NUM member's houses petrol bombed in Northam Limpopo 

BARBARISM IS ESCALATING

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) condemns the escalation of systematic attacks on its members by savages who are exploiting the strike situation with acts of crime and barbarism. Two houses belonging to NUM members were petrol bombed at Northam in Limpopo on Sunday night by these hooligans camouflaged as striking unionists.

REVERSAL OF GENDER STRUGGLE VICTORIES

It is very sad that these hooligans are fighting fellow workers instead of fighting their class enemy which is the employer. Other than fighting the bosses these hooligans are selecting soft targets .They have become even more desperate as the bosses parade resilience and arrogance.

They are now targeting women and essentially betraying the victories of gender equity which allowed females to work in the mines in democratic South Africa .Effectively reversing the gains we have made that women should be employed in the industry .This is clearly politically naïve, counterproductive and basically reactionary.

NO MORE SAFETY

It is clear that the Police and the mine security are failing to enforce compliance pertaining to law and order. We share their grief .Thus we have consistently called for timeous and effective intervention from the security establishment.

STAKEHOLDERS OF THE MINING FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT

The silence from the members of the Framework For Mining Development and sustainability does not assist the situation for it sends a message that the violence meted against other workers is a business affair of police and the affected unions alone .The stakeholder have a responsibility to promote peace as part of advancing stability in the country particularly in the mining industry.

DEFENDING OURSELVES

In the absence of effective protection for mineworkers who are not on strike a situation is evolving where hose under attacks feel compelled to directly defend themselves .This could further create an environment that is fluid and not good for South Africa as a preferred environment for investment and job creation.

Statement issued by Livhuwani Mammburu, NUM acting national spokesperson, April 8 2014

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