Two-week violent strikes at an end

Gilbert Motseo

LIMPOPO – AFTER several days of negotiations, the two-week long violent strike by the residents of Ga-Mampuru, Phasha and Tukakgomo near Burgersfort came to an abrupt end.

Recently the residents, mine managers and government officials reached an agreement that work would resume.

The negotiations were held at Thaba Moshate, Hotel, Casino and Convention Resort and were led by department of mineral resources minister, Adv Ngoako Ramathlodi. Also present were economic development, environment and tourism MEC, Seaparo Sekoati, Greater Tubatse mayor, Ralepane Mamekoa and Sekhukhune district councillor, David Magabe.

The strike ended after devastating violent protests that prevented learners from going to school and mine workers from reporting to work.

Last Wednesday, the Tubatse Crossing Mall’s entrance was also closed as shop owners feared the protesters were going to loot the stores. Greater Tubatse Municipality’s personnel 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, including Glencore Mine, Samancor Eastern Chrome Mines, Boysendaal Platinum Mine, Two Rivers Platinum, Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine and Silvania Chrome Mine promised to recruit locally in future.

“We agree to work closely with the communities of Steelpoort; we concur to all the 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.

Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, Ephraim Hlatswayo, told the mine managers that employees who were prevented by the strike from reporting for duty should get their full salaries. “Those who were also fired for being absent must be reinstated,” Hlatswayo said.

The communities and the mines agreed to disband recruitment agencies and to centralise offices where job opportunities would be posted before being advertised.

A task team was also agreed to be formed aimed at dealing with mining squabbles and it would involve mine management, the communities and some employees of the department of mineral resources, he said.

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

In conclusion, Ramatlhodi confirmed 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.

Ramatlhodi angered the residents last Tuesday when he told an angry crowd of residents that he had not come to Tubatse to be disrespected. “I don’t have work opportunities in my pockets; I cannot be disrespected by you”, were his words.

The residents hurled vulgar words at the minister, who had to be escorted by a strong police presence outside the municipal buildings.

However, once the agreements were formed, the residents calmed down and left Ramatlhodi in peace.

Motorists still advised to be cautious on R555

Lim police arrested 19 since start of R555 protests

6 arrested after 4th truck is set alight

Motorists on the R555 road warned not to stop for so-called hitch-hikers

Roads in Eerstegeluk area blockaded in protest