NUM Highveld Region is highly upset by the impulsive and perpetual decision by SERITI Resources to retrenchment 1 143 employees

Media Statement 17 September 2024

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Highveld Region is taken aback and angered by the total disrespect and impulsive decision taken by SERITI Resources to retrench 1 143 workers.

This is capitalist barbarism at its best and exploitation of poor workers that cannot be tolerated.

SERITI Resources, since they have taken over the operations that previously belonged to Anglo and South 32, have been serving the NUM with Section 189 to retrench lot workers.

SERITI Resources began with Section 189 at Middleburg Mines, from Middleburg Mines, moved to Khutala, from Khutala Moved to Klipspruit, from Klipspruit moved to Kriel, now SERITI Resources revisited MMS and Klipspruit

“The massive retrenchment by SERITI Resources has subjected our members to unemployment and abject poverty. What is so astonishing is that in Klipspruit, SERITI Resources replaced permanent employees with contractors, the main objective is to exploit and maximize profit,” said Bizzah Motubatse, NUM Highveld Regional Chairperson.

The NUM is reliably being informed that the intention is to execute the same strategy at MMS in the name of the so called New Business Model. The question is for how long is SERITI Resources going to replace quality jobs with contractors?

The NUM will be embarking on a massive mobilization to try and stop SERITI Resources from undermining unions by retrenching employees willy-nilly.

The NUM is making a clarion call to SERITI Resources that if SERITI is unable to run and operate these operations, SERITI must sell them to Mining Companies that have respect for the unions and the workers.

SERITI Resources does not respect the unions and neither does it respect and value its employees. This should be in line with a clear call permanently made by the government to create quality and sustainable jobs.

The NUM will be engaging with Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe to intervene and save the jobs of ordinary employees.

We are optimistic that Minister Gwede Mantashe will assist as the level of unemployment in the country is very high, therefore, we cannot allow SERITI Resources to sleep and the moment they wake up, they retrench.

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