The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) along with its affiliate, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), is aggrieved that despite extensive consultations, Sibanye Stillwater has cut 2 000 jobs in the latest round of retrenchments.
In April Sibanye gave notice of its intention to retrench 3 109 workers and 915 contractors under Section 189 (A) of the Labour Relations Act. The multinational was compelled by law to hold consultations with labour to explore job-saving mechanisms. It is disheartening to note that after two months of talks, Sibanye is still intent on offloading its workers.
There is slight reprieve in that worker representatives were able to stop Sibanye effecting the immediate closure of Beatrix Shaft 1, on condition it does not incur net losses for the three months starting June 2024. COSATU hopes that Sibanye keeps to its word.
The metal producer targeted its gold operations in the latest round of job cuts even though the price of the precious metal has been on an incline this year and is hovering around R1 387 454 per kilogram today.
Sibanye is the scene of a jobs bloodbath after the multinational confirmed it had cut a staggering 11 500 jobs from its workforce in the past 18 months, from 81 500 at the start of 2023 to 70 000 now.
South Africa’s unemployment rate at 42% is among the highest in the world. Recent data from Statistics SA not only revealed a drop in the GDP growth rate but also reflected an uptick in unemployment. It is obvious we cannot afford to lose a single job.
It is critical that the Minister for Mineral Resources, Mr. Gwede Mantashe, ensure that the new mining rights application system comes into operation as a matter of priority to help unlock investments in one of the most important sectors and sources of jobs and revenue for the economy. This must be one of the most urgent priorities for the 7th administration. We simply cannot afford any further retrenchments in the mining industry.
Similarly, Transnet must be given more support to ensure the mining industry is able to export its minerals quickly. Government too must work with industry to beneficiate and not simply export raw minerals to maximise returns for the economy and create badly needed jobs.
Fixing the economy is undoubtedly an urgent priority for the incoming government of national unity (GNU) led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC. For its first order of business, the GNU must stimulate the economy, ensure inclusive growth that creates decent permanent jobs, in addition to reducing poverty and inequality. However, government cannot do it alone, as a social partner big business must come to the party and take the first step by halting retrenchments.
To demonstrate workers’ rejection of rampant retrenchments, COSATU and its affiliates will exercise their rights under Section 77 of the LRA by embarking on a National Day of Action in defence of jobs, workers’ hard-won constitutional and labour rights, as well as collective bargaining in both the public and private sectors. The National Day of Action will be held on a date to be determined between August and September.
Issued by COSATU
For more information please contact:
Zanele Sabela(COSATU National Spokesperson)
Cell: 079 287 5788
Email: zanele@cosatu.org.za