As a way of minimising the threat of job cuts in the North West mining industry, the major companies operating along the platinum belt must guard against relying too much on machines to perform tasks that can be achieved by human labour.

This is the view of the Workers Association Union (WAU), which strongly feels that mining stakeholders must collectively look at practical ways to preserve jobs with the view of breathing more life into a sector that has been experiencing instability.

WAU general secretary Elifas Ngoepe said the desire by mining companies to make more profits is leading them to consider slashing jobs in favour of machines, thereby significantly reducing the expenses associated with paying out salaries, medical aid and other financial obligations.

Ngoepe said that if such a practice was intensified, it would not only lead to more people losing their employment but could also provoke labour unrest, which would create more complications in the industry. “I would urge employers to prioritise policies that are aimed towards either preserving the jobs that are already there or increasing them.

Machines must not replace miners,” Ngoepe said. “There are cases in which machines are made to do the work of 10 people and this is obviously unacceptable from the perspective of the workers because obviously they will be discarded,” Ngoepe said.

He said that the continued preference of machines over human beings could also result in the quicker depletion of minerals. “We are saying that as many people as possible, especially workers and the communities that these companies do business in, must benefit from the minerals that are in this country.

“Now, how can this happen if machines are given priority? With machines, the threat of minerals running out is increased and this will come with many problems, especially to other industries that rely on these mining activities,” Ngoepe said. Meanwhile, recent data from Statistics SA regarding the labour situation in the country for the first quarter of 2016 has drawn mixed feelings from WAU.

According to Statistics SA, employment declined quarter on quarter in the mining, construction and trade and finance sectors. However, on a yearly basis, employment rose by 30000 jobs in mining, according to Statistics SA. “I think those jobs in the mining must be temporary jobs because we all know that the sector is experiencing tough times at the moment,” Ngoepe said.

Courtesy: The NewAge Newspaper

South Africa-focused platinum producer Lonmin reported a core profit on Monday after cost savings, and said it expected firm chemical and car industry demand for the rest of the year despite the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal.

Its shares rose more than 14% in early trading, outperforming the wider mining sector, which was around 2% higher.

Lonmin seems to be surviving the ongoing platinum group market storm, which has been falling consistently in recent periods.

The latest report from Statistics South Africa showed that the mining sector shed 18% in March, largely due to declines in the platinum group metals (PGM), iron ore and manganese ore.

PGMs contributed a massive 27% to the fall in overall mining production and output. Lonmin’s shares have lost around 90% value over the past year, as a result of strikes, rising costs and plunging platinum prices.

In December, the company raised R6.2bn by selling new shares. In its first-half results statement, Lonmin said it had cut losses per share to 1.8 cents from a loss of 164.6 cents the same time a year ago, and reported a core profit of R561m versus a loss of R93m in the first half of 2015.

Cost-cutting is ahead of schedule, with close to 70% of the full-year target of savings of R700m already achieved.

Lonmin CEO Ben Magara said he did not anticipate any further job cuts at current market conditions, but added conditions could change.

Lonmin shed more than 5 000 jobs through its restructuring processes in a bid to cope with escalating costs and falling metal prices.

“These results reflect the positive momentum in Lonmin, we have delivered on our promise to restructure and cut high cost production in this oversupplied market while simultaneously reducing costs and improving cash flows,” Magara said.

He said on a quarter on quarter basis, Lonmin has reduced unit costs to R10 390 a PGM ounce and improved the net cash to R1 781bn.

“There is still a lot of hard work ahead as we squeeze out more costs and drive operational improvements and our key risks remain safety and its related stoppages and relationships.

“Lonmin has long life, shallow mining assets and unrivalled processing expertise and an invaluable mine to market business,” he said. – with Reuters.

Picture: (Gospel artist Shobi Reetseng flanked by his backup artists, Lebo Phiri (Right) and Maipelo Nkwe (Left)

GOSPEL artist Shobi Reetseng said that he welcomed the move by SABC to play 90% local music.

He said local artists will benefit from the initiative. The 37 year-old musician said the music industry needed to be revamped.

“We high appreciate the move by SABC COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng. This is a big injection to local artists especially up and coming. We need to make sure we are part of changes within the landscape of music. I have released two albums so far and I am working on my third one.

“It had not been easy to market our music across. However the decision brings out light. We also want to commend North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo for coming up with development strategy. As local artists, we do not have to leave the province for greener pastures anymore,” Reetseng said.

Taung-born artist said his both albums were well-received by the masses. Reetseng said gospel music is an important aspect of every society.

“Gospel music can tell stories, release emotions, build bridges and break down barriers, but above all music is entertaining. There are various forms of music, but not many have a rich history as gospel music. The importance of gospel music has been relevant in African music for many years.

“Gospel music promotes a spirit of hope and provides an outlet to worship God. We use gospel music to impact in the lives of many. I have been involved in many community projects and try to bring that beacon of hope within the society. We are marred with unemployment, inequality, teenage pregnancy and demoralised society. However with gospel music we tend to bring that needed hope and help the youth to uphold morals and values,” he said.

Reetseng said North West provincial government in partnership with culture, arts and traditional affairs department (CATA) have promised to assist local artists. He said a database has been created within the department and service points across the municipalities.

“We want to commend the CATA and North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo for listening to our grievances. However more can be done by supporting our local artists. Each service point within the municipality has the local artists’ database. We will urge them to make use of it.

“Mahumapelo announced that they will build recording studios at each district. We also urge the CATA department to assist in marketing our music. One can have a fine product, but marketing is needed,” Reetseng said.

-TDN

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THE SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in the North West wants a probe after a farm worker died from work-related injuries.

The deceased, Jan Rammekwa was allegedly left to die from a leg injury at a farm near Ventersdorp. Apparently, there was no immediate call for help after the injury that led to Rammekwa losing his life.

Sanco provincial chairperson, Paul Sebegoe said farm workers needed to be treated as human beings.

“The injury was allegedly caused by a harvesting machine. We wish to convey our condolences to the Rammekwa family. They lost their loved one in this tragic incident. An investigation will also assist to prevent similar incidents. We urge authorities to investigate whether an occupational health and safety plan was in place as well as adhered to.

“We are deeply concerned about allegations that Rammekwa and his supervisor were ensued in an argument prior the incident. Rammekwa’s leg was chopped off by the harvesting machine. It is allegedly that the machine was switched on deliberately. The deceased was allegedly looking for something that was stuck in it,” Sebegoe said.

He added that the delay in getting Rammekwa medical assistance was disturbing. It is said to have taken longer than necessary to inform the deceased’s family as well.

“If found to be true, the supervisor who is said to be a suspect in the matter should be immediately locked up. Violation of human rights, racial abuse and callous murders warrant harshest sentences. That will serve as a deterrent to others within our farming communities,” Sebegoe said.

According to report, the deceased’s brother-in-law, Patrick Pholo shared the same sentiments. He alleged that Doornplaat Group, which owns farms in the area had not communicated timeously with them regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident of his brother.

He said the wheel of justice must roll. Rammekwa was buried on Saturday at Tshing location, near Ventersdorp.

-TDN

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