ABSTRACT
The South African state, both historically and currently, may be described as highly interventionist. The state has regulated both the political and economic spheres; prior to 1994 the state's priorities were maintaining an economy based on low wages for Africans and political exclusion of non-whites, while the new democratic government is focusing on integration into the world economy. Much of the growth in African earnings from 1977 to 1981 can be attributed to increases in overtime, and pension contributions by employers. During the late 1970s the South African economy experienced a structural transformation financed by an influx of foreign capital, accelerated expansion of industry, a restructuring of capital, and the growing concentration and centralization of ownership. Sections of management that promoted the notion of union involvement in change began to gain support and influence in the companies - primarily as a result of the increased resistance by workers to change.
