Local steel companies affected by Numsa strike

MBOMBELA – The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) strike will continue after the union’s mandate of a 15% wage increase could not be negotiated today.

This resulted in more violent protests in the local Rocky’s Drift area today where a number of employees at steel companies were affected.

The protests have also affected steel companies in Mbombela, such as Macsteel.

“They are intmidating us and we are scared for our safety. They were banging on the doors and threatened us with knobkieries in their hands. Something has to be done about this situation, ” said an anonymous employee.

On Friday 4 July 2014 , the protesters also took a man from his truck and beat him up after he did not want to cooperate with Numsa’s demands.

According to an eyewitness, there were about 25 protestors in the group who were toyi-toying and disperssed only to target another steel company. Stones and rubbish also obstructed the entrance to some of these steel companies.

“They marched on their same route around the Rocky’s drift area and threw stones and trashcans at the buildings.”

Last night Numsa’s National Executive Commitee held talks to discussed the matter, but has since then not been able to resolve the matter at hand.