SOCIAL THEORY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN TRADE UNIONISTS May 2018

The Global Labour Univeristy (GLU) is proud to announce a short course for Labour Activisits living and working in South Africa. The aim of the course is to help participants develop capacity for critical thinking and to engage analytically about labour and labour related issues. The primary goal is to assist students in their critical thinking and ability to analyse the complex world in which their unions and worker organisations operate. The certificate course addresses key debates in political economy, development, democracy, labour (and the various forms of work and workers), as well as systemic alternatives.

On completion of the course, participants should be able to:

 Apply conceptual and analytical frameworks in developing union analyses and strategy;

 Lead relevant discussions, collect information, analyse problems, make judgements based on analysis, and effectively communicate them; and

 Develop individual capacity and competence in academic reading and analysis.

The course is divided into four modules:

1) Global Capitalism and African Political Economy

2) Labour, Development, and Democracy

3) Systemic Alternatives

4) Workers, Vulnerable Workers, and Labour Migration

Throughout each of these themes a focus on trade unions and their engagements on each of these themes will be highlighted. In addition, each module will integrate themes of gender, ecology, international solidarity, and trade union strategy. Each theme will highlight the strategic approaches by trade unions.

Target Group Labour activists and trade unionists from all federations, unions, and worker organisations in South Africa are encouraged to apply.

The course is run as part of the Global Labour University programme, which is a network that has successfully established postgraduate academic study opportunities for labour activists from all over the world at five universities in Africa, Asia, South and North America and Europe with the aim of strengthening the intellectual and strategic capacity of workers and their organisations and foster stronger working relationships among trade unions. Courses will be taught by experienced teaching staff from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and other guest lecturers.

Application process

To complete the application process, please complete the application form and attach the following supporting documents:

 CV/ Resume

 Motivational letter

 A letter of recommendation by your organisation

 Copies of your school-leaving or academic certificates

Applications are to be submitted via email to GLU.SouthAfrica(at)wits.ac.za
Click here for more information. 

Contact:

For enquiries, please contact Ms Pulane Ditlhake or Mr. Warren McGregor and include in the email subject heading ‘Social Theory course’:

Email: GLU.SouthAfrica(at)wits.ac.za
Telephone: +27 11 717 4443
Closing Date: Monday 5 February, 2018.

Please click here to download Application form.