NUM is extremely concerned about the high levels of violence in the platinum belt

Press Statement, 07 February 2014

NUM is extremely concerned about the high levels of violence in the platinum belt

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is extremely concerned about the high levels of intimidation, violence and disregard of the picketing rules by the striking workers.

This is happening regardless of picketing rules and strike procedures agreed upon by the employers, striking workers and the Department of Labour.

A group of striking workers today at Union Mine near Northam overpowered the police and attacked non-striking workers who were working at Richards Shaft which is part of Anglo American Platinum operation. Unfortunately one person died during the confrontation with the police when police were trying to prevent striking workers from attacking non-striking workers.

We are extremely worried that our members who are trying to go to work in the platinum belt are intimidated, assaulted and their cars damaged. It is totally unacceptable and as the NUM we are very concerned that our member's lives are at risk. The mining companies are not doing anything to protect the non-striking workers.

NUM again is calling for police and mine security to be on alert and protect our members who want to go to work.

The NUM still maintains that violence strikes are unnecessary and they should never be allowed to replace dialogue.

There is no need for striking workers to be violent during their industrial action. It is possible for workers to lead a peaceful, bloodless and effective legal strike like what NUM did at Northam Platinum.

As the NUM, we call for the following:

• We call upon the the striking workers to respect freedom of association and choice
• We call upon the striking workers to respect strike procedures and picketing rules.
• We call upon the the striking workers to refrain from intimidation and violence.
• We call upon the police and mine security to be ready to protect non-striking workers and their property.
• We condemn Impala for its decision to give workers mandatory leave as this stops non-striking workers from going to work.The striking workers will see this decision by Impala as a victory for them . Impala must increase security to protect non-striking workers.
• The stability framework must also be respected and implemented.

For more information, please contact

Livhuwani Mammburu: (Acting NUM National Spokesperson )-083 809 3257
Erick Gcilitshana-(NUM Health and Safety Secretary)-082 809 3105

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/100860023402167