NUM strongly condemns the ongoing failure by Denel to pay the salaries of the workers

31 May 2021

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) strongly condemns the ongoing failure by Denel Land Systems to pay the salaries of workers. The situation of workers in the Denel Land systems in the past 12 months is beyond crisis, with some workers resorting to committing suicide as a solution. We send our sincere condolences to the families of those workers. 

The union has been attempting to engage the company on this matter without any success as management failed to hold meetings required by the union or even responding. 

"The union has also been calling on Government to intervene by providing financial support in the interest of workers. The union has now reached a point that further action should be undertaken to fight against this ongoing violation of workers rights. The first action the union has done is to issue the demand letter to the employer regarding the outstanding salaries with an ultimatum to pay salary within 14 days or face legal action," said Mawonga Madolo, NUM Metal Sector Coordinator. 

The second plan of action is working with COSATU to organize the march to National Treasurer Office in an attempt to force Government to take responsibility on the matter as the sole shareholder. 

The union is committed to ensuring that the crisis in Denel Land Systems is resolved and all monies due to workers are paid and shall leave no stone unturned to achieve the same.

Issued by Mawonga Madolo, NUM Metal Sector Coordinator, 31 May 2021