Figure 4.3 Mapping out state ownership and workers’ self-management

Source: author own elaboration based on Markusen (1996) and fieldwork 2011

Figure 4.3 shows the current map of the district. As can be seen, the district is akin to the prior period, although MATESI is nowadays known as BRIQVEN and OPCO was transformed into FMO briquetting plant. Additionally, three state-owned firms are currently being constructed and represented in the map in dotted shapes which would spin-off from the district. TSC will be located in the district while RYP and SNAC will be located outside the district. All of them are expected to grow along district positive externalities.

The general finding regarding workers’ self-management suggests it is not in full swing so far. There is some advancement, for example the president of some firms has been designated from the transition committees, and former workers have been designated as president of the firms. Although, it seems too early to evaluate workers’ self-management and it appears not to be fully understood by some respondents. One reacted: “we don’t know what workers’ self-management is all about” (Interview 07). Some internal and external factors may have curbed the process:

We are progressing slowly and with difficulties, but logically it has to be like that, for the workers to assume the control of the firm, but it is not that easy, there are factors even within the government that are opposed to this process…it has enemies, many of them within and outside the government, within and outside the firms, that is why it has been difficult to progress (Interview 12).