Unions and workers march in the West Rand of Johannesburg against looming retrenchments at gold mining giant Sibanye-Stillwater. Photos: Ihsaan Haffejee
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Ihsaan Haffejee reports that mine workers in the West Rand of Johannesburg rallied against Sibanye-Stillwater’s planned retrenchments, organised by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and supported by COSATU. The protest highlighted the devastating impact of job losses on workers and their families, with over 575 employees already retrenched and another 550 offered voluntary severance packages.
Sibanye’s announcement of a potential further 4,000 job cuts was met with outrage, especially considering CEO Neal Froneman’s hefty R300-million remuneration package during a previous commodities boom, illustrating the stark wage gap between management and workers.
The timing of Sibanye’s retrenchment announcement, just before salary negotiations and amidst a surging gold price, raised suspicions among unions. COSATU President Zingiswa Losi condemned the trend of prioritizing profits over workers’ livelihoods, emphasizing the urgent need to address unemployment in South Africa. NUM Deputy General Secretary Mpho Phakedi criticized the persistent inequality, noting that workers continue to lack decent housing and healthcare due to inadequate wages.
During the protest, mine worker Sibusiso Makeba expressed concerns about being the sole provider for his family, echoing the anxiety felt by many facing job uncertainty. Calls for top management’s resignation and the revocation of Sibanye’s mining license were accompanied by warnings of escalated industrial action if demands were not met within two weeks.
The presence of a large police contingent underscored tensions during the protest, particularly when demonstrators briefly attempted to block a highway. Despite the peaceful progression of the march, the unresolved issue of impending retrenchments loomed large, with some workers suggesting that their support for political parties could hinge on the resolution of their grievances. Ultimately, the memorandum of demands was handed over to Sibanye representatives, signaling the workers’ determination to fight for their rights amidst a challenging economic climate.
