Biteback Intern Katherine Hannah assesses the situation in South Africa.
As Tensions between the ruling African National Congress and the powerful trade unions erupted last week at the Marikana platinum mine in the north-east of the country, we look to Martin Plaut and Paul Holden, the authors of 'Who Rules South Africa' (available now for £14.99) for some expert insight into the situation.
The violence at the platinum mine broke out on Thursday after South African police were faced with striking miners armed with machetes and sticks. South African police claim they were forced to open fire at the protesters, which resulted in the deaths of at least 34 miners. Since the beginning of the year rival factions based in the mine have been caught up in disputes surrounding demands for better wages for workers.
Martin Plaut has said we should not jump to assumptions about the current troubles in South Africa, but that it is true that 'the country is facing the bleakest moment since the end of apartheid'.
The problems in South Africa are primarily based around its resource wealth. Here are a few quick facts for you:
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South Africa is one of the most resource-rich countries in the world
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It is currently the world’s largest producer of chrome, manganese, platinum, vanadium and vermiculite
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It is the second largest producer of gold, palladium, rutile and zirconium
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It holds 80% of the world's known platinum reserves
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Platinum is a precious metal which is used for many engineering purposes including its use in vehicle catalytic converters
Wowza!