Work

Global Capital, Local Dynamics: Unravelling Labor Relations in Chinese Foreign Direct Investment within South Africa's Industrial Relations

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: South Africa has attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worldwide, providing a window to the African continent. China has significantly expanded its regional investment as one of South Africa’s critical development partners. However, as Chinese investments deepen their engagement, concerns regarding labor relations and workers’ rights have surfaced. The China-Africa research on labor issues tends to focus on daily interactions while often neglecting to examine the dynamics and conflicts among various stakeholders. This study explores these issues in a Chinese manufacturing business in South Africa by unveiling the interactions between local governments, labor unions, and Chinese FDI. Interviews and documentary research were conducted to gather relevant information. This study finds that despite the setup of a national minimum wage, collective bargaining, and the intention to increase social equality in South Africa, there is still a concern that FDI could contribute to a new cycle of labor struggles and that it could perpetuate inequality.

Source: Zanj The Journal of Critical Global South Studies

Author: Yanyin Zi

Institution: Rikkyo University

Language: English

Topic: China's Global Influence and Migration

Subfield: Anthropology

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

Award: G5898253573