Wage Inequality in South Africa: 1880s to Now

After World War I, manufacturing became the fastest growing sector of the economy. Most of the growth was concentrated in the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, East London, Port Elizabeth and Durban. The rural areas where most Africans lived remained largely underdeveloped. Skilled labor was imported from overseas and wages were higher in order to attract more people to this region. The unskilled labor was sourced from the rural areas and underpaid. The two tier pay system continued for a long time and the pay difference increased over time. Learn more

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