Globalisation and its effect on the South African labour market: evidence from the manufacturing sector

English: This article investigates the impact of globalisation on employment and wages in the South African manufacturing sector for the period 1993 to 2001. Globalisation has led to a more open economy. Export volumes have increased and manufactured goods have gained ground in relation to mining products. Within the manufacturing basket, labour-intensive goods have become more important. Productivity has increased, but there has been no nett job creation or incrrease in unskilled wages. Regression results indicate that exports have a positive effect on employment, but only for highly skilled workers, not for semi-skilled or unskilled employees.