NUM National Office Bearers Statement, 9 April 2013
The National Office Bearers (NOBs) of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) met today and pronounced on the following matters:
Margaret Thatcher
The NOBs noted the sudden passing of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and pointed out that she will be remembered for her ruthless destruction of trade unions in Britain, in particular the British NUM as well as for waging and leading a relentless class war against the working class and the poor. The NUM further noted her role in mine closures as well as a supporter of the apartheid regime and an anti-ANC, anti-working class activist.
The Minister of Health
The NUM congratulates and applaud the National Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi for the energy and the progressive move he undertook to provide the "one pill a day" for HIV positive patients. The NUM congratulates him particularly for being the first to recognise and take advantage of the new medical development. The NUM urges its members and the public at large to continue participating on the Voluntary Counselling and Testing programme.
A call to SADTU and the ANC
The National Office Bearers urged the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) to meet and engage to resolve the impasse between SADTU and the Minister of Basic Education. The NUM's understanding is that the impasse was brought about by a collective agreement that has been undermined. The NUM's experience is that when collective bargaining has been undermined, the consequences are devastating and far-reaching.
Goldfields cocktail BEE
The NUM has noted with concern the cocktail Black Economic Empowerment put together by Goldfields at its South-Deep operation. The NUM demands a proper explanation on why the deal was put together in the first place by a person with no track record in mining as well as full disclosure of the terms of the transaction.
Statement issued by Lesiba Seshoka, NUM National Spokesman, April 9 2013
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