NUM welcomes Ramphele ‘s resignation

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) welcomes the resignation of Mamphele Ramphele  as chairperson of Goldfields and believes that the move was long overdue. The mining sector requires people with a very strong character to be able to transform rather than a mere opinion-maker who shouts from the sidelines with no concomitant action.

The NUM requires people with a certain level of pragmatism rather than theorists to occupy these strategic positions in order to influence decisions that would favour the majority. Occupying such positions just to warm the seat has had disastrous consequences on the lives of the poor and marginalised African people, who continue to yoke under oppression whilst the seat warmers and cheque-collectors enjoy cocktail and other elitist gravies. It is common cause from what she said at last week ‘s mining indaba that she sees no problem with African workers losing their jobs in favour of some future one. Black mineworkers must believe in her Nongqawuse story!

Goldfields now Sibanye has been one of the worst performing in recent years in terms of Health and Safety of mineworkers under the watchful eye and leadership of chairperson Mamphela Ramphele. In transformation terms, it lags behind in terms of its mining charter commitments and has in recent years been amongst the most vociferous in legitimising and defending white minority power thorough word and action. Whilst we welcome the move, we are yet to be consulted by the errant company on its appointment of Cheryl Carolus and will therefore reserve our comment until the union has been properly consulted.

Statement issued by Lesiba Seshoka, NUM national spokesman, February 13 2013

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