Following a drop in the global price of gold from 130 shillings (£6 10s) per fine troy ounce in 1919 to 95s/oz (£4 15s) in December 1921, the mining companies owned by the Randlords tried to cut their operating costs by decreasing wages, and by promoting black mine workers – who were paid lower wages – to skilled and supervisory positions.[2] The promotion of non-white workers to these positions was seen by the striking white workers as a greater issue than the issue of decreased wages.[1]: 18

Holy shit.