Pressure builds up on SA mines

The dethroned African National Congress Youth League leader, Julius Malema addressed thousands of striking mine workers, that the NUM's leaders did not listen to workers' needs and that they are the reason the Makikana massacre occured. Production at the Driefontien gold mine outside Carltonville came to a standstill on Monday, when almost 75% of the workforce went on strike.

They marched to mine management offices and handed over a memorandum of demands which included:

• The removal of the NUM's branch leadership (which was also requested during a sudden strike last week);
• The equalisation of salaries across job categories (an accord for this in principle had been signed); and
• The reinstatement of a number of previously suspended employees

ON TOP OF THE GAME: Malema,
addresses mineworkers, at Rusternburg.
Source: www.iol.co.za

The workers also complained their taxes were too high and demanded a salary of R12 500, echoing the demand of striking workers at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine, near Rustenburg. "It's no secret that President Zuma is being paid to protect the mines. His family trusts are being paid. You can't touch the mines, because Zuma doesn't care about the mine workers. He doesn't care about you. Our leaders are in bed with the capitalists,". I am sure what Malema said has caused a bad perception to the mine workers about the President. As the pressure builds up in South Afrian mines, my question is where does this leave us and our economy?  (read more)
I ask myself if this is the way Malema want to be reinstated if still carries on disrespecting and pointing fingers to the President. Will this make him ressurect and become part of the African National Congress after the expulsion of 5-years from the ANC.
 
How is the government dealing with strikes taking place?




PROPAGANDIST: Julis malema
is a real propagandist who wants
to benefit himself while playing
with people. Source: www.news24.com

The President has described the living and working conditions of Lonmin miners as "terrible", saying that he and the government have the right to criticise the company as it has lagged in its transformation. Answering questions in the National Assembly on Thursday, Mr Zuma said the ANC led government could not be blamed for not delivering housing in the same way as the mining companies could. He said the mines have been operating for centuries in such a manner and there were historical factors to address. (Read more)
Lonmin’s Marikana mine has been in the headlines after protests there turned deadly, living 34 workers dead. This has left so many mineworkers to join forces and stand for what they believe is right for them, the Anglo Platinum workers are also string for the same amount the as the Lomnin's workers. The issue of Marikana has generated a lot of bad publicity, and this where the communication practitioners have to interfere to ease the amount of bad publicity by launching media campaigns that will help balance company's visions and missions so that they keep the reputation and enhance their relationship with their stakeholders, to show that they are still worth of the public support and approval. To maintain a favoured publicity and relationship, techniques of PR should not be abated because they help reshape the company as a brand.