Gold One Dismisses Striking Workers at Ezulwini

Gold One advises that on 9 October 2012, following appropriate disciplinary procedures, the company dismissed approximately 1,435 of the total 1,900 employees at its Ezulwini Operation. This follows the illegal strike action that commenced on 1 October.

Management considered the representations made against dismissal and concluded that, in almost all cases, there were insufficient mitigating factors against the sanction of dismissal. Dismissed employees have been informed of their right to appeal their dismissal, and appeal hearings will take place from Tuesday 9 October until Thursday 11 October.

The South African Police Service is maintaining a strong presence at the operation to ensure that there are no acts of intimidation or violence. Currently only essential services are continuing.

On 2 October 2012 the company reported that a large number of employees at Ezulwini failed to report for work, following which the illegal strike was interdicted by the Labour Court. Striking workers were subsequently suspended pending disciplinary hearings on 8 October 2012, where suspended employees were invited to make representations.

The market is referred to the Gold One media releases published on 2,3 and 4 October 2012.

Statement issued by Gold One, October 9 2012

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