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Survey confirms exploitation

More than 1000 British companies employing nearly 200,000 Africans, decided by mutual agreement that the most comprehensive wage study ever made in South Africa should not be published.

The report, done by the South African Productivity and Wage Association, found that nearly 80 per cent of the Africans employed by these companies were paid below subsistence level. The majority of African employees of British companies were receiving below the poverty datum line wages ($20 — $30 a week for a family of five). No wonder the companies didn't want to publish the report.

Officials of the Productivity and Wage Association said that the results should be interpreted with caution as they probably gave an unduly favourable picture of wages actually paid by the companies. Only 13% of the 1086 companies surveyed, presumably the best, agreed to co-operate. The survey showed exactly the same results as the report from the "Guardian" published in last week's 'Salient'.

In South Africa publication of the "Guardian" report had spokesmen of British controlled factories hotly denying explaining or partly confirming the disclosures, or just dodging press inquiries. Frank Lester, managing director of General Electric Company in South Africa when asked for his views on the "Guardian" report said "What "Guardian" report? I don't read fiction".

"How do you know it's fiction if you haven't read it", a reporter asked.

"All newspapers write nothing but fiction and sensationalise everything", Mr Lester replied, "If I tell you anything you will get it wrong ... I do not discuss the company's business with newspapers, and that's the end of it.

"Does that mean you are ashamed of the wages you pay?"

"If you want to think that it's up to you", Lester said.