South Africa's governance challenges: assessing the South Africa–China mineral case

April, Yazini

doi:10.1080/13569770903416539

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 5 publications

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“…However, for decades this continent has been trapped in a kind of "resource curse". April (2009), states an intrinsic controversy arisen from natural resources in Africa: mining remains one of the few industries that can provide the critical mass for the development of infrastructure, financial systems, capital markets and education systems; meanwhile, minerals with other natural resources have been a power and wealth for the continent's ruling elites and multinational corporations. Under the circumstances, definitely conflicts will arise and the abuse and exploitation of mining workers is inevitable.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mismatching Structures: A New Explanation for the “Unsatisfactory” Labor Conditions in Chinese Mining Companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Wang

Zhao

2019

Chin. J. Int. Rev

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Ever since the Minerals-for-Infrastructure Deal valued at $6 billion was signed between Chinese companies and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Government in 2008, there have been criticisms on both the agreement itself and the working conditions for Congolese and Chinese workers in Chinese mineral enterprises in the DRC. Based on our fieldwork in Katanga Province of the DRC and interviews with dozens of local Chinese workers and managers in Chinese-run mining companies as well as staff working at the civil society organizations and governmental departments there, this research tries to investigate the real working conditions in Chinese mining companies. This paper concludes with three points. First, the so-called “wage gap” always asserted by the local workers is rather a phenomenon of employment structure than discrimination. In non-English-speaking African countries, a gap has actually emerged between the insufficiency of local human resources and the lack in localization capabilities of the Chinese multinational enterprises. Second, the compliance dynamics and mechanism of Chinese-run mining companies in the field of labor conditions were driven by local pressure groups including legislation, governments and NGOs, rather than by Chinese government or legislative system. What is interesting is that the rigid discipline of local laws and the abuse of discretion in the process of implementing laws have created a special pressuring structure and resulted in some complex consequences. Third, many Chinese-run mining companies in the DRC have quite different business structures from their branches in China. This is because of their financial investment aims and for the ease of enterprises’ transition. Therefore, it has led to their different perspectives of labor conditions and human resources strategy from mature MNCs. In summary, the research cannot draw a conclusion that the labor conditions are really terrible in Chinese-run mining companies in Katanga Province. However, it reveals that the Chinese government and Chinese enterprises are still not fully prepared for direct investment abroad, although “Going-out” strategy was raised 13 years ago.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mismatching Structures: A New Explanation for the “Unsatisfactory” Labor Conditions in Chinese Mining Companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Wang

Zhao

2019

Chin. J. Int. Rev

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Perspectives on South Africa-China Relations at 15 Years

April¹,

Shelton²

2014

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is a think tank and research organisation, focusing on political, socio-economic, international and development issues in contemporary Africa. The Institute conducts research, publishes books, monographs, occasional papers, policy briefs and a quarterly journal -Africa Insight. The Institute holds regular seminars on issues of topical interest. It is also home to one of the best library and documentation centres world-wide, with materials on every African country.

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Prospective Mining Industrialization Partnerships between South Africa and China

April¹

2014

Perspectives on South Africa-China Relations at 15 Years

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South Africa's governance challenges: assessing the South Africa–China mineral case

Cited by 4 publications

References 5 publications

Mismatching Structures: A New Explanation for the “Unsatisfactory” Labor Conditions in Chinese Mining Companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Mismatching Structures: A New Explanation for the “Unsatisfactory” Labor Conditions in Chinese Mining Companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Perspectives on South Africa-China Relations at 15 Years

Prospective Mining Industrialization Partnerships between South Africa and China

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