The South African government should protect mine workers from victimisation by their employers who are likely to use the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to lay off their workers, a union official said on Monday.
Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) president Joseph Mathunjwa asked the government to be strict in enforcing regulations to protect the miners from dismissal following their return to work after a seven-week lockdown.
He expressed fear that mine owners, most of whom are foreign investors, could decide to reduce the workforce.
“As we know, the Covid-19 has impacted on employment negatively during the lockdown. And when we move from the current Level 4 to Level 3 in June, surely this will give an opportunity to the mine owners to restructure and use Covid-19 as an excuse to retrench workers,” Mathunjwa said.
The miners — and farmers — are among the 1.5 million workers allowed to return to work following a relaxation of the eight-week lockdown last week.
Due to the easing, the mines are operating at a 50% capacity in an industry the country relies on most for its foreign exchange earnings.
Mathunjwa also urged the government to embark on a project to beneficiate the country’s minerals, and not to continue exporting all mining products to overseas factories for processing as is the current case.
“I think the lockdown is an opportunity for government to compel the mining companies not to export 100% of its minerals to Europe, but rather to work on a ratio of 60/40″, Mathunjwa said.
Meanwhile, Impala Platinum Mine in the northern Limpopo Province has shut down after 19 workers tested positive for the coronavirus.
South Africa has 15,515 confirmed cases of the virus which has killed 264 people nationwide, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said.
NM/jn/APA