The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) is calling for an immediate moratorium on retrenchments within the country's platinum group metals (PGMs) mines, highlighting the broader mining sector's inability to re-employ those laid off. Major mining companies like Sibanye-Stillwater, Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), and Impala Platinum have been reducing their workforce, citing plummeting PGM prices as a significant hit to the industry's profitability.
The situation has raised significant concern among trade unions, with Uasa spokesperson, Abigail Moyo, noting the dire circumstances faced by communities around mining operations. With alternative employment opportunities scarce, many are left grappling with financial instability. The retrenchment wave has notably impacted towns like Carletonville on the West Rand, pushing communities to the brink of poverty.
Furthermore, Numsa points to systemic issues within state-owned enterprises like Eskom and Transnet, under the oversight of Department of Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, as contributing factors to the mining sector's challenges. The union is urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene decisively to prevent further job losses.
Numsa's call for a moratorium on retrenchments is part of a broader appeal for government action to address the infrastructural and logistical inefficiencies plaguing the mining industry. With the union gearing up for vocal opposition and collaboration with other labor organizations, the mining sector's struggles underscore the urgent need for systemic reform to safeguard jobs and stimulate economic growth amidst a tumultuous period for South Africa's mining industry.
