The Citizen reports that mineworkers at Harmony Gold mines started to panic after the company issued a notice informing them not to return to work unless recalled by management.  

This after some workers had travelled from their homes in far-flung areas following the easing of regulations under level 4 lockdown, thus allowing some sectors of the economy to function.  The panic was due to the restlessness resulting from some companies that had been contemplating retrenchments due to losses emanating from the lockdown aimed at restricting the spread of the coronavirus.  Employees in different industries have been forced to go on unpaid leave and others made to take pay cuts, while still others are facing layoffs should the situation not improve.  But, Harmony’s Sihle Maake advised that none of their workers would lose their jobs.  In an advisory issued on Tuesday, Harmony advised employees who had not been recalled to return to work to remain at home unless they were advised differently by their supervisors or HR managers at their respect shafts.  The company said it was currently operating at 50% capacity and would gradually phase in the return of the labour force as directed by the Department of Mineral resources and Energy.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Eric Naki on page 2 of The Citizen of 6 May 2020

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