Krisenkritik

Anne Siebelhoff

Krisenkritik, Gesellschaftsgespräche, Wissenschaftswissen und vieles Weiteres zu den kleinen und großen Themen dieser Zeit gibt es in diesem Podcast ! :) 

  1. Work & Labor in South Africa - with Dr. Mosa Phadi

    12/18/2024

    Work & Labor in South Africa - with Dr. Mosa Phadi

    With a youth unemployment rate reaching more than 45% in the first quarter of 2024, South Africa faces a significant challenge: young people are disproportionately affected compared to the national average of 30-35%. Despite the Department of Employment and Labour’s recent establishment of a National Minimum Wage of R27.58 per hour effective from March 2024, many workers remain in precarious jobs, often without social security or stable working conditions. In this episode, we explore the complex landscape of workers' rights in South Africa with Dr. Mosa Phadi, an expert on state formation, Blackness, and class dynamics. Dr. Phadi, a researcher at the Public Affairs Research Institute and accomplished author of numerous articles and book chapters, shares her insights into the lived experiences of South African workers, unpacking the intersection of labor rights, socioeconomic instability, and the fight for fair treatment in the workplace. Related statistics and sources (last accessed November 2024)  Unemployment rates https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=17266 Minimum wage https://www.ccma.org.za/labourlaws/new-minimum-wage-and-maximum-threshold/#:~:text=The%20Department%20of%20Employment%20and,with%20effect%201%20March%202024. History of migrant labor in South Africa https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/history-migrant-labour-south-africa Timeline of the Marikana Massacre https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/timeline-marikana-massacre-2012-2013 Labor relations and trade unions in South Africa https://www.gov.za/links/labour-relations-0 Precious working conditions in South Africa https://marxistsociology.org/2022/09/reorganizing-the-core-precarity-organizing-and-the-labour-process-in-south-african-manufacturing/

    36 min
  2. South Africa´s Foreign Policy - with Prof. Dr. Scarlett Cornelissen

    12/08/2024

    South Africa´s Foreign Policy - with Prof. Dr. Scarlett Cornelissen

    With the phrase “From Pariah to Paragon,” South Africa’s foreign policy transformation is often described as a journey from isolation to active global engagement. Since the end of apartheid, the country has emphasized the promotion of human rights, multilateralism, pan-Africanism, and fostering good relations with both the global North and South. However, as the international order continues to evolve, so has South Africa’s approach to foreign policy. In this episode, we unpack the dynamic interplay between South Africa’s foreign policy priorities and the challenges of a shifting global landscape with Prof. Dr. Scarlett Cornelissen, a leading expert in South African foreign policy. Prof. Cornelissen’s is a highly accomplished scholar with a PhD from the University of Glasgow and degrees from several universities in South Africa. She has held prestigious fellowships, including the aFellowship at Harvard's Radcliffe Institute. Her research has also been supported by institutions in Japan, such as Kyoto University, and the Institute of Developing Economies. As a co-editor of the Review of International Studies and Geopolitics, Dr. Scarlett also contributes to the editorial boards of leading journals. Related sources (last accessed November 2024) South African Department of International Relations & Cooperation (DIRCO) https://dirco.gov.za/strategic-overview/ South Africa´s International Relations https://www.gov.za/about-sa/international-relations   Current Presidency asserts responsibility and stance on South Africa’s foreign policy https://dirco.gov.za/presidency-asserts-responsibility-and-stance-on-south-africas-foreign-policy/ Media Statement of Memorial to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) https://dirco.gov.za/south-africa-delivers-evidence-of-israel-genocide-to-icj/

    44 min
  3. History of South Africa - with Dr. Schalk Van der Merwe

    12/04/2024

    History of South Africa - with Dr. Schalk Van der Merwe

    South Africa's history is characterized by eras of oppression; colonialism and apartheid. At the same time, the country stands for resistance and hope, with icons such as Mandela and Biko. Today it reflects the challenges and achievements of the transition from injustice to democracy.today we dare to try to bring this whole story into one hour; with Dr. Schalk van der Merwe. He is an accomplished historian, author, and professional musician. His PhD for example focused on popular Afrikaans music, exploring themes from Afrikaner nationalism to post-apartheid racial politics in music. Since he is an expert of South African history, I am happy to be able to interview him today about South Africa´s history– precolonial, colonial and in view of apartheid and how the history has shaped the culture and identity.”   Related sources (last accessed November 2024)   History of South Africa https://www.gov.za/about-sa/history The Colonisation of South Africa: A unique case https://scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0259-9  4222017000300062#:~:text=The%20two%20European%20countries%20who,colony%20of%20Britain%20till%201961. British occupation of the cape https://www.britannica.com/place/South-Africa/British-occupation-of-the-Cape A history of Apartheid in South Africa https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/history-apartheid-south-africa Apartheid Museum https://www.apartheidmuseum.org District 6 Museum https://www.districtsix.co.za

    54 min
  4. BRICS, China, Africa & South Africa - with Christopher Edyegu

    11/30/2024

    BRICS, China, Africa & South Africa - with Christopher Edyegu

    Africa and China share a dynamic relationship based on economic cooperation, strategic partnership and common global interests. Over the past two decades, cooperation has intensified through investment, trade and development projects, focusing on key areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy and the digital economy. At the same time, China's loans and investments in Africa bring both opportunities and challenges. South Africa and China in particular are dependent on the BRICS alliance, which offers both players a platform for strengthening the interests of the global South. In this episode, we delve into Africa-China relations, highlighting among others their economic ties and geopolitical strategies – together with Africa-China relations expert and PhD candidate Christopher Edyegu. He has extensive experience, as he was- among others, the Africa editor at the China Global South Project and is currently also an analyst for Africa Risk Consulting.   Related sources (last accessed November 2024)  FOCAC: Forum on China-Africa cooperation http://www.focac.org/eng/   Statement by Cyril Ramaphose on relations between China and South Africa https://www.gov.za/blog/relations-between-china-and-south-africa-enter-new-era-opportunity   UNDP: FOCAC in Perspective https://www.undp.org/china/publications/focac-perspective   Chinese Loans to Africa https://www.bu.edu/gdp/2023/09/18/a-new-state-of-lending-chinese-loans-to-africa/

    45 min

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Krisenkritik, Gesellschaftsgespräche, Wissenschaftswissen und vieles Weiteres zu den kleinen und großen Themen dieser Zeit gibt es in diesem Podcast ! :)