Government acknowledges need for labour stability

The South African
government will do all it
can to create stable labour
market conditions in the
country in an effort to boost
the mining sector.
According to Minister
of Mineral Resources,
Mosebenzi Zwane, talks with
industry have highlighted the
importance of labour stability
and government is conscious
of the massive impact strikes
have had on the sector in recent
years.
Addressing the mining
industry recently he said it was
important to note that striking
was a constitutional right of
workers.
“Together we have created
a stable mining environment
through the presidentialled
framework agreement
for a sustainable mining
industry. There are now fewer
disruptions in the industry,
enabling operational activities
to stabilise,” he said. “However,
we should take lessons from the
protracted platinum strike in
which there were no winners and
ensure that such events are not
repeated. It is our view that the
commitment of stakeholders to
dealing with these matters will go
a long way in addressing negative
perceptions about labour market
conditions. Ideologies and tactics
employed by labour organisations
in the sector may differ, but they
remain the vanguards of the
working class. This divergence of
ideas should not find expression
in any form of violence or
intimidation.”
Zwane said it was imperative
that the focus be on co-existence
in the mining sector – one
where mining houses were
afforded stability, but also
where the betterment of
working and living conditions of
mineworkers was a priority.