The Congress of South African Trade Unions in Gauteng fully supports the current protest by mineworkers from Sibanye Stillwater Mine outside the Union Buildings in Tshwane. The workers are protesting against President Cyril Ramaphosa’s promise to intervene in the protracted wage negotiations between Sibanye Stillwater management and the unions. Workers at the mine have been on strike for three months demanding a R1000 pay hike.

The federation strongly opposes the arrogance displayed by Sibanye Stillwater Mine CEO Neal Froneman after he told the whole country that he deserved every cent of the R300 million he received from the mine. It is unacceptable that a single individual can receive such a lot of money while miners who risk their lives and extract gold in dangerous conditions, are denied better wages.

COSATU in Gauteng is not surprised by Froneman’s attitude as government has allowed for this enormous pay out to go ahead after the reduction of corporate tax from 28% to 27% as announced by the Minister of Finance during his budget speech in February.

We appreciate the unity of mineworkers during this time. Solidarity between NUM and AMCU should be harnessed and protected because it is crucial for workers to unite irrespective of affiliation.

While mineworkers occupy the Union Buildings, the Provincial Chairpersons and Secretaries of affiliates of COSATU will be meeting to discuss a programme of action to support mineworkers and UNISA workers currently on a five weeklong strike.

For more information, please contact:

Provincial Secretary: Louisa Modikwe – 066 182 2402

Provincial Chairperson: Amos Monyela – 079 493 5002