NUM Matlosana Region statement on a protest march against politically motivated retrenchments by AngloGold Ashanti.

NUM Press Statement, 10 August 2017

NUM Matlosana Region statement on a protest march against politically motivated retrenchments by AngloGold Ashanti.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Matlosana Region salutes all its members and community at large for taking part in a march against the brutal planned retrenchment by blood sucking capitalist AngloGold Ashanti (AGA). AGA is planning to lay off 8 500 workers and subject over thousands of beneficiaries of the retrenched workers to abject poverty.

All united under the banner of NUM, we made our demands very clear that no employee must be retrenched by AGA. It is not factually correct that the three shafts ended their life in 2015 as they got more than 60 years in existence. The reasons for retrenchment are political. AGA Chairperson Sipho Pityana want to retrench mine workers with a hope that they will turn against the ANC led government and assist him in his mission to overthrow ANC government. This is a similar tactic by CEO of Sibanye Neal Froneman who reportedly received over R20 million annual salary in 2016.

Capitalists are going all out to maximise profits for their families to live a luxurious life at the expense of the poor and the working class. They want to reduce staff complement of the Mines whilst continuing to earn excessive millions enough to take their pets to veterinarians on monthly basis. The brutal system of capitalism is about the richer getting richer and the poor getting poorer and be indigent.

In the current negotiations through Section 189 process, AGA has shown a high level of arrogance similar to the one portrays by the leader of Save SA Sipho Pityana. AGA's intention is to send workers deep into dungeons of poverty by retrenching them. NUM has made its position clear that no employee must lose his / her job which is the only source of income.

NUM welcomes the decision of COSATU, SACP and ANC in the Province to walk side by side, hand in hand with NUM to defend job losses planned by AGA to serve a political agenda. NUM Matlosana Region supports the call for the current Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane to be removed. He has been silent when the mining companies are unleashing their brutality to the workers. His focus is diverted to somewhere, therefore, he cannot intervene properly.

Working class must unite against Monopoly capital which perpetuates inequality, unemployment, and poverty and poses danger to the stability of the country.

Issued by the office of Matlosana Regional Secretary Khaya Ngaleka: 079 699 3525.

For more information contact Education Regional Secretary Masibulele Naki: 073 333 7745.

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