Mine closure narratives in the Free State Goldfields, South Africa
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Date
2020-11
Authors
Alec, Boitumelo Joy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
This study examines the experiences of mineworkers who lost their jobs after mine closure. The researcher applied qualitative methodology in this study, and interviews with selected participants narrated their experiences (the focus is on their experiences after retrenchment). The interviews were semi-structured. This study’s findings revealed significant changes regarding the South African government concerning all mining policies, ranging from the White Paper on Minerals and Mining, leading to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act No. 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) and other mining-related policies. The study discussed the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA), which deals explicitly with industrial relations and employment conditions. The National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998 (NEMA), establishes guidelines for decision-makers on environmental issues that impact people to ensure cooperative environmental governance. The discussion proceeded to the Skills Development Act No. 97 of 1998 (SDA) and Mine Health and Safety Act No.29 of 1996; its objective is to ensure sustainable skills development and individuals’ health and safety in mining operations. The study found out that The Employment Bureau of Africa (TEBA), the mining recruitment agency headhunted young men to work in the mines. Women have lately joined the mines, replacing family members who have been extraordinarily ill or passed on. Few respondents have entered the mines at a lower primary education level. The respondents did not obtain many other skills and training programs under the Social and Labor Plan, the MPRDA, and the SDA requirements. Section 189 of the South African Labor Relations Act No. 66 of 1995, concerning the retrenchment process, seemed to have been flawed, as most of the respondents indicated how shocked they were when they found out about their retrenchment. There was also no mention of any counseling given before or after the retrenchment. Family dysfunction was often a challenge due to a lack of income. Some families were unable to take the children to the anticipated institutions of higher education after their retrenchment. The study recommends the implementation of education and training in line with the SDA. Companies should use counsellors to provide counseling to workers that face retrenchment. This study found that some respondents contracted Tuberculosis (TB) during the subsistence of their working contracts and even after retrenchments. Together with the mining houses, the government and all other relevant stakeholders must improve on oversight strategies regarding the infection and reinfection of TB towards the retrenched mineworkers. The mines should continuously provide exemployees accessibility to the health care system.
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Keywords
Dissertation (MDS (Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2020, Mine downscaling, Mine closures -- Social aspects -- South Africa, Experiences after retrenchment, Counseling to retrenched mine workers