Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ethan van Diemen
Published on 2024-03-05 21:23:44
Edward Charles Webster, born in 1942, was a dedicated advocate for the rights of South African workers. His academic journey began at Rhodes University and continued with studies at Oxford and York universities. Webster went on to earn a PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and later became a Professor Emeritus at the same institution. He founded the Society, Work, and Development Institute (Swop) at Wits, leaving a lasting impact on South African academia.
Webster’s commitment to social justice extended beyond academia as he actively engaged with policymakers and trade unions, bridging the gap between research and real-world application. He was a colleague and friend of Rick Turner and Foszia Turner-Stylianou, with whom he established the Institute of Industrial Education and the South African Labour Bulletin. Despite facing challenges under the Suppression of Communism Act, Webster continued to advocate for causes he believed in, including the release of Nelson Mandela.
Throughout his career, Webster published seven books and over 120 academic articles, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in the sociology of work and labor studies in South Africa. His seminal work, “Cast in a Racial Mould,” remains a cornerstone text in the field, analyzing the intricate relationship between the labor process and the evolution of the South African labor movement.
In addition to his scholarly contributions, Webster was a passionate advocate for social justice. He co-founded the South African Labour Bulletin and actively participated in the South African Sociological Association. His impact on sociology in South Africa is widely recognized, with colleagues describing him as an extraordinary force in the field.
Webster’s dedication to building institutions and mentoring future generations of sociologists is evident in his work at the Chris Hani Institute and the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at Wits. He influenced several generations of sociology students, transforming the curriculum and producing a new generation of black sociologists.
In 2019, Webster received the South African Sociological Association lifetime award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field. His work was also internationally acclaimed, with prestigious awards from the American Sociological Association for his book “Grounding Globalization: Labor in the Age of Insecurity.”
Despite his passing at the age of 81, Edward Webster leaves behind a legacy of intellectual rigor and a deep commitment to social justice. He is survived by his wife, Luli Callinicos, children, and grandchildren. Webster’s impact on South African academia and his unwavering dedication to social justice will continue to inspire future generations.
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