The United National Transport Union (UNTU) asked Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade and Industry and Economic Development, why he decided to allow the Kumba Iron Ore Mine to reopen which resulted in the Transnet Iron Ore line reopening.
Steve Harris, General Secretary of UNTU, says the Union fails to see how the reopening and operations of the Kumba Iron Ore Mine, with a direct result on the reopening of the railway line and all other Transnet operations between Sishen and Saldanha, can be considered as essential services necessary to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
UNTU was not provided with the motivation the Mine submitted to the Minister nor with Ministers reasons for granting it. “UNTU believes this decision is putting the lives of those who have no choice, but to start working again and their loved ones at home, at risk for a service that is non-essential in our view.”
“The Union and all its members are committed to Governments efforts to combat the spreading of this deadly global pandemic, COVID-19,” says Harris.
Last night, on 30 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa once again outlined what is meant by essential services: He said, “We would like to thank our nurses, doctors and other health workers – our volunteers and NGOs. The 18 000 security personnel, the farm worker who are helping to keep us supplied with food, the technician in the power station working to keep the lights on. I speak of the caregiver who comes in everyday to tend to the most vulnerable of our citizens, I speak about the taxi driver, the refuse collector, the bus driver, the supermarket cashier, the hospital cleaner, the petrol attendant and all those essential service workers – you are our unsung heroes and we salute you.”
On 23 March 2020 the President said, “the nationwide lockdown is necessary to fundamentally disrupt the chain of transmission across society.”
According to him exempt from the lockdown are the health workers in the public and private sectors, emergency personnel, those in security services (such as the police, traffic officers, military medical personnel, soldiers) and other persons necessary to respond to COVID-19.
“It will also include those involved in the production, distribution and supply of food and basic goods, essential banking services, the maintenance of power, water and telecommunications services, laboratory services, and those involved in the provision of medical and hygiene products. “With exception for pharmacies, laboratories, banks, essential financial and payment services, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, supermarkets, petrol stations and health care providers, all shops and businesses will be closed.”
“Companies that are essential to the production and transportation of food, basic goods and medical supplies will remain open,” said the President.
UNTU wants the Minister to explain his decision as the Union believe it is a direct contradiction with the motivation behind the lockdown.
Issued on behalf of UNTU by Sonja Carstens, Deputy-General Secretary: Media, Liaison and Communication. For UNTU press releases phone 082 463 6806 or e-mail sonja@untu.co.za
