Call state of emergency: Fedusa

Reuters

(File photo) Police keep watch as mineworkers take part in a march outside the Anglo American mine in the North West province.

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma should declare a state of emergency in the mining sector, the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) said on Thursday .

“The situation is totally out of control, resulting in anarchy being created in our mining sector, and could easily spill over to other sectors of our economy,” it said in a statement, referring to unrest at Lonmin's Marikana mine and other mines.

Fedusa said it was unhappy with government's handling of the situation so far.

A state of emergency was necessary to restore peace, order and stability. Despite a peace accord signed by some parties, unrest and disruption was continuing. As a result, government revenue would decline, corporate profits were plummeting, and there was the risk of potential job losses.

The federation called on Zuma to show true leadership by convening a meeting with leaders of organised labour and business to bring the situation under control.

“Government must provide leadership in order to create a conducive environment for stability and peace,” Fedusa said.

The State of Emergency Act, of 1997, provided for the declaration of a state of emergency and empowered the president to declare such a state.

A state of emergency may only be declared when the life of the nation was threatened by war, invasion, general insurrection, disorder, natural disaster or other public emergency.

Government should consider laying sedition charges against those guilty of inciting violence, said Fedusa.

Last month, 34 striking workers were shot dead by police at Lonmin's Marikana mine. Another 78 were injured. - Sapa