George Brown (South African politician)

George Brown (1870 – August 1932) was a Scottish trade unionist and politician, active in South Africa.

Born in Glasgow to a mining family, Brown completed an apprenticeship as a boilermaker and in 1890 joined the United Society of Boilermakers (USB). In 1897, he emigrated to South Africa, settling in the Transvaal. While he maintained his membership of the local branch of the USB, he became concerned that it was not attracting membership from workers who had served their apprenticeship in South Africa. As a result, in 1916, he founded the South African Boilermakers' Society (SABS).[1]

Brown was elected as the first president of SABS, and spent his time touring the country, giving speeches, to attract members. He joined the Labour Party, and at the South African general election, 1924 won a seat in Germiston. At this point, he was made honorary life president of SABS.[1] He died, still in office, in 1932.[2]

References
  1. Gitsham, Ernest; Trembath, James H. (1926). A first account of labour organisation in South Africa (PDF). Durban: E. P. & Commercial Printing. Retrieved 11 April 2021.
  2. "South Africa". The Round Table. 23 (90). 1933.
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