NUM highveld region to march against Transnet ’s failure to transport minerals

Media alert 29 November 2023

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Highveld Region is prepared and ready to march to the offices of the Presidency and the Department of Public Enterprises to demand an immediate intervention on the Transnet’s failure to transport minerals to and from the country’s terminal ports.

Various mining companies are sitting with stock piles of minerals that need to be transported to the ports.

The current Transnet crisis is impacting heavily on the livelihoods of thousands of mineworkers.

This crisis has resulted in a significant number of Section 189A notices issued by the mining companies, with intentions to retrench workers, mostly in the coal mining sector.

The protest march is planned to take place on the 9th December 2023, starting at 11am in Union Buildings, Pretoria.

A memorandum of demands highlighting the urgent need from the government to intervene will be submitted.

The deteriorating situation at Transnet has led to a severe negative consequence, including the imminent retrenchment of workers.

Despite the government's recent announcement of a turnaround strategy for Transnet, delays in the implementation of that strategy threaten the very existence of jobs in the mining province of Mpumalanga.

"It is disheartening that the President himself seems to be underestimating the gravity of the Transnet crisis.

The Transnet crisis is jeopardising the current quality of jobs and that is taking place in the face of a rising unemployment rate.

The government's promises to create more jobs ring hollow since the very same government is unable to safeguard or preserve the existing employment opportunities”, said Thapelo Malekutu, NUM Highveld Regional Deputy Regional Secretary.

The NUM is calling on all workers, including the concerned citizens from all walks of lives, to join the march in solidarity. Our collective voices will compel the government to take an immediate action and addresses the Transnet crisis, ensuring the protection of livelihoods in the coal mining sector.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Thapelo Malekutu, NUM Highveld Regional Deputy Regional Secretary 063 601 9005
Livhuwani Mammburu, NUM National Spokesperson, 083 809 3257
Luphert Chilwane, NUM Media Officer, 083 809 325

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