COSATU denounces and strongly condemns the unilateral decision of Sibanye Gold mine to dismiss more than 2000 workers many of them members of our affiliated union the National Union of Mineworkers. We are fully behind the NUM’s plan to oppose and fight this unwarranted victimisation and subsequent dismissal of workers; after they were bullied by the vigilante union AMCU into an illegal strike.

We declare our solidarity with all the workers that are affected by this union bashing and by the ongoing violent disputes in the mines. COSATU stands ready to join these workers to find real and lasting peace in the affected mines.

We commit ourselves to constantly work to improve the service that our unions provide to our members, including to fight against attempts by employers to promote employer unilateralism and the fragmentation of worker power. Our affiliate the NUM is a tireless champion of the mineworkers interests and is also pushing back against unilateralism on the part of the bosses and their reactionary attempts to encourage splinter unions.

We remain inspired by the NUM’s commitment to defending the workers and their effort and devotion to putting the interests of its members and the entire working class above everything. They clearly show and prove that the process of building a strong, militant and fighting federation is unstoppable. NUM is camping in the workplaces all over the country ,leading workplace struggles guided by the undying spirit of “no surrender”, and the union leadership is occupying the front ranks in this class combat.

An injury to one is an injury to all!

Long Live NUM! Long Live!

Issued by COSATU

Sizwe Pamla (National Spokesperson)
Tel: +27 11 339-4911 Direct 010 219-1339
Mobile: 060 975 6794