/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in the Kimberley Region is deeply angered by the Koffiefontein Diamond Mine's decision to retrench 150 workers. 

"The NUM Kimberley Region can confirm that it had received Section 189(3) LRA 66 of 1995 notice of restructuring/ retrenchments from the Koffiefontein Diamond Mine which falls under the Petra Group. The company is reporting that approximately 150 jobs may or are impacted by this restructuring or retrenchment. We view this as rather unfortunate that whilst in these bad economic climates the company is contemplating such drastic measures," said Mosepedi Sanane, NUM Kimberley Regional Secretary.

"As NUM we believe there are other avenues that could have been looked at before going through this process which are going to see our members and employees at large losing their employment for good. The Koffiefontein Town is dependent on the mine as far as employment and other aspects of life are concerned. Without this mine, the area which is under Letsemeng Local Municipality is going to turn into a ghost town even before the closure of the mine," Sanane added.

The NUM wishes to assure its members that it will be going into consultation with the aim of exploring other options that will preserve jobs. We will be working very closely with the branch leadership and regular updates will be given to our members.