Weeks of violence comes to end

BURGERSFORT – After several days of negotiations the two weeks violent strike by the residents of Ga- Mampuru, Phasha and Tukakgomo finally came to an abrupt end.

On July 22 the residents, mine managers and government officials reached an agreement that work was going to resume that evening.

The negotiations were held at Thaba Moshate, Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort and were led by Department of Mineral Resources minister Adv Ngoako Ramathlodi as well as MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environmental and Tourism (Ledet) Mr Seaparo Sekoati, Greater Tubatse Municipality (GTM)’s mayor Cllr Ralepane Mamekoa, Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM)’s Cllr David Magabe.

The strike ended after weeks of devastating violent protests that prevented learners from going to schools and also mine workers for reporting to work. On Wednesday, The Tubatse Crossing mall’s entrance was also closed as shop owners feared the

protesters were going to loot the stores. GTM’s staffs were also sent home for their safety. During the protests, More than 10 buses and trucks were set alight and used as tools to barricade roads.

All the affected mines that included Glencore mine, Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines (ECM), Boysendaal platinum mine, Two Rivers Platinum, Dwarsrivier chrome mine and Silvania Chrome promised to recruit locally.

“We agree to work closely with the communities of Steelpoort; we concur to all community’s demands. It’s our responsibility to see the local economy flourish. The well being of our employees is also important to the mining companies,” the mine managers said.

Among the agreed demands between the mine managers and the communities was that the local mines employ the sons and daughters of the soil, the residents also want the local mines to develop their communities.

Speaking on behalf of the communities Cllr Ephraim Hlatswayo told the mine managers that employees that were affected by the strike and therefore failed to report to work must get their full salaries.

“Those who were also fired for going AWOL must be reinstated,” Hlatswayo said.

The communities and the mines agreed to disband recruitment agencies and to centralize offices were job opportunities will be posted before being advertised.

A task team was also agreed to be formed, it will deal with the mining squabbles and it will involve mine management, the communities and the members from the Department of Minerals Resources,

All the mining companies that attended the meeting promised to employ about 500 locals in the coming three months. The job opportunities will range from permanent posts, learnerships, internships and also bursaries that will be donated to the locals.

In his conclusion Ramathlodi revealed that they were going to work closely with the mines and communities.

“More constant consultations will be held between the mines and the communities, there are 300 mines in the country that are not adhering to their social labour plans. We will engage with them to ensure they comply,” he said.

Ramathlodi angered the residents on Tuesday when he told them that he did not come to Tubatse to be disrespected.

“I don’t have work opportunities in my pockets; I cannot be disrespected by you.”

The residents hurled vulgar words at the minister and were escorted by a strong police force outside the GTM buildings.

After the agreements, it was all hanky dory, it seemed the minister and the communities buried the hatchet.

Community members and the local police were all happy to witness the end of the protests.