This is according to NUM regional secretary, Masibulele Naki, who tells OFM News that the mine has become a complete danger to the life of workers with regard to unattended safety issues, among others, since its transition from AngloGold Ashanti.

Naki says the mine seemingly doesn’t want to come to the party to negotiate the working conditions of workers. He says they will, however, force the mine management to attend to their demands, which include better wages and transport allowances.

NUM is set to march to the offices of the mine in Klerksdorp on Tuesday.

He says since the mine took over, there has been an increase in illegal miners who stay on the mine's property and are allegedly terrorising and raping women in the area.

He adds that in June this year 15 culprits raped a woman and the mine has done nothing so far to ensure that its properties are not hubs of rapists.

He further says they are not convinced about any measures the mine has allegedly put in place with regard to the incident. 

Mine management is yet to comment. 

“We will hand over the memorandum to Harmony Gold management. If they fail to respond positively to the workers we will have no option but to take the matter to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). We will withdraw our labour if we get the certificate and go on strike to fight for workers’ rights. Actually, for the wage negotiation we will go on strike,” says Naki.

OFM News/Lucky Mkuyane