The illegal strike at Zululand Anthracite Colliery has entered third week
12 May 2022, Johannesburg
Press Release
The illegal strike at Zululand Anthracite Colliery has entered the third week
Issued by ZAC General Manager Wayne Rowe
Labour Court issues interdict against illegal strike
Disciplinary measures have commenced
Strike disrupts water supply to communities
Management plans to hold stakeholder engagement
The illegal strike by mineworkers at Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC), which started on the 20th of April 2022, is continuing as of the 11th of May 2022. At some stage, some striking workers embarked on a sit-in inside the shafts for nine days, in direct violation of mine health and safety regulations.
Following an order of the Labour Court obtained on the 26th of April, authorising management and a security company to conduct an evacuation, ZAC management succeeded to persuade the workers to return to surface. All workers returned safely to the surface on the 29th of April.
We would like to clarify and emphasize that at no stage was ventilation at illegally occupied shafts switched off. ZAC subscribes to the mining industry’s commitment to “Zero Harm” and is determined to ensure strict compliance with mine health and safety regulations at all times.
The Labour Court further ordered that striking workers end the illegal strike. However, the workers refused to end the strike which has now spread across the mine rendering the mine non-operational. Striking workers stated that they will continue their illegal strike action until their wage demands are met. These demands in some instances would amount to a 50% salary increase and, in some instances, even more than this amount.
Update: Strike turns violent
Since the 3rd of May 2022 employees have continued to sabotage the infrastructure in and around the mine. Multiple power lines have been cut down. Water infrastructure that also serves the surrounding communities has been damaged as well. These are criminal incidents and can also be seen at the Ngwabe shaft where a petrol bomb was used to torch the office block on the evening of Sunday the 8th of May 2022. There is a clear attempt to completely cripple the mining operation and destroy jobs.
Due to the continuous unrest, intimidation and threats around the site, ZAC approached the Labour Court in Durban for a second interdict on Friday, the 6th May 2022 that included all striking employees and sympathizers. The order was granted. The management of ZAC is confident that SAPS will ensure that those involved in alleged criminal activities will be identified and arrested.
Actions by ZAC
ZAC intended to take disciplinary action against the 77 employees who were in contempt of court with the first interdict, which directed them to vacate the shafts and return to work.
On the 4th of May 2022, ZAC management, together with an external independent chairperson, commenced with disciplinary hearings for all the employees taking part in the illegal strike. To date 175 hearings have been conducted with the following outcomes:
94 Dismissals
57 Verdicts pending
24 Not Guilty
Disciplinary hearings should be completed by 20th May. Vacancies that may arise from dismissals will be advertised, followed by the recruitment process, in order for the mine to recommence operations as soon as possible.
Whilst awaiting outcomes of the disciplinary process, the mine will continue to try and mitigate impacts on customers and will engage each customer individually to discuss interim arrangements.
A stakeholders’ meeting that will be attended by leaders of Traditional Councils, contractors, employee leadership, SAPS and ZAC management will be convened in the next few days for the ZAC management to present a full report and to discuss the way forward to prevent further disruption, sabotage and damage to the mine property and infrastructure.
The mine’s water supply to the surrounding communities remains difficult as a result of the constant sabotage and danger in repairing the water supply. ZAC endeavours to repair the infrastructure and resume the supply of water to our host communities as soon as it is safe to do so.
For more information, contact:
Menar Corporate Communication Department
Siphiwe Tame
Tel: +27 11 783 7996
Email: pr@menar.com