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Social Theory is a short course for trade unionists and labour activists living and working in South Africa. The aim of the course is to help participants develop the capacity for critical thinking and to engage analytically about labour and labour-related issues. The primary goal is to assist students in their critical thinking and ability to analyse the complex world in which their unions and worker organisations operate. The certificate course addresses key debates in political economy, development, democracy, labour (and the various forms of work and workers), as well as systemic alternatives. Modules are taught by experienced teaching staff from the University of the Witwatersrand and other guest lecturers.
On completion of the course, participants should be able to:
- Apply conceptual and analytical frameworks in developing union analyses and strategy;
- Lead relevant discussions, collect information, analyse problems, make judgements based on analysis, and effectively communicate them; and
- Develop individual capacity and competence in academic reading and analysis.
The course is divided into four themed modules:
1) Global Capitalism and African Political Economy
2) Labour, Development, and Democracy
3) Systemic Alternatives
4) Workers, Vulnerable Workers, and Labour Migration
Each module focuses on trade unions and their engagements on each of these themes. In addition, each module integrates themes of gender, ecology, international solidarity, and trade union strategy. Each theme will highlight strategic approaches by trade unions.
Target Group
Labour activists and trade unionists from all federations, unions, and worker organisations in South Africa are encouraged to apply. In some years, the course is run by invitation only in order to target participants working in a particular sector or issue (e.g., energy).
Practical Considerations
Classes run from 08h30-17h00 each day as set by the Module Coordinators. Group-work projects may also be set by Module Coordinators outside class time. Attendance to the full course is mandatory for certification.
Certification: Upon successful completion of the training programme, participants will receive a short-course certificate of competence. Successful completion means full attendance and participation in all module activities as set by the Module Coordinators.
Application Requirements
Matriculation or school leaving certificate; current employment with, or membership of a trade union, labour organisation, or labour movement; and support from employer and union. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- You are a trade unionist (in full-time employment and/or voluntary involvement) or are otherwise active in the labour movement
- You are committed to employing your new skills in labour-related issues
- You are motivated to pass on your acquired knowledge to others
- You have at least a School Leaving Certificate (in exceptional circumstances we can also recognise prior learning for those who do not have a school-leaving certificates); those with a Bachelor’s degree are also encouraged to apply
- You have at least three years’ labour-related work experience
- You are responsible or will become responsible for labour-related policies in an organisation representing workers or dealing with labour issues
- You have a good command of English, are able to express yourself in writing and willing to participate actively in classes
- You have support from your employer to attend the course as per the times set above
Application Details
Please contact GLU Programme Coordinator, Warren McGregor at warren.mcgregor@wits.ac.za to find out more.
ENGAGE Programme South Africa - Union Rights, Policy and Practice: Training for Global Union Activists
Engage is a two-month short course training programme for participants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, North America and Europe held annually at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University. Courses are taught by experienced teaching staff from the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and other guest lecturers.
Workers in both the formal and informal economies as well as trade unions are faced with rapid economic and social change. As yet, adequate regulatory and protective frameworks have not been found to meet the challenges imposed by the varying forces of globalisation. The current world economic and health crises, exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, urgently requires the development of alternative policies and rules based on universal human rights, international social justice and democratic self-determination. However, to turn these policies and rules into reality a strong voice representing the interests of workers is needed.
Engage helps labour activists and trade unionists to acquire additional knowledge and tools enabling them to take an active part in public debate and the process of policy formulation and implementation. The Certificate Course has six modules and a joint research project. The cause of the decade-long decline in the wage share and the requirements for a wage-led recovery path will be discussed and analysed during the training. The participants will jointly develop strategies to enforce decent work conditions along cross-national chains of production and to regulate financial markets in a way that promotes fair globalisation and inclusive societies. In addition, each module integrates themes of gender, ecology, international solidarity, and trade union strategy. Participants are also exposed to practical skills of PowerPoint presentations, developing graphs, and research methods.
Topics
- Global Governance
- Global Wage Policy and Finance
- Labour and Development
- Society and Development
- Trade Union Capacity Building
- Power Resources Mapping Research Project
Target Group
Participation of labour activists and trade unionists from Africa, Asia, South and North America and Europe makes the ENGAGE training programme a truly unique international experience that offers new opportunities for global networking.
ENGAGE is part of the Global Labour University (GLU) network that has successfully established academic study opportunities for labour activists from Africa, Asia, South and North America and Europe. It aims to strengthen the intellectual and strategic capacity of workers and their organisations and fostering stronger working relationships among trade unions. Courses are taught by experienced teaching staff from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, and other guest lecturers.
Practical Considerations and Terms and Conditions
Certification: Upon successful completion of the training programme, participants will receive a short-course certificate of competence. Participants must attend the entire course to be eligible for certification.
Classes: The course will run from 31 August to 23 October 2026 at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. For successful applicants who have been granted scholarships, arrivals at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University are expected on 05 September. Graduation is set for 22 October. All participants in University residence are expected to check-out on 24 October 2026.
Practical Research Project: Participants will conduct a group research project during the last two weeks of the programme.
Confirmations and liabilities: This course is subject to available funding. The University of the Witwatersrand reserves the right to cancel or postpone the delivery of this course should funding not be available and/or reduce the number of available seats which may impact on your acceptance. Any costs that that applicant incurs in relation to this application and potential attendance in the course, is for their own cost and will not be reimbursed should the course be cancelled, postponed or their seat withdrawn.
Reserved participation: Please note that only successful applicants will be allowed to attend any activities or classes forming part of the course.
Application Requirements
To qualify for the Engage course, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- You are a trade unionist (in full-time employment, a shop steward and/or voluntary involvement) or are otherwise active in the labour movement;
- You are committed to employing your new skills in labour-related issues;
- You are motivated to pass your acquired knowledge on to others;
- You have at least a School Leaving Certificate (in exceptional circumstances we can also recognise prior learning for those who do not have school leaving certificates); those with tertiary degrees are also encouraged to apply;
- You have at least three years’ labour-related work experience;
- You are responsible or will become responsible for labour-related policies in an organisation representing workers or dealing with labour issues; and
- You have a good command of English, can express yourself in writing and willing to participate actively in courses (see below).
Language requirements
A TOEFL (IBT) score of 60 points or higher or a score of 5.5 or higher in IELTS; or you have been taught in English up to your School Leaving Certificate or your tertiary degree programme.
Note: As the course is very popular and the selection process is very competitive. It is essential that applicants ensure all their application material is complete.
Download here: GLU Engage South Africa 2026 |