Explain the importance of the Durban workers’ strike of 1973.

Introduction
In the 1970s, South Africa remained firmly under the grip of Apartheid, a system of racial segregation that institutionally disadvantaged Black Africans, including severe limitations on their labour rights. It was within this context that the Durban workers’ strike erupted in 1973, beginning at the Coronation Brick and Tile factory. While seemingly a localized event, the Durban strike was hugely significant, not only for its size and success, but also because it acted as a catalyst for the growth of the Black trade union movement, fundamentally challenging the Apartheid regime.

Paragraph 1: Size and Success
The Durban strike marked a stark contrast to the limited and largely unsuccessful industrial action undertaken by Black Africans in the 1960s. The sheer scale of the strike, involving over 2000 workers, demonstrated a newfound unity and courage amongst the oppressed workforce. Their tactics, characterized by short, sharp walkouts lacking identifiable leaders, proved highly effective in disrupting production without providing easy targets for reprisals. This strategic approach yielded tangible results, as the striking workers successfully secured improvements in wages, proving that collective action could indeed effect change within the repressive Apartheid system.

Paragraph 2: Inspiration and Growth of the Trade Union Movement
The impact of the Durban strike extended far beyond the factory walls, inspiring a wave of similar actions across the country. By March 1973, over 61,000 workers had engaged in strikes, emboldened by the success of their Durban counterparts. This marked a turning point in Black trade unionism in South Africa. The period between 1973 and 1985 witnessed a surge in the formation and organization of African trade unions. Key examples include the Federation of South African Trade Unions (FOSATU), which adopted a “workerist” approach, focusing on practical workplace issues to improve the lives of its members while simultaneously challenging the Apartheid state. These unions provided a vital platform for Black workers to articulate their grievances, organize for better conditions, and assert their rights in a society that systematically denied them.

Paragraph 3: Challenge to Apartheid
The burgeoning Black trade union movement, ignited by the Durban strike, posed a significant challenge to the control and power of the Apartheid government. The regime, built on the premise of racial hierarchy and the suppression of Black voices, found itself increasingly confronted by a powerful force demanding social and economic justice. The unions became a breeding ground for future leaders of the anti-Apartheid struggle, such as Cyril Ramaphosa, highlighting the interconnected nature of labor rights and the broader fight for equality. The sustained pressure exerted by the unions, through strikes, negotiations, and political activism, contributed significantly to the eventual dismantling of Apartheid.

Conclusion
The Durban workers' strike of 1973 stands as a pivotal moment in South African labour history. Its significance lies not just in its size and successful outcome, but more importantly, in its inspirational role in galvanizing the Black trade union movement. The strike ignited a flame of resistance that spread throughout the country, fundamentally challenging the Apartheid regime’s authority. The subsequent growth and influence of Black trade unions played a crucial role in the long and arduous struggle against Apartheid, ultimately contributing to the birth of a democratic South Africa where all citizens, regardless of race, could finally enjoy equal rights and opportunities.