The mining industry still needs to do more to employ and empower young people, in order for them to be employable in all industries.
This is according to the National Union of Mineworkers’ (NUM) youth structure. Unemployment rates in South Africa increased to 26, 4 % in the first three months of 2015.
Statistics South Africa has reported that unemployment rates stood at 24, 3% in the fourth quarter of 2014. This is reportedly the highest rate since 2005. A number of unemployed people stands at more than five-million, from more than four-million in the previous quarter.
Mining is still considered by some as an alternative employer, if not the main one, it remains one of the country’s major pillars of the economy.
The mining industry is encountering challenges currently
However, the NUM’s youth structure believes that the mining industry is not doing enough to empower the youth.
NUM’s youth structure deputy general-secretary Peterson Siyaya says, “They have committed that they would be looking into the issue of young people, and the reduction of unemployment in as far as the youth is concerned. But, we don’t see these things happening.”
But the mining industry is encountering challenges currently, Lonmin Platinum is one of the mines that have announced plans to retrench employees. Without skills, this means those whose jobs will be shed, are going to encounter difficulties getting employed elsewhere.
Meanwhile some residents of Bapong and Marikana West near Brits in North West embarked on violent protests last week, demanding that the world’s third largest platinum giant Lonmin employ them.
They accused the mine of turning a blind eye on the unemployed youth in the areas, in which the mine extract precious metals. Young people have a common believe that when mining companies come into their area to do business, it must employ locals.
– By Itumeleng Kgajane
