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Retrenchments at Sibanyi gold will contribute to unemployment: NUM

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The national union of mine workers has called on the department of minerals and energy to withdraw the mining licence of Sibanyi Gold.

Num marched at Sibanyi gold western area to hand over a memorandum regarding the recent retrenchments at Sibanyi’s Cooke operations.

A handful of retrenched Sibanyi gold mine workers marched on Monday to demand their jobs back.

They are among the 2 000 workers who lost their jobs when Sibanyi closed down three of its Cooke operation mines in Western area.

They have accused Sibanye gold of prioritising productivity and profits at the expense of the workers.

Num says it has given Sibanyi alternatives to retrenchments and this was declined.

Kaletso Matabane, NUM Regional chairperson says, “We are still going to mobilise our members and make sure that our voices are heard DMR must be able to submit recommendations before the mine is closed and DMR must make sure that if Sibanyi is unable to mine that it must loose its licence.”

Sibanyi gold says it is closing the three mines, because they are not making any profit.

It says it has exhausted all avenues and is adamant that marching is not going to reverse this decision.

Vusi Sampula of Sibanyi Gold elaborates, “It’s not a decision that was taken lightly all alternatives were explored it’s a pity that people choose to march and unfortunately marching is not going to change the decision.”

The retrenched workers have until the end of the month to vacate Sibanyi gold premises and there are concerns that this is likely to contribute to the high unemployment rate the country is facing.

 

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