NUM rejects Malema ‘s hogwash

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) notes with disgust the latest hogwash uttered by the so called "Friends of the Youth League" leader Julius Malema. His crew dismally failed to hijack the NUM national congress held at Emperors Palace in May. To call on workers to embark on illegal strikes is totally irresponsible and childish.

The NUM condemns his attack on its leadership and the desperate behaviour of taking advantage of vulnerable people and trampling on rights of families of the deceased in Marikana in an attempt to score cheap political points.

The National Union of Mineworkers appeals to all its loyal members to reject Malema ‘s hogwash and to return to work. Thousands of miners stand to lose their jobs due to irresponsible comments by Malema and his ilk. The NUM does not take kindly people of Malema ‘s ilk climbing on the bandwagon and using its name in desperation for camera lights and media interviews.

For the record, it is totally fallacious for him to claim that the NUM General Secretary Frans Baleni owns shares in mining or that he receives money from mining houses. It is equally untrue to claim that the General Secretary sits on boards of mining houses. The NUM will fully investigate all the fallacious claims and would take appropriate legal action.

Statement issued by Lesiba Seshoka, National Union of Mineworkers, September 11 2012

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