Deep Commitment to Worker’s Education Culminates in Master’s Degree

The Executive Director of the Workers’ College of South Africa (WCSA), Mr Dominic Msiya, graduated from the Universty of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) with a master’s degree in Industrial, Organisational and Labour Studies.

Msiya’s thesis was titled: ‘Examining the Impact of Worker Education in South Africa and the Sustenance of Trade Unionism: A Case of Workers’ College, Durban, South Africa’.

Msiya’s graduation was a testimony to his own personal determination and engagement in labour studies, reflecting a commitment to documenting a two-decade relationship between the Workers’ College of South Africa and UKZN.

During the graduation ceremonies more than 70 workers funded by the WCSA completed their Bachelor of Social Sciences in Industrial and Work Life. Under the leadership of Msiya, the Workers’ College crafted an agreement with UKZN that sees trade union leaders, shop stewards and labour activists enroll and complete a university-level qualification. In the last decade this programme has graduated more than 500 workers.

Msiya’s dissertation reflects his commitment to advancing worker education in South Africa.

The Dean and Head of the School of Social Sciences, Professor Federico Settler, said: “I’m immensely proud of Msiya’s scholarship and his leadership of the Workers’ College programmes. I particularly commend his commitment to facilitating more and more pathways for adult workers to qualify in law, labour studies as well as community development.”

This dissertation highlights the contribution that UKZN has been able to make to worker’s education through its strategic partnership with WCSA.

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photograph: Supplied