NUM Post-NEC Media Statement: 24 December 2024

The NUM held its extent NEC in December 2024 and had an opportunity to reflect on various activities of the year it was, and the challenges faced by the organization, members and workers in general. We have equally noted the success we had as the organization and reflected on areas of improvement and
focus for 2025.

Sections 189A

Diamond Sector

The NUM NEC is deeply concerned that two companies in the diamond sector have issued section 189 to retrench workers during the time when workers are supposed to go on holiday to rest with their families. De Beers is contemplating retrenching 308 workers at its operation at Venetia Mine. Petra Diamonds has also issued Sections 189 at two of its operations at Cullinan, East of Pretoria and Finsch in the Northern Cape. Petra Diamonds recently issued Section 189 to retrench 200 employees from both Cullinan and Finsch Mine; the company pointed that the diamond industry is facing the longest downturn in over 30 years, driven by global economic factors such as the slowdown in China and the rise of lab-grown diamonds as reasons for its situation and decision.

The NUM is worried about these impending retrenchments at both Cullinan and Finsch mines. This is the second time this year that Petra Diamonds is issuing Section 189. The NUM calls on De Beers and Petra Diamonds to revisit their strategy and find ways and means to reduce the number of the affected workers. Both companies must work on the strategy to assist workers to survive beyond the sad situation of losing jobs and having to face poverty and add on unemployment figures.

We have expressed serious concern about retrenchments in the mining sector in particular; almost across all the mining houses. As we come to the end of the year we have received fresh 189A notices including the Anglo Platinum one; De Beers; Petra; Murray and Roberts mining and the notorious Seriti Resourcesone. Workers are facing a black festive season and bleak future going into the New Year.

ZAC Mining Wage Dispute and possible Retrenchment

This mine has been into wage dispute with us since September 24; to date we are entering fourth month into strike. Workers have not received salaries and facing a black festive season with nothing to offer to their families. In the mist of the dispute the company slapped us with 189A notice.

Attempts to engage the company to resolve the dispute were not successful; the company felt that it is too late in the year as we are already in the festive season rather request to be given time to look at the matter and possible engage in the New Year.

As the caring union we have spoken to our friends with capacity and ability to assist; to intervene for the families of our members with basic needs for the festive season. We are happy that our call and request has been considered, and the poor workers will not go home with bear hands and no foods for families.

We are committed to collaborate with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions to the situation faced by workers in this mine.

We plead with the company to reconsider its positon and open the mine for the survival of the workers and broader community.

ZAC is a vital asset to both the economy and the communities it serves, and it is imperative that we work together to ensure its continued success and stability. The NUM remains dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of our members and will continue to engage in dialogue with management to achieve
these goals.

ESKOM NINE MONTHS LATE ANNUAL RESULTS

The NUM has noted annual result as presented by the Energy Utility; the presentation is presenting more problems than solutions and generally shows poor performance by the Utility for the year under review.
We call upon the executives and the board to work on a sustainable strategy and refrain from blaming their challenges of poor workers.
Any suspicion of criminal activities must be firstly investigated and comprehensive report must be given without blaming workers or making them responsible for any illegal activities.
We are committed as the union to support any move to turn around the utility into people’s provider of energy at reasonable price and accessible to masses of South Africans.
We are disappointed that the utility is pushing ahead with its unbundling irrespective of our concerns as raised with them.

SACP Special National Congress

The NEC has noted the outcomes of the SACP Special National Congress held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg last week. The NEC has specifically noted the resolution to contest state power in the 2026 local government elections. While the NEC has made this observation, we believe that as workers we have to speak with one voice under the guidance of COSATU. It is within the federation where the affiliates will engage the implications of these outcomes because they have a bearing on us as the NUM. We will also engage with the Party for formal briefing on the decisions and resolutions taken out of the congress. The NUM will use its National Political Council (NPC) in March 2025 to reflect on the political developments in 2024 in preparation for national congress in June 2025.

Festive season message to NUM members

Once again, the festive season is upon us. This is the time for workers to spend quality time with their families after a long stressful year. The NUM wishes to thank its members and staff for defying all odds to ensure that this giant union continues to live and lead the way in mining, construction, energy, metal and society at large. You worked hard to preserve the dignity of this union, and we pin our hopes on you
for the continued survival of NUM.

Due to the current trade union climate in our country, each member and official of the union needs to work beyond the call of duty to ensure that the NUM flag continues to fly extremely high. The NEC wishes members and workers in general a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Don't Drink and Drive. Be safe.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Mpho Phakedi, NUM Acting General Secretary, 082 882 3452
Livhuwani Mammburu, NUM National spokesperson, 083 809 3257

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