5.4.
Explain why Chamber of Mines did not want to employ White unskilled
workers? Give TWO reasons
2X1=2
[10]
QUESTION 6
Use the SOURCES, and your own knowledge to answer the questions
that follow
SOURCE A: Migrant labor as abundant cheap labour
Since the mineral revolution of the late 19th century, "migrant labour" in South Africa referred not
only to workers coming into South Africa from neighbouring countries, but also to a system of
controlling African workers within South Africa. Migrant labour provided abundant cheap African



Answer :

The Chamber of Mines did not want to employ white unskilled workers for two main reasons:

1. Racial Discrimination: The Chamber of Mines practiced racial discrimination by favoring skilled white workers over unskilled white workers. They believed that white workers, even if unskilled, deserved better job opportunities compared to African workers due to their race.

2. Cost Efficiency: Hiring white unskilled workers was seen as economically unfeasible by the Chamber of Mines. White workers demanded higher wages compared to African workers, making it more expensive for the mining companies to employ them for unskilled labor tasks.

By understanding these reasons, it becomes clear that the Chamber of Mines' decision was influenced by both racial biases and financial considerations.