Solidarity concerned as thousands in mining face potential job losses

Solidarity has expressed concern over the growing number of retrenchments in South Africa’s mining sector after Sibanye-Stillwater announced that 1,114 employees and contractors could potentially be affected by the restructuring of its Kwezi shaft in Rustenburg.

While Solidarity understands Sibanye’s explanation that the shaft is approaching the end of its economic life, this process cannot be viewed in isolation.

It was previously indicated that 1,214 jobs are under threat as a result of the planned two-year production suspension at De Beers’ Venetia mine. In comparison, approximately 1,800 jobs at Petra Diamonds’ Finsch and Cullinan mines are also at risk.

“We are therefore talking about more than 4,000 employees and contractors who could be affected by these three developments alone.

“This points to a worrying loss of job security in an industry on which thousands of families and communities depend,” says Willie Venter of Solidarity.

According to Venter, the timing of the Kwezi process is particularly unfortunate, as the deadline falls early in November and the festive season is fast approaching. Employees consequently only have a month or two to try to find alternative employment if job losses cannot be prevented through the consultation process.

“This uncertainty places enormous pressure on mineworkers and could also affect their attention and focus in an already dangerous working environment.

“South Africa has already recorded more mining fatalities this year than during the whole of last year,” says Venter.Solidarity is, however, hopeful about Sibanye’s planned revival of the Burnstone shaft near Balfour and will investigate the possibility of transferring affected employees. Voluntary severance packages and early retirement should also be carefully considered before compulsory retrenchments take place.

Solidarity is, however, hopeful about Sibanye’s planned revival of the Burnstone shaft near Balfour and will investigate the possibility of transferring affected employees. Voluntary severance packages and early retirement should also be carefully considered before compulsory retrenchments take place.

“Solidarity is involved in the consultation process and will explore every potential alternative to prevent job losses or, at the very least, limit them.

“The current situation in the mining sector nevertheless remains deeply concerning,” says Venter.