The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Special National Executive Committee (NEC) pronounced that the coal mining companies that supply Eskom Power Stations with coal 24/7 will be regarded as essential service during the 21 days of lockdown that is starting tomorrow midnight. Those that do not supply Eskom with coal will be going for a 21 days lockdown except the care and maintenance employees. This decision was taken at a meeting yesterday with the Minister of Minerals Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe.

Workers that would remain in the care and maintenance of the mines should be provided with basic necessities such as sanitizers, proper food, water, protective clothing and medical care. The mines should ensure that they are not exposed to any kind of risks to the virus.

For more information, please contact:

David Sipunzi, NUM General Secretary: 082 883 7293 

Livhuwani Mammburu: NUM National Spokesperson: 083 809 3257