Axed miners vow to keep fighting!

OVER 200 miners, dismissed after an illegal sit-in at Sibanye-Stillwater's Kwezi shafts in Rustenburg, are demanding their jobs back.

The workers gathered outside the mine premises on Monday morning, 10 June, urging mine management to withdraw their dismissal.

The miners downed tools last Monday, 3 June, in protest against the proposed Employee Share Ownership Scheme for Kroondal mine employees.

The mine management explained that dividends would not be paid due to an incomplete 50% acquisition of Anglo Platinum's share in the Kroondal mine.

Meanwhile, operations resumed at the Kwezi shaft on Monday, 10 June, following a mass meeting held by unions on Sunday, 9 June, to discuss the situation.

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Miner Carlos Mathabula expressed disappointment in the mine's response.

"We have received dismissal letters for fighting for our rights, which I believe is disrespectful. Instead of addressing our concerns, the mine chose to dismiss us. The afternoon shift on the day the sit-in started was also dismissed," said Carlos.

He remains hopeful that their union will soon resolve the issue.

Another worker, Siyabonga Mbogase, emphasised their demand for their hard-earned money.

"The employer should pay us before any dismissals. We will not back down without a fight," he said.

At a mass meeting, Joseph Mathunjwa, president of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), noted that the dispute over shares at Sibanye had been part of wage negotiations in the previous year.

Mathunjwa announced plans to approach the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to contest the dismissals.

"We have filed an appeal on behalf of the workers. Should they strike, it will be in accordance with the law," he said.

Sibanye-Stillwater spokesman James Wellsted confirmed that dismissal notices had been issued to the workers involved in the sit-in.