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The book began in 1999 when I first visited the shoe factories of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. I was especially shocked by the working conditions of the women who were working in Manchester Road, an informal manufacturing area. I returned again and again to KwaZulu-Natal after that. I learnt of the many women and men who had lost their jobs in the footwear, textile and clothing factories and who were now trying to survive in their households. This shifted the focus of my research from the factory floor to the household and the community.

A number of individuals (often unbeknown to them) and institutions have played a role in the conception and realisation of this book.

My deepest gratitude goes to Professors Eddie Webster and Jackie Cock. Their intellectual guidance has made this book a reality. Eddie has mentored me from the beginning, and I am greatly indebted to him.

I am grateful to the Department for International Development (DfID). They made an important financial contribution to this study as part of their participation in the ‘Crisis States Programme’, co-ordinated by the Development Research Centre of the London School of Economics (LSE). I would like to mention Professor Jo Beall, in particular. Her intellectual contribution to my early work has been invaluable.

The Society, Work and Development Institute (SWOP) and the Department of Sociology of the University of the Witwatersrand have given me an institutional home and provided a stimulating academic environment. I am indebted to past and present colleagues: Andries Bezuidenhout, Sakhela Buhlungu, Karl van Holdt, Christine Bischoff, Michelle Williams, Shameen Singh, and Khayaat Fakier. Sakhela sold copies of this book at a time when I did not think the book would be finished. Thank you.

The ideas and insights of Professor Michael Burawoy of the University of California, Berkeley have been a major contribution to this book. His labour process theory was the key that enabled me to understand the labour process in households!

The University of KwaZulu-Natal provided me with an institutional space while I was conducting my fieldwork. I owe specific thanks to Professors Ari Sitas and Gillian Hart.

A special mention of Karin Pampallis for editing my earlier work. I would also like to thank the editorial team at Wits Press and Michael Wessels for his dedication and patience. I have learnt a lot from working with him.

I appreciate the support and encouragement of my friends and colleagues, especially Malehoko Tshoaedi, Grace Khunou, Michelle Williams, Dulcee Musi, Sizwe Phakathi, Matsobane Nkoko, Edith Kekana-Phaswana, Michael Aliber, and Michele Ruiters.

This book would not have been possible without the presence, support, and love over the years of my family (and this time I am mentioning all of you!): Bontle, Meiki, Thabang, Darly, Papa, Tebogo, Nhlanhla, Mamane, Tshidiso, Neo, Itumeleng, Katso, Lebohang, Thando, Mama (Rebecca), Mama, Windy, Kutlwano, Lesley, Baba, Bo-malome and, finally, my beloved Jabu.

The critical insight of my partner, Mandla Radebe, has helped me to craft this book and tell the story of the women and men of KwaZulu-Natal. My partnership with Mandla has made me a better person in all ways. Nor could I forget the two angels who arrived when the end of the book was in sight but who, nevertheless, had a profound impact on the entire process: ‘Zinzile and S’phamandla, this book is dedicated to you.’

Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the women and men of KwaZulu-Natal who agreed to be interviewed and who shared their experiences and homes with me. They offered me everything that they had and apologised when they had nothing to offer. Theirs is not a story of hopelessness even though I spent many evenings crying about what seemed to me to be the hopelessness of their situation. To them, I can only say: ‘Aluta continua!’

I am particularly grateful to the Gama family of Mpumalanga Township and the Mazibuko family of Enhlalakahle Township. Both these families welcomed me into their homes and assisted me during the fieldwork process:

‘Ningadinwa nangomuso…ukwanda kwaliwa umthakathi.’

RESEARCH AREA OF KWAZULU-NATAL

RESEARCH SITES OF MPUMALANGA AND ENHLALAKAHLE