• First_Thunder@lemmy.zip
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      26 days ago

      “On the night of 18 January, a group of approximately 40 strikers, all members of the strikers’ Putfontein Commando, overpowered and disarmed 2 police officers guarding a mine’s pump station. The strikers attempted to gain the loyalty of the 2 policemen, but when this failed, the strikers profusely apologized and unconditionally released the police officers” This was unexpected. Probably cause the policemen were white

      • rumschlumpel@feddit.org
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        26 days ago

        Following a drop in the global price of gold from 130 shillings (£6 10s) per fine troy ounce in 1919 to 95s/oz (£4 15s) in December 1921, the mining companies owned by the Randlords tried to cut their operating costs by decreasing wages, and by promoting black mine workers – who were paid lower wages – to skilled and supervisory positions.[2] The promotion of non-white workers to these positions was seen by the striking white workers as a greater issue than the issue of decreased wages.[1]: 18

        Holy shit.