Saftu takes ‘jobs bloodbath’ protest to Samancor Chrome

Community members, trade union leaders and activists have called for urgent action to address what they describe as a deepening ‘jobs bloodbath’ driven by de-industrialisation, mine closures and corporate neglect.

More than 100 protesters, mainly from Marikana, handed a memorandum to Samancor Chrome’s head office in Sandton. Samancor Chrome is the second largest chrome producer in the world.

The protest, held under the Jobs Bloodbath campaign of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), brought together residents from mining-affected communities who voiced frustration over rising unemployment, lack of economic development, and limited access to skills training opportunities.

Mametlwe Sebei, the president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa) and coordinator of Saftu’s task team on job losses, said the protests form part of a broader campaign against mass job losses and structural unemployment.

Sebei argued that decades of economic policy have contributed to widespread unemployment now affecting millions of people, particularly in mining communities. He blamed mining corporations and large monopolies for job losses, mine closures, and the decline of key sectors such as manufacturing, construction and agriculture.

“We are witnessing a jobs bloodbath driven by decades of economic policy that has destroyed manufacturing, mining and industrial capacity,” Sebei said. He also blamed mining corporations and large monopolies for the job losses and declining industrial output. “These companies have closed mines, exported profits and left communities with nothing but unemployment,” he said.

Community leaders echoed these concerns, highlighting persistent unemployment and what they described as unequal access to opportunities.

Tshepo Molaole from the Marikana Community Unemployment Forum raised concerns about limited economic development and skills training within affected communities. He said many capable individuals remain excluded from job opportunities, which are often perceived to be reserved for a select few. “There are capable people here, but opportunities are often reserved for a select few. We are still asking who will benefit and how people will even be informed about these programmes,” Molaole said.

Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) activist and Women Affected by Mining United in Action (Wamua) branch secretary, Qedusini Masina described the personal impact of unemployment on young people in mining communities. She said joblessness has contributed to severe financial hardship and social challenges. She accused mining companies of failing to meaningfully invest in community development.

Masina criticised short-term internship programmes, arguing that they do not provide sustainable skills or long-term employment opportunities. She called on companies to establish training facilities and expand practical skills development programmes for school leavers.

Zaki Mamdoo, a member of the Saftu campaign committee, said the protest forms part of national mobilisation against job losses and deindustrialisation. He accused mining companies, including Samancor Chrome, of failing to comply with social and labour plan commitments, particularly in relation to skills development and community upliftment.

Samancor has promised a comprehensive response to the demands of the protesters.

Jomo Kwadi, head of corporate affairs and transformation at Samancor Chrome, confirmed receipt of the protesters’ demands. Kwadi said the company will review the concerns raised and prepare a comprehensive response after due consideration. He did not provide further comment, stating only that the issues raised would be formally addressed.

In 2019, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) launched major litigation against Samancor Chrome alleging $500-million in illicit profit-shifting, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duties by directors. Samancor Chrome contested these claims, citing that many transactions were over a decade old and that they had commissioned their own independent investigation.

The protesters have demanded a formal response by 24 April, warning that further action may follow if their concerns are not addressed.