environment.

- What the expectations of farmers are in connection with labour as a production factor in a changed labour environment. - What the current position is regarding labour relations in agriculture. - To conceptualize the process of social changes in agriculture in accordance with relevant theories in literature. Methodology Concerning the theoretical groundwork, chapter two concentrates on some approaches and theoretical perspectives with regard to social change. The work of Karl Marx and Ralf Dahrendorf was emphasized. The triple relationship between employer, employee and the state as the three parties involved in a labour relationship system is discussed in chapter three. It was done against the background of John T. Dunlap's view of a labour-relationship system. In chapter four the relevant legislation applicable to agriculture is discussed. In the empirical investigation (chapter five) the survey procedure was used as research technique, while a structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. Major findings - More than half (51.24%) of the respondents are older than fifty years of age, while only 14.93% of the respondents are younger than thirty-nine years old. - 35.82% of the respondents are graduates and in possession of a post-graduate qualification.

- Almost two-thirds (63 .18%) of the respondents have attended courses in labour relations. - Only 28.86% of the respondents have a thorough knowledge of labour relations. - Only 6.60% of the respondents are positive about new labour legislation. - Only 11.5% of the respondents are sufficiently knowledgeable to implement the new legislation on their farms. - Only 3.5% of the respondents are positive about trade unions in agriculture. - More than two thirds of the respondents (69.15%) are of the opinion that trade unions activities and labour legislation will be restrictive with regard to decision-making in connection with farming matters. - It is clear that farmers have developed a negative attitude towards their employees since the election of the ANC government. Conclusion Farmers in this area are negative and dubious about trade unions and related labour legislation. This could be attributed to the fact that farmers do not possess sufficient knowledge and information about the subject. A solution, for the sake of survival in this sector, is dependent upon the willingness of farmers to undertake early proactive adaptations and thereby avoiding future conflict. This could partially be accomplished, by improving the knowledge levels in respect of trade unions affairs and labour legislation, as soon as possible. Trade unions, as a reality in agriculture, must be accepted as part of a changing labour environment, in which agriculture must function.