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IOLS-Research believes that trade unions are an important part of our national heritage. This is informed by the historical processes involved in the formation of trade unions in South Africa and their incremental role in overcoming apartheid. The fact that Durban served as the site in which the militant labour movement emerged onto the national stage is one of the key inspirations driving the unit.
In the post-apartheid landscape, trade unions are one of many institutions that fight for social and economic justice, including civil society, NGOs and arguably government.
As a unit, a number of key focus areas of research, training and development have been identified. These revolve around informal employment and livelihoods, which are informed by cultural and environmental realities and ideas where creative responses to these challenges are generated and lead to alternative forms of employment. Another focus area is that of urban renewal in Durban and the ways in which the city is and can be restructured equitably and responsibly. Of particular interest to the unit are the ways in which artistic energies are being harnessed to develop collaborative initiatives in recreating an African city that is vibrant, liveable and humane.
Another crucial aspect of our activity concerns the interaction between development, environment and health. In this regard we address the responsibility of business to both its workers and surrounding communities - such as in Durban South. It is also important to address governmental initiatives and Agenda 21 commitments in maintaining a fine balance between the seemingly competing imperatives of job creation and environmentally sustainable development.
Within all of our focus areas we pay specific attention to the pervasive variables of gender, youth and how pro-poor policies can be implemented.
Our research, in partnership with trade unions, CBO's and NGO's and government is aimed at investigating key socio-economic issues; assessing state and civil society interventions; and informing policy and programmes which aim to address these issues.
Key to this is the understanding that the processes should involve training and capacity development not only of those directly involved in the centre, but also in a broader context of the target communities of projects.
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