 NUM Media Release, 3 May 2011 Statement of the NUM National Executive Committee – May 2011 1. Health and safety The NEC noted with serious concern the over 27% increment in mine deaths on a month to month comparison leading to end of March 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010. The NEC further noted that amongst the commodities Gold remain the leading epicenter of fatalities, followed by platinum and then coal and that the two major causes of deaths are fall of ground, rockburts as well as machinery and transportation. The National Executive Committee therefore resolved that regions begin with build-up protest actions leading to an industry-wide day of mourning to be observed later this year, around September. The NEC resolved to oppose any outsourced company transport throughout the country as these transports have been at the centre of accidents and workers are not compensated once injured as the Compensation for Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) stipulates “Compensation is paid to employees who are injured or killed in a motor accident if (i) the accident occurred whilst the employee was on duty (ii) The employee was being driven free of charge to and from work in transport provided by the employer especially for that purpose and driven by the employer or one of his or her employees.” 2. Anglo-American vs. 18 Anglogold workers The National Executive Committee noted amongst others a litigation case brought by the law firm Richard Meeran &Co against Anglo-American plc on behalf of 18 former Anglogold employees. The NEC resolved to fully support any measurers of recourse taken on behalf of vulnerable ex-mineworkers. 3. Regulation by the Department of Mineral Resources The NEC welcomed and fully supported the new licensing regime, the online system and the administration of unallocated strategic minerals introduced by the DMR. The National Executive Committee however expressed serious concerns on the Department‘s inability and lack of capacity to fully regulate the mining industry. This is clearer at Imbabala in Ermelo where mining rights lapsed but the company still mines. The company also converted an open cast mine to an underground operation without permit. 4. Kumba vs. Arcelor Mittal The NUM expressed its wishes for a speedy conclusion on the case and emphasized that it will support a settlement that will benefit the economy through low steel prices. 5. Employ local-only syndrome The National Union of Mineworkers has noted with concern a new tendency in Limpopo whereby companies fuel tribal tensions through “We employ locals”. The NUM strongly condemn mining houses that create an impression of local employment only as this promotes tribalism and in the long term Xenophobia. South Africa belongs to all who live in it. 6. Eskom The NUM expresses its unhappiness at Eskom‘s continued snail-paced movement on the implementation of a minimum service level agreement. The union warns Eskom of disastrous consequences as a result of its inaction. The NUM will not be party to any crisis resolution meetings for problems created by Eskom itself. The CCMA and the Labour Court have pronounced on the issue of the Minimum Service Level agreement and as such it is unnecessary for the parastatal to apply for review on the matter. 7. Nationalisation of Mines The NUM fully supports the decision of the National General Council of the ruling party on the matter. The NEC expressed its pleasure on the participation of the union as it has always argued that nothing about us without us will be possible. 8. On the Minister of Higher Education and Training The NUM fully supports the changes and general transformation spearheaded by the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande in changing the SETA landscape. The NUM strongly believe that the changes will yield positive results in bringing forth the requisite skills the economy requires. The NUM has noted with concern the attacks on his person by those opposed to fundamental transformation of society. We will refuse, oppose and resist any attempt to create an antagonistic relationship between the working class and the Minister of Higher Education and Training. 8. PMC empowerment The NUM is concerned that the current empowerment is limited to only copper and calls for the participation by workers and communities to be open on all commodities. It is also not acceptable that the lifespan of the empowerment deals is five years whilst the loan repayment period is ten years POLITICS 9. On the local government elections The NEC re-affirmed the NUM‘s support for the African National Congress (ANC) and called on all members and non-members to go to the polls on 18 May and vote for the ruling party in order to safeguard the progress made. The NEC further commended and supported ANC President Jacob Zuma in his endeavours to launch an investigation into alleged corruption on the ANC Candidates lists for the upcoming elections. 10. Developments in the Middle East The National Executive Committee registered its concerns especially on the Libyan crisis and felt that the war is much more about regime change than to protect civilians. The NEC therefore appealed to the Superpowers to rethink their strategy and pull out of Libya to ensure that the Libyan people determine their own destiny. Frans Baleni - 082 375 6443 (General Secretary) Lesiba Seshoka - 082 803 6719 (Spokesman) -- You are subscribed. This footer can help you. 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