NUM CLAIM BREAKTHROUGH AT GROOTGELUK

THE National Union of Mineworkers announced on Wednesday a breakthrough in attempts to reinstate over 950 dismissed workers at Grootgeluk Mine near Ellisras after negotiations with mine management. But mine management has denied any “breakthroughs”. The “breakthrough” follows one week of violent protest at the mine after management sacked 450 striking workers last week and a further group of roughly 400 workers earlier this week. The 950 workers were part of an illegal solidarity strike designed to force the mine to reinstate Levy Ngoepe, an NUM branch secretary sacked after a closed internal disciplinary hearing found him guilty on assault and misconduct charges three weeks ago. The mine continues limited production.