Capitalist development since the Second World War ushered in unprecedented rates of capital accumulation and structural change in the world economy in the form of rapid industrialisation. Fast and sustained industrialisation has been associated with large increases in wage employment, labour productivity, and health and educational welfare. Countries that have been able to mobilise rapid... Continue Reading →
Sibusiso Sibisi is chief executive officer of the CSIR, South Africa’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. They don’t make many headlines, but CSIR research and development is opening the way for new made-in- SA technology and enterprises. Ben Turok: Is it true that CSIR was founded mainly to meet the needs of the defence... Continue Reading →
In 2016 IFAA was commissioned to do a study on mineral value chains in South Africa and Africa. The study was done by Ben Turok (lead consultant) with chapters by Anthony Black, Michael Kahn, Chris Callaghan, Pundy Pillay and Richard Levin, supported by IFAA staff. We reproduce parts of the final chapter since the findings, conclusions... Continue Reading →
Below find Prof. Ben Turok's letter to Business Day on 17 June 2015. ALLOW me to comment on Songezo Zibi’s latest column (Unembargoed, June 15). He takes a rather pessimistic view on the prospects of industrialisation in SA through building a "bigger heavy industrial sector … to fuel infrastructure". The obstacles he cites are high... Continue Reading →
Remarks made by Prof. Turok at the Colloquium on Beneficiation hosted by the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry. The Colloquium took place between 27 August-4 September 2014 in Parliament, Cape Town Click on the following link to download: Towards a Joined up Economy
ABSTRACT In this paper Professor Ben Turok (director) examines the constraints on beneficiation in South Africa. He calls for a negotiated compromise on domestic prices, perhaps for a fixed period, with suitable provisions for improved infrastructure services, and step-by-step measures to enhance local value addition and beneficiation by local manufacturers and suppliers *To download the full... Continue Reading →
An experts’ consultation on the Interface between Mining and Manufacturing was held at the IDC on 22 August 2013. IFAA co-hosted the forum along with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The forum also benefitted from the support of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), BHP... Continue Reading →
Prof. Turok writes to Business Day regarding the Cape Town Mining Lekgotla. Sir, The report on the legislative proposals discussed at the Cape Town Mining Lekgotla (11.2.2015) raises many concerns. The mining industry has consistently stuck to its determination to sell minerals in the South African market at import parity prices and this has been contested... Continue Reading →
IFAA writes an agenda for action inviting all interested parties, mining and manufacturing companies, government, international agencies, research organisations, universities and experts to cooperate with us in advancing knowledge about mineral value chains and how they might benefit the people of Africa. 22nd January 2015 The Institute For African Alternatives (IFAA) and its publication New Agenda,... Continue Reading →
Prof. Ben Turok (director) writes on import parity pricing as an obstacle for beneficiation. Published in Business Day 12/02/2015 The report on the legislative proposals discussed at the Mining Indaba (Minister goes back on mining agreement, February 11) raises many concerns. The mining industry has consistently stuck to its determination to sell minerals in SA... Continue Reading →
