NUM can confirm that more than 250 mineworkers still remain underground at Bakubung Platinum Mine

Media Statement, 08 December 2023

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) can confirm 28 mineworkers who have chronic illnesses had come back to the surface yesterday at Bakubung Platinum Mine in Rustenburg. More than 250 NUM members still remain underground saying that they will come back if their demands are met. The 28 mineworkers came back to the
surface after NUM Rustenburg Regional leaders went underground to fetch them.

The workers demands are as follows:
. 100% medical aid
. Living out allowance of R6 800
. Leave allowance
. Pregnant women must get the full benefits when they are on maternity leave, including full salary and medical aid. At Bakubung Platinum Mine, pregnant women forfeit their salaries and medical aid while they are on maternity leave.
-Workers are demanding the resignation of the General Manager John Benekes. Workers are angry that the General Manager recently addressed a mass meeting where he announced that the company was going to issue Section 189 to retrench 530 workers and he told workers that everyone would be affected including the top management. But after the mass meeting, the company advertised positions to employ top management. The workers felt betrayed by the General Manager. During the mass meeting, the GM lied to the workers that the NUM Branch leadership was aware of the Section 189 that was issued by the company only to find that the union was not aware.
. Jaira contractor issues include salary increases and back pay, medical aid suspension and others.
. Capital contractor issues include unfair dismissals and promotions that do not come with salary increases.

The NUM national and regional leadership led by the NUM President comrade Dan Balepile this morning had a zoom meeting with the company management to try and address the sit-in that is currently underway at the Bakubung Platinum Mine in Rustenburg. The outcome of the meeting will be communicated soon.

For more detailed information, please contact:

July Radibe, NUM Rustenburg Regional Chairperson, 076 522 3966 
Geoffrey Moatshe, NUM Rustenburg Regional Secretary, 081 593 6089

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/10086002340216