SABC News reports that members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) at the Moab Khotsong operations of Harmony Gold in Orkney, North West, have threatened to down tools if mine management does not heed the workers’ demands for better wages and working conditions.
During a march to mine premises on Tuesday, workers accused management of failing to prioritise their interests at the current wage negotiations under the auspices of the Minerals Council (previously called the Chamber of Mines). The mineworkers called for transformation in their interest, saying that the time had come for the mine to put profits aside and invest in the safety and security of workers. “We want a better life. We have no hospital here. Our wages are also never regular,” said one miner. Another miner said: “Since Harmony took over, zama zamas (illegal miners) came along and we get raped. A lady was raped by 15 men. We don’t even have transport to come to work because of Harmony.” Management was given seven working days to respond to the demands of the workers.
- Read this report by Itumeleng Kgajane in full at SABC News
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