Chinese labour in the Transvaal refers to the period in the early 20th century when Chinese workers were brought to South Africa to work in the gold mines of the Transvaal region. This occurred primarily between 1904 and 1910, following the Second Boer War, when there was a significant labour shortage in the mines
The British colonial administration and the mining companies decided to import Chinese laborers under very restrictive and often harsh conditions. These workers were bound by strict contracts, which included long working hours, confinement to compounds, and limited freedom of movement. The laborers faced significant hardships, including poor living conditions and strict supervision
The introduction of Chinese labor was controversial and faced opposition from various quarters, including local white labor unions and political groups, who feared that the presence of Chinese workers would depress wages and working conditions1. The system also included mandatory repatriation after the contract period, and there were fines for assisting laborers in violating their contracts3.
(From The Transvaal Colony )
