NUM highveld region calls for Exxaro and Thungela to address workers demands at Mafube Colliery

Media Statement 24 October 2023

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Highveld Region calls upon Exxaro and Thungela to refrain from being arrogant and address the workers' demands at Mafube Colliery.

The NUM in Mafube Colliery, which is a joint venture of Thungela and Exxaro, is currently embarking on a strike that is entering its second week.

The NUM members are demanding a R100 000 that was given to all Thungela employees through the Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOPs). The NUM Highveld Region believes that Mafube, being part of Thungela, is equally deserving to be given the R100 000.

An ESOP is an employee benefit plan that enables employees to own part or all of the company they work for. ESOPs are most commonly used to facilitate succession planning, allowing a company owner to sell his or her. shares and transition flexibly out of the business.

The second demand is for Mafube Colliery to start recognising the union’s branch secretary and for that position be made full-time.  Both Exxaro and Thungela are recognising the branch secretaries on full-time basis, but when it comes to Mafube Colliery management they are behaving very awkwardly, something that the NUM reject with contempt it deserves.

The NUM branch in Mafube Colliery will intensify its strike in making sure that the conglomerates are listening and taking the employees’ demands very seriously.

The NUM Highveld Region is angered and agitated by the fact that Mafube Colliery is being treated like a stepchild, and if Exxaro and Thungela cannot take this operation serious then they must consider selling their shares to the companies that are willing to take care of the needs of the workers.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Malekutu Bizzah Motubatse, NUM Highveld Regional Chairperson, 082 264 6533

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