Final answer:
The Carpenters' and Joiners' Union was an early form of trade unionism, while the National Union of Mineworkers and COSATU were vital in the fight for workers' rights and against apartheid in South Africa. They made significant impacts by advocating for better working conditions, higher wages, and political change. Their efforts were crucial in both labor and national liberation movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The emergence of trade unions in South Africa was a response to apartheid laws and the exclusion of black employees from political and economic activities. Notable trade unions included the Carpenters' and Joiners' Union (1881), the National Union of Mineworkers (1982), and the Congress of South Africa Trade Union (COSATU) (1985). While the earlier Carpenters' and Joiners' Union aligned more with traditional craft unionism, the National Union of Mineworkers and COSATU were instrumental in protecting the rights of employees, with the latter advocating for political change that would eventually lead to the end of apartheid.
The National Union of Mineworkers was especially significant in the mining industry, fighting for better wages and working conditions. The union's willingness to incorporate new technologies, which led to higher productivity and could necessitate higher wages, marked an understanding of the changing nature of work and mining. Furthermore, COSATU, which was closely associated with the ANC's struggle, aided in applying pressure on both national and international fronts, contributing to the ultimate dismantling of apartheid.
As such, these unions played a profound role in not just advocating for labor rights but also in the broader struggle against apartheid. They highlighted the interconnectivity between labor movements and political reforms, with the ultimate aim of not only achieving workplace equity but also national liberation and social justice.