The collection consists of papers and publications related to Labour, The National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), Corporate Social Investment (CSI), Corporate Social Responsibility CSR), Worker Strikes, Unions, Coal Mining in South Africa, Mine Worker Accidents, Safety and Rights and Minutes of Sociology-TAG Steering Committee Meetings.

The papers consist mainly of historical information on USSALEP, minutes, correspondence, records of the various projects and individual files on management committee members and some exchangees. Not all files have been retained; in the case of fundraising correspondence and individual files a sample was considered sufficient to indicate the scope of the project for historical purposes. There is a certain amount of duplication; for the convenience of researchers the minutes have been collected separately in D and additional copies may be found in the correspondence files and mailings to members; material of historical interest may also be found in correspondence files, which are a rich source of information on the organisation. Some photographs are in the original personal files and some have been assembled under N. A number of photos are not identified.

This "RJ" collection, spans the years 1929 to 1954 although there are some items as early as 1921 and as late as 1968. There is a large section on the foundation and work of the Institute covering its policy, publications, membership, administration, activities and regions. The other subject divisions are urban affairs, land, taxation, legislation, franchise, justice, economics, labour, education, Coloured and Indian affairs, social services, World War II, organisations with which the Institute was associated, Protectorates, Africa, church and missionary and J.D. Rheinallt Jones in his personal and senatorial capacity. The collection reflects the Institute's efforts to upgrade the economic, social and political status of Blacks, Coloureds and Indians in South Africa, with particular reference to housing, health, education and franchise, and to improving relations between the different races.

This inventory is dedicated to the late Jeanette Curtis, the SAIRR's archivist, who was responsible for gathering together this collection and ensuring its preservation for researchers.