Sunday Times reports that writes that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has learnt the hard way that replacing dialogue with violence during labour disputes can be costly.  

It has agreed to pay Good Hope Construction (GHC) R1.25-million for damage its members caused during protests in Cape Town in 2015.  Scenes of burning cars and damaged equipment and claims of kidnapping, stabbing and intimidation dominated headlines when more than 200 NUM members went on the rampage at building sites, demanding protective clothing and payment according to skills.  GHC instituted a R15-million damages claim against the union.  The matter was set down for argument in the Labour Court on Monday, when the negotiated settlement was made an order of the court.  Raziek Rajah of GHC said his was the first company to win such a substantial claim against a union in the Labour Court.  GHC’s lawyer welcomed the settlement and said:  "It's refreshing to see a union, especially one as influential as the NUM, being held accountable for their actions and those of their members."

• Read this report by Philani Nombembe in full at Sunday Times

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