The role of male competition and female choice in the mating success of a Lek-breeding Southern African Cichlid fish Pseudocrenilabrus Philander (Pisces: Cichlidae)
- Authors: Chan, Tin-Yam
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Cichlids -- Africa, Southern -- Physiology Courtship in animals Fishes -- Reproduction Cichlids Pseudocrenilabrus philander Lek-breeding Courtship Reproduction Spawning Competition Rivalry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002049
- Description: A lek-breeding cichlid fish Pseudocrenilabrus philander was studied experimentally. Females in choice-chamber experiments showed no active choice for male size and colour, or for other male attributes, but preferred males which courted most actively. In a laboratory lek, the significant determinants of the strongly skewed mating success in males were territory size, side-shake and female chasing frequency. Together these three variables explained 79% of the variation in male mating success, with territory size alone accounting for 75% of the variation and the other two variables each accounting for 2% of the remaining variation. As there was no difference in territory quality in the laboratory lek, territory size became the principal measure of the effect of male-male competition since it was directly related to dominance. Both side-shake and female chasing could be identified as the basic factors influencing female choice, as they had an immediate effect on the display-response mating system of females. Thus, the relative importance of these three variables indicated that sexual selection in this particular lek mating species operated chiefly through the agency of intrasexual competition for dominance. However, both female behaviour and their requirement for a prolonged pre-spawning courtship had the effect of promoting male rivalry and favouring mating with dominant males. Although the intense male competition excluded subordinate males from practising normal courtship behaviour, competitively inferior males might "make the best of a bad situation" by facultatively adopting an alternative sneaking tactic to gain access to females. Spawning intrusions by females to steal freshly-laid eggs also occurred frequently. However, territorial males appeared to be relatively more tolerant of female intruders than male sneakers. Interference during spawning could lead to a longer pre-spawning courtship and even multiple-mating by females. The results of the present study and the behavioural evidence shown by males and females did not support the ʺrunaway selection modelʺ of the mating pattern in terms of sexual selection in leks, but conformed to the rival ʺwar propaganda modelʺ
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chan, Tin-Yam
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Cichlids -- Africa, Southern -- Physiology Courtship in animals Fishes -- Reproduction Cichlids Pseudocrenilabrus philander Lek-breeding Courtship Reproduction Spawning Competition Rivalry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002049
- Description: A lek-breeding cichlid fish Pseudocrenilabrus philander was studied experimentally. Females in choice-chamber experiments showed no active choice for male size and colour, or for other male attributes, but preferred males which courted most actively. In a laboratory lek, the significant determinants of the strongly skewed mating success in males were territory size, side-shake and female chasing frequency. Together these three variables explained 79% of the variation in male mating success, with territory size alone accounting for 75% of the variation and the other two variables each accounting for 2% of the remaining variation. As there was no difference in territory quality in the laboratory lek, territory size became the principal measure of the effect of male-male competition since it was directly related to dominance. Both side-shake and female chasing could be identified as the basic factors influencing female choice, as they had an immediate effect on the display-response mating system of females. Thus, the relative importance of these three variables indicated that sexual selection in this particular lek mating species operated chiefly through the agency of intrasexual competition for dominance. However, both female behaviour and their requirement for a prolonged pre-spawning courtship had the effect of promoting male rivalry and favouring mating with dominant males. Although the intense male competition excluded subordinate males from practising normal courtship behaviour, competitively inferior males might "make the best of a bad situation" by facultatively adopting an alternative sneaking tactic to gain access to females. Spawning intrusions by females to steal freshly-laid eggs also occurred frequently. However, territorial males appeared to be relatively more tolerant of female intruders than male sneakers. Interference during spawning could lead to a longer pre-spawning courtship and even multiple-mating by females. The results of the present study and the behavioural evidence shown by males and females did not support the ʺrunaway selection modelʺ of the mating pattern in terms of sexual selection in leks, but conformed to the rival ʺwar propaganda modelʺ
- Full Text:
The selection and evaluation of grey-level thresholds applied to digital images
- Authors: Brink, Anton David
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Image processing -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5443 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001996
- Description: Many applications of image processing require the initial segmentation of the image by means of grey-level thresholding. In this thesis, the problems of automatic threshold selection and evaluation are addressed in order to find a universally applicable thresholding method. Three previously proposed threshold selection techniques are investigated, and two new methods are introduced. The results of applying these methods to several different images are evaluated using two threshold evaluation techniques, one subjective and one quantitative. It is found that no threshold selection technique is universally acceptable, as different methods work best with different images and applications
- Full Text:
- Authors: Brink, Anton David
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Image processing -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5443 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001996
- Description: Many applications of image processing require the initial segmentation of the image by means of grey-level thresholding. In this thesis, the problems of automatic threshold selection and evaluation are addressed in order to find a universally applicable thresholding method. Three previously proposed threshold selection techniques are investigated, and two new methods are introduced. The results of applying these methods to several different images are evaluated using two threshold evaluation techniques, one subjective and one quantitative. It is found that no threshold selection technique is universally acceptable, as different methods work best with different images and applications
- Full Text:
The sulphidization of mineral surfaces as applied to the froth flotation process
- Authors: Ramagwede, Mudzimba Hubert
- Date: 1988 , 2013-02-28
- Subjects: Sulfide minerals , Flotation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4296 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004590
- Description: This work constitutes a fundamental study of the interaction between soluble sulphide,copper (II) oxide and cerussite particles in the presence of Ca²⁺ ,Mg²⁺ starch , gum arabic and Triton X- IOO . A detailed investigation of the effect of pH of the system on the rate of sulphide uptake was made . In addition , the structural form of the surface precipitat.es were determined with the aid of scanning electron microscopy . On the basis of these results , it was concluded that adsorption of sulphide on cerussite in the presence or absence of Ca²⁺ starch, gum arabic and Triton X-IOO could either lead to the formation of a non-uniform or a uniform sulphide layer depending on the experimental conditions . However , the interaction of copper (II) · oxide wi th soluble sulphide in the presence or absence of the above mentioned species always led to the formation or a non-uniform sulphide layer . Preliminary experiments of the interaction between xanthate and sulphidized surface showed that oxide surface covered with metal sulphide layer reacts with less xanthate than the free oxide surface.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ramagwede, Mudzimba Hubert
- Date: 1988 , 2013-02-28
- Subjects: Sulfide minerals , Flotation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4296 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004590
- Description: This work constitutes a fundamental study of the interaction between soluble sulphide,copper (II) oxide and cerussite particles in the presence of Ca²⁺ ,Mg²⁺ starch , gum arabic and Triton X- IOO . A detailed investigation of the effect of pH of the system on the rate of sulphide uptake was made . In addition , the structural form of the surface precipitat.es were determined with the aid of scanning electron microscopy . On the basis of these results , it was concluded that adsorption of sulphide on cerussite in the presence or absence of Ca²⁺ starch, gum arabic and Triton X-IOO could either lead to the formation of a non-uniform or a uniform sulphide layer depending on the experimental conditions . However , the interaction of copper (II) · oxide wi th soluble sulphide in the presence or absence of the above mentioned species always led to the formation or a non-uniform sulphide layer . Preliminary experiments of the interaction between xanthate and sulphidized surface showed that oxide surface covered with metal sulphide layer reacts with less xanthate than the free oxide surface.
- Full Text:
Theory in interpretive psychology - with special reference to Paul Ricoeur's interpretation of Freud
- Authors: Du Toit, Barry
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Freud, Sigmund, 1856-1939 , Ricœur, Paul , Psychoanalysis
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2906 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002071
- Description: The thesis aims to show that, while an interpretive psychology is not compatible with theory as it occurs in the predictive- causal explanation of the natural sciences, it is both possible and necessary to develop a concept of theory valid within an interpretive methodology. These claims are advanced in the course of an examination of Ricoeur 's interpretation of Freudian psychoanalysis. After examining some traditional ways in which phenomenological psychology has responded to the psychoanalytic challenge, the thesis presents an interpretation of Freudian psychoanalysis as a hermeneutic approach which utilized theoretical constructions in a productive way, although distorted by Freud's natural-scientific self- understanding. Freud's causal-explanatory language and natural- scientific meta theory are shown to be significant inasmuch as they provide a vehicle for theory construction in psychoanalysis. However, since the theory is modeled on that of the natural sciences, it proves incompatible with the interpretive aspects of Freud's approach. We then establish a concept of theory and of causal analysis which is different to that of the natural sciences, and is compatible with, and indeed founded in, an interpretive approach to psychology. These concepts are then illustrated in the context of psychoanalysis. In the final chapter the advantages of the use of theory in interpretive psychology are discussed.
- Full Text:
Theory in interpretive psychology - with special reference to Paul Ricoeur's interpretation of Freud
- Authors: Du Toit, Barry
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Freud, Sigmund, 1856-1939 , Ricœur, Paul , Psychoanalysis
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2906 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002071
- Description: The thesis aims to show that, while an interpretive psychology is not compatible with theory as it occurs in the predictive- causal explanation of the natural sciences, it is both possible and necessary to develop a concept of theory valid within an interpretive methodology. These claims are advanced in the course of an examination of Ricoeur 's interpretation of Freudian psychoanalysis. After examining some traditional ways in which phenomenological psychology has responded to the psychoanalytic challenge, the thesis presents an interpretation of Freudian psychoanalysis as a hermeneutic approach which utilized theoretical constructions in a productive way, although distorted by Freud's natural-scientific self- understanding. Freud's causal-explanatory language and natural- scientific meta theory are shown to be significant inasmuch as they provide a vehicle for theory construction in psychoanalysis. However, since the theory is modeled on that of the natural sciences, it proves incompatible with the interpretive aspects of Freud's approach. We then establish a concept of theory and of causal analysis which is different to that of the natural sciences, and is compatible with, and indeed founded in, an interpretive approach to psychology. These concepts are then illustrated in the context of psychoanalysis. In the final chapter the advantages of the use of theory in interpretive psychology are discussed.
- Full Text:
Tidal exchanges of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus between a Sarcocornia salt-marsh and the Kariega estuary, and the role of salt-marsh brachyura in this transfer
- Authors: Taylor, David Ian
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Salt marsh ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Salt marsh animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Kariega River
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5623 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004524
- Description: Tidal exchanges of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus between a south temperate Sarcocornia marsh and its associated estuary are examined. Subterranean water flow was small, and the hydraulic exchange between the two systems largely surficial. The dominant tidal signal was semi-diurnal, and the extent of inundation of the marsh varied considerably as a consequence of interactions of semi-lunar tidal cycles with changes in daily mean sea level. Annual net fluxes of organic carbon were directed from the marsh to the estuary, but amounted to less than 2% of marsh aerial net primary productivity. This indicates the incompatibility of E.P. Odum's outwelling hypothesis to this marsh-estuarine system. The direction of net flux of organic carbon switched on a time-scale of days. These directions were largely correlated with mesoscale oceanic events, which materially altered the extent of marsh inundation, and which provided evidence of the mutual exclusivity of outwelling of DOC from the marsh and oceanic upwelling. Laboratory mesocosm experiments using intact marsh blocks of sediment from the marsh were conducted to identify the proximate processes and interactions at the marsh-water interface responsible for the variability of marsh-estuarine exchanges. Patterns of fluxes of organic carbon, total nitrogen and phosphorus were markedly different in the structurally contrasted tidal creek and Sarcocornia Zone regions of the marsh. Both regions exported these components, but the fluxes of organic carbon and total phosphorus were significantly larger from the tidal creek than from the Sarcocornia zone, and the opposite applied to nitrogen. The presence of brachyuran crabs . the most numerous macrofauna on the marsh enhanced the flux of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus from the marsh biocoenosis, largely as a result of the effect of their bioturbation. Evidence is examined which suggests that differential mobilization of nutrients in the two zones by crabs is responsible for biogeochemical coupling of these two regions , which may account for the elevated productivity of salt- marsh systems
- Full Text:
- Authors: Taylor, David Ian
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Salt marsh ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Salt marsh animals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Kariega River
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5623 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004524
- Description: Tidal exchanges of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus between a south temperate Sarcocornia marsh and its associated estuary are examined. Subterranean water flow was small, and the hydraulic exchange between the two systems largely surficial. The dominant tidal signal was semi-diurnal, and the extent of inundation of the marsh varied considerably as a consequence of interactions of semi-lunar tidal cycles with changes in daily mean sea level. Annual net fluxes of organic carbon were directed from the marsh to the estuary, but amounted to less than 2% of marsh aerial net primary productivity. This indicates the incompatibility of E.P. Odum's outwelling hypothesis to this marsh-estuarine system. The direction of net flux of organic carbon switched on a time-scale of days. These directions were largely correlated with mesoscale oceanic events, which materially altered the extent of marsh inundation, and which provided evidence of the mutual exclusivity of outwelling of DOC from the marsh and oceanic upwelling. Laboratory mesocosm experiments using intact marsh blocks of sediment from the marsh were conducted to identify the proximate processes and interactions at the marsh-water interface responsible for the variability of marsh-estuarine exchanges. Patterns of fluxes of organic carbon, total nitrogen and phosphorus were markedly different in the structurally contrasted tidal creek and Sarcocornia Zone regions of the marsh. Both regions exported these components, but the fluxes of organic carbon and total phosphorus were significantly larger from the tidal creek than from the Sarcocornia zone, and the opposite applied to nitrogen. The presence of brachyuran crabs . the most numerous macrofauna on the marsh enhanced the flux of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus from the marsh biocoenosis, largely as a result of the effect of their bioturbation. Evidence is examined which suggests that differential mobilization of nutrients in the two zones by crabs is responsible for biogeochemical coupling of these two regions , which may account for the elevated productivity of salt- marsh systems
- Full Text:
Toward a co-operative way
- Authors: Roberts, R , Swart, Jane
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/75674 , vital:30447
- Description: This publication is not intended to be a scientific study and in fact does not pretend to be as such. It merely poses various perspectives and issues that reflect on the development and growth of the co-operative movement. A great deal of information grows out of personal and other experiences that have been shared at various levels, both individual, group, workshop/conferences and visits of actual co-operatives at work. The main people who have shared these experiences have helped, in one way or another to shape this publication. To them, and they know who they are, a very warm and special word of thanks. A particular note of appreciation for Sonja Sleigh and the members of the Peace Centre, who spent many hours in the typesetting and actual compilation of the publication. It is hoped that at the end of the day, that the questions and issues posed in this publication will serve towards enriching the growth process; the growth toward a richer and more human society.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Roberts, R , Swart, Jane
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/75674 , vital:30447
- Description: This publication is not intended to be a scientific study and in fact does not pretend to be as such. It merely poses various perspectives and issues that reflect on the development and growth of the co-operative movement. A great deal of information grows out of personal and other experiences that have been shared at various levels, both individual, group, workshop/conferences and visits of actual co-operatives at work. The main people who have shared these experiences have helped, in one way or another to shape this publication. To them, and they know who they are, a very warm and special word of thanks. A particular note of appreciation for Sonja Sleigh and the members of the Peace Centre, who spent many hours in the typesetting and actual compilation of the publication. It is hoped that at the end of the day, that the questions and issues posed in this publication will serve towards enriching the growth process; the growth toward a richer and more human society.
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Towards a portable occam
- Authors: Hill, David Timothy
- Date: 1988 , 2013-03-07
- Subjects: occam (Computer program language) , Transputers , Parallel programming (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004749 , occam (Computer program language) , Transputers , Parallel programming (Computer science)
- Description: Occam is designed for concurrent programming on a network of transputers. AIlocation and partitioning of the program is specified within the source code, binding the program to a specific network. An altemative approach is proposed which completely separates the source code from hardware considerations. Static allocation is performed as a separate phase and should, ideally, be automatic but at present is manual. Complete hardware abstraction requires that non-local, shared communication be provided for, introducing an efficiency overhead which can be minimised by the allocation. The proposal was implemented on a network of IBM PCs, modelled on a transputer network, and implementation issues are discussed
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hill, David Timothy
- Date: 1988 , 2013-03-07
- Subjects: occam (Computer program language) , Transputers , Parallel programming (Computer science)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4587 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004749 , occam (Computer program language) , Transputers , Parallel programming (Computer science)
- Description: Occam is designed for concurrent programming on a network of transputers. AIlocation and partitioning of the program is specified within the source code, binding the program to a specific network. An altemative approach is proposed which completely separates the source code from hardware considerations. Static allocation is performed as a separate phase and should, ideally, be automatic but at present is manual. Complete hardware abstraction requires that non-local, shared communication be provided for, introducing an efficiency overhead which can be minimised by the allocation. The proposal was implemented on a network of IBM PCs, modelled on a transputer network, and implementation issues are discussed
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Towards an essential description of the experience of psychotherapy
- Authors: Letlaka, Kedibone Tembisa
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193183 , vital:45307
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to explore and clarify what the experience of psychotherapy with ex-detainees entails. This investigation and analysis is conducted within the framework of a phenomenological method. The researcher elicits both the ex-detainees' and the therapist's experiences of psychotherapy. Initially the problematic nature of research in psychotherapy is layed out. This is followed by an overview of literature and theory on trauma and its conceptualizations from various psychotherapeutic perspectives. The treatment implications in each case are mentioned. Trauma occurs in the detention experience so detention is then briefly looked at in terms of torture basically and the detention syndrome, post traumatic stress disorder. Core personality processes in relation to this diagnosis are given and the stress recovery process is summarized. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 1988
- Full Text:
- Authors: Letlaka, Kedibone Tembisa
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193183 , vital:45307
- Description: The aim of this thesis is to explore and clarify what the experience of psychotherapy with ex-detainees entails. This investigation and analysis is conducted within the framework of a phenomenological method. The researcher elicits both the ex-detainees' and the therapist's experiences of psychotherapy. Initially the problematic nature of research in psychotherapy is layed out. This is followed by an overview of literature and theory on trauma and its conceptualizations from various psychotherapeutic perspectives. The treatment implications in each case are mentioned. Trauma occurs in the detention experience so detention is then briefly looked at in terms of torture basically and the detention syndrome, post traumatic stress disorder. Core personality processes in relation to this diagnosis are given and the stress recovery process is summarized. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 1988
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Two Self-Publishing Poets: Michael King and Kriben Pillay
- Authors: Bunyan, David
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/460383 , vital:75925 , https://journals.co.za/doi/epdf/10.10520/AJA00284459_117
- Description: New Coin is one of South Africa's most established and influential poetry journals. It publishes poetry, and poetry-related reviews, commentary and interviews. New Coin places a particular emphasis on evolving forms and experimental use of the English language in poetry in the South African context. In this sense it has traced the most exciting trends and currents in contemporary poetry in South Africa for a decade of more. The journal is published twice a year in June and December by the Institute for the Study of English in Africa (ISEA), Rhodes University.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bunyan, David
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/460383 , vital:75925 , https://journals.co.za/doi/epdf/10.10520/AJA00284459_117
- Description: New Coin is one of South Africa's most established and influential poetry journals. It publishes poetry, and poetry-related reviews, commentary and interviews. New Coin places a particular emphasis on evolving forms and experimental use of the English language in poetry in the South African context. In this sense it has traced the most exciting trends and currents in contemporary poetry in South Africa for a decade of more. The journal is published twice a year in June and December by the Institute for the Study of English in Africa (ISEA), Rhodes University.
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What makes a painting good?: an enquiry into the criteria used in evaluation
- Authors: Frost, Lola
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Painting -- Appreciation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008542
- Description: From introduction: "To affirm that a work of art is good or bad is to commend or condemn, but not describe . Thus criticism does not, and cannot, have the impersonal character and strict rules applicable independently of time and place," .. . (Macdonald 1966: 111) "Criticism and appraisal, too, are more like creation than like demonstration and proof." (Macdonald 1966: 112) This essay articulates evaluatory criteria that are used by both critics and laymen and which are cross -culturally applicable. Thus it seeks to articulate relatively objective types of criteria which we all use when evaluating paintings. This essay articulates fixed and objective criteria, but within these categories recognizes that there is much room for skillful, sympathetic and knowledgeable criticism. Thus criticism is a creative act. These objectively- articulated criteria are best seen as aids to, rather than carbon copies, for evaluation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Frost, Lola
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Painting -- Appreciation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008542
- Description: From introduction: "To affirm that a work of art is good or bad is to commend or condemn, but not describe . Thus criticism does not, and cannot, have the impersonal character and strict rules applicable independently of time and place," .. . (Macdonald 1966: 111) "Criticism and appraisal, too, are more like creation than like demonstration and proof." (Macdonald 1966: 112) This essay articulates evaluatory criteria that are used by both critics and laymen and which are cross -culturally applicable. Thus it seeks to articulate relatively objective types of criteria which we all use when evaluating paintings. This essay articulates fixed and objective criteria, but within these categories recognizes that there is much room for skillful, sympathetic and knowledgeable criticism. Thus criticism is a creative act. These objectively- articulated criteria are best seen as aids to, rather than carbon copies, for evaluation.
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Work in Progress issue no.52
- COSATU
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173573 , vital:42385
- Description: As this edition of Work In Progress was going to print the state effectively banned 17 organisations and an undisclosed number of individuals, and severely restricted the Congress of South African Trade Unions. By doing this the government of State President PW Botha has escalated its ongoing war against the people of South and Southern Africa. Precisely why the state chose to act this way at this time is not clear. Visible resistance to apartheid in the townships has declined under the burden of emergency rule, and popular political and community organisation has been severely weakened. One possibility is that government is attempting to limit the massive resistance expected against the October local government elections, including the boycott call made by a number of those organisations effected by the latest clampdown. But whatever the reason, there remains no excuse whatsoever for believing that ‘reformers’ within the state hold any power. If the distinction between ‘militarists’ and ‘reformers’ is real, then the militarists have so obviously won ascendency that talk of ‘reformers’ wielding influence in government is absurd. There is even less excuse for those elements which stubbornly hold to the belief that the Botha administration has a reform programme. There is no doubt that it has plans to change the face of South Africa. So did the Nationalist government of Verwoerd. But it was never suggested that this involved ‘reform’. Change can be for the worse - and this is what the changes being made by Botha’s militarists involve. South Africa is a society at war. Government is at war with the majority of South Africans and Namibians, with the Angolan nation, and with the majority of frontline states. In Natal, it seems unwilling or unable to use the might of its laws against the vigilante perpetrators of a bloody and enduring civil war. On the labour front, its proposed amendment to the Labour Relations Act, combined with emergency restrictions on Cosatu, aim to close down trade union organisation or render it impotent. This war against the working class has another side, seen in Botha’s new economic deal, the wage freeze and moves to privatise substantial areas of the public sector. Many of the articles in this issue of WIP deal with facets of this war - from the ANC’s armed struggle to Botha’s economic war against the working class; from the Maritzburg civil war to allegations of riot police on the rampage in townships. Government’s 24 February banning of organisations and individuals, and the restrictions on Cosatu activity, must be seen in this context of a society at war with itself.
- Full Text:
- Authors: COSATU
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: COSATU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/173573 , vital:42385
- Description: As this edition of Work In Progress was going to print the state effectively banned 17 organisations and an undisclosed number of individuals, and severely restricted the Congress of South African Trade Unions. By doing this the government of State President PW Botha has escalated its ongoing war against the people of South and Southern Africa. Precisely why the state chose to act this way at this time is not clear. Visible resistance to apartheid in the townships has declined under the burden of emergency rule, and popular political and community organisation has been severely weakened. One possibility is that government is attempting to limit the massive resistance expected against the October local government elections, including the boycott call made by a number of those organisations effected by the latest clampdown. But whatever the reason, there remains no excuse whatsoever for believing that ‘reformers’ within the state hold any power. If the distinction between ‘militarists’ and ‘reformers’ is real, then the militarists have so obviously won ascendency that talk of ‘reformers’ wielding influence in government is absurd. There is even less excuse for those elements which stubbornly hold to the belief that the Botha administration has a reform programme. There is no doubt that it has plans to change the face of South Africa. So did the Nationalist government of Verwoerd. But it was never suggested that this involved ‘reform’. Change can be for the worse - and this is what the changes being made by Botha’s militarists involve. South Africa is a society at war. Government is at war with the majority of South Africans and Namibians, with the Angolan nation, and with the majority of frontline states. In Natal, it seems unwilling or unable to use the might of its laws against the vigilante perpetrators of a bloody and enduring civil war. On the labour front, its proposed amendment to the Labour Relations Act, combined with emergency restrictions on Cosatu, aim to close down trade union organisation or render it impotent. This war against the working class has another side, seen in Botha’s new economic deal, the wage freeze and moves to privatise substantial areas of the public sector. Many of the articles in this issue of WIP deal with facets of this war - from the ANC’s armed struggle to Botha’s economic war against the working class; from the Maritzburg civil war to allegations of riot police on the rampage in townships. Government’s 24 February banning of organisations and individuals, and the restrictions on Cosatu activity, must be seen in this context of a society at war with itself.
- Full Text: