By: Natasha Archary
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) says its shattered by the high level of possible job losses that may arise in the sector over the next few months.
This after a report by BusinessLive estimating that 10 000 jobs in the mining sector are at risk of a Section 189 restructuring process.
Luphert Chilwane, NUM spokesperson joins Gugulethu Mfuphi on Kaya Biz sharing that the unstable electricity crisis in South Africa is going to have a massive effect on job losses.
“We are shattered and devastated by the high level of possible job losses due to retrenchments which were announced by some mining companies.
We are looking at this matter and currently as we speak, we are likely to see more than 10 000 jobs being lost between this period and the end of January.
We have seen big mining companies such as Sibanye Stillwater, Anglo Platinum, Seriti, Kumba Iron Ore and others, coming out to say they are intending to retrench workers.
That is really disappointing to hear such an announcement.
We are looking at this situation as something that can be prevented, and I can confirm that NUM is currently involved in talks with those mining companies to try and avert such retrenchments, or possibly to reduce those numbers.”
Luphert Chilwane, NUM spokesperson
Chilwane says the unemployment and poverty rates in the country is already high, and companies need to do more to protect workers from impending job losses.
To help understand the impact of these 10 000 jobs in the mining sector being at risk, Mamokgethi Molopyane, Mining and Labour Analyst says it is a bleak outlook for the festive period for mineworkers.
“It’s not surprising that mining companies are planning on cutting jobs when you consider exposure to the markets and how drastically commodities such as platinum has dropped in recent months.
On top of those external factors, companies are also dealing with internal factors such as the electricity crisis and how the rolling blackouts affect operations.”
Mamokgethi Molopyane, Mining and Labour Analyst
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Biz:
Also read: City of Joburg to petition Supreme Court of Appeal on Floyd Brink Judgement
We value your feedback:
[vfb id=97]
