Migrant Workers

Question 1

What is a compound for migrant workers

Answer 1

Migrant worker left homes in rural areas to work at the gold mines
They stayed in compounds at the mines without any family members

Question 2

How did the mine owners systematically control migrant workers

Answer 2

1. Taxes
2. Recruitment
3. Contracts
4. Pass Laws

Question 3

Explain how taxes were used to control mine workers

Answer 3

Africans had to pay a hut fee of R1 per year for every hut they lived in
Every man white or black over 18 had to pay a poll tax of R2 a year

Question 4

Explain how recruitment was used to control mine workers

Answer 4

The Chamber of Mines used a recruiting system. They send agents to rural areas to encourage people to come and work on the mines and then go with them to ensure that they don’t go and work for someone else in the city

Question 5

Explain how contracts were used to control mine workers

Answer 5

After worker was recruited he had to sign a contract. Contract times were from 6 - 18 months. They had to stay at the mines for the contract period. If they leave the mine outside this time he wil be arrested, fined and put in jail

Question 6

Explain how pass laws were used to control mine workers

Answer 6

The Transvaal government introduced a pass laws with the Chamber of Mines. If someone want to go and look for work at the mines, he will get a pass for 3 days. After 3 days if the man didn’t get work he has to leave the area or can be forced to work for the mines at very low wages