BAFOKENG Rasimone Impala mineworkers gathered in Robega Village in the North West on Monday, 8 January, which is three kilometres from the mine.
This after they refused to report for the night shift duty on Sunday, 7 January, accusing the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) of failing them.
During their gathering, the workers carried Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) membership forms and burnt NUM T-shirts, saying the union is not serving them.
They also vowed not to return to work until all their demands have been met.
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Before the mine closed for the December 2023 holidays, more than 2 000 workers were part of an underground sit-in for three days over issues relating to workers’ pension funds and the employee shares payments.
The sit-in was called off and the workers resurfaced due to hunger after three days. They said some workers have been dismissed, while others were suspended over the sit-in.
Among their demands is for the mine to withdraw the suspension notices issued to some of the workers for allegedly taking part in the sit-in.
One of the workers, Mokgwabone Kuriti, said they've lost confidence in the union, adding that they'll return to work only when their demands have been addressed.
"It's clear that the mine management and NUM are working closely but failing to serve the interests of the workers," he said.
Another worker, Israel Legobane, said he has been working at the mine for 23 years and that it was time workers were taken seriously.
He said their money must be paid with immediate effect and all suspension notices withdrawn.
NUM regional secretary in Rustenburg, Geoffrey Moatshe said the issues raised by the workers are issues they have always been addressing. He said if the workers do not get back, the mine may close down for good.
“People are taking advantage of workers by promising them quick money. Some of the demands made are not achievable, like issues of provident funds. We are faced with a situation where the employer has threatened that if workers do not report back to work, unfortunately, they have no option but to close the mine,” he said.
He said they started campaigning from Sunday, 7 January in various areas trying to mobilise and urge workers to report for duty.
Moatshe said they will continue to engage the employer and workers to try to reach common ground.
He said:
Impala spokesman Johan Theron said they have normal attendance across the business, with the exception of the north and south shafts where attendance is about 60%.
He said media reports of potential disruption on Monday clearly impacted attendance.
“We are actively engaging with all stakeholders to understand and address potential concerns as best we can," he said.
