NUM leader, journo threatened

INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS

Anglo Platinum striking mine workers. File photo by Phill Magakoe

Limpopo - A leader of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and an SABC journalist were insulted at the Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) Northam plant in Limpopo on Monday, the union said.

“The leader went to address workers at Swartklip Union mine this morning and was harassed together with a journalist from the SABC,” said spokesman Lesiba Seshoka.

He said the NUM regional secretary was called “hardegat”.

“It has become very clear that the company promotes racism through procuring security and other services from racists and their companies and that it has no intention to empower African people.”

He said the company embarked on mass dismissals a week ago and was in the process of doing the same at Swartklip when the NUM leaders sought to intervene and speak to members.

The SABC reported that journalist Dyaell Gaetswe, was threatened and subjected to racial slurs and insults at the mine. He was surrounded by nine mine security guards.

He was there to report on a meeting where the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) and NUM were addressing local mineworkers, after Amplats threatened to dismiss 8000 of them.

The officers cited restrictions on media presence and removed him from the premises.

Amplats has yet to comment on the incident.

Gaetswe reported that 1000 striking miners had gathered at Northam, some demanding a salary of R16,700, and others R12,500 a month. - Sapa