Decent work and economic development? : a case study of horticulture in Gauteng

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to look at the application of decent work in the horticultural sector in Gauteng. It was inspired by the fact that the New Growth Path (NGP) was the first policy post-1994 that articulated the promotion of decent work in agriculture. I focus on the debates of decent work policy in South Africa and about the possibilities of a high road (decent work) and a low road (labour market flexibility). I used the horticultural sector in Gauteng as a case study to understand the pressures farmers face and how this affects the working conditions of workers and the development of the province. In this paper I question the practicality of the decent work strategy given the changes in the state involvement in agriculture, such as relinquishing marketing boards, reduction of aid to farmers, trade liberalization, and the shedding of jobs in agriculture.