NUM Highveld region calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to urgently intervene and address the Transnet’s coal transportation crisis that threaten thousands of jobs
27 September 2023
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Highveld Region is calling for an urgent intervention by State President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the Transnet’s inability to efficiently transport coal which threatens over 35,000 livelihoods within the coal sector.
Transnet’s operations are a crucial cog in the country’s economy. They are responsible for moving most of the iron ore and coal that is produced in the country and then taken around the world.
In the face of this impending crisis, the NUM Highveld Region is pleading with the President to intervene. The situation is very dire. The reduction in coal production due to the unavailability of trains to transport it to Richard's Bay Coal Terminal jeopardises thousands of quality jobs. The urgency of this matter could be measured by the recent notification of section 189 retrenchments served to the NUM by Glencore.
Volumes transported on Transnet networks have declined by nearly a third over the past five years because of issues that include poor management and idle locomotives, cable theft and ageing tracks. Most coal miners have no choice but to use trucks to cash in on the record demand. The rail operations continue to be unreliable for the mining sector, causing harm to the economy.
The NUM’s position is not to advocate or push for the privatisation of Transnet or the sale of its assets. Instead, we call for the optimisation of Transnet's assets, which would not only safeguard the union's interests but also inject much-needed revenue into Transnet.
We wish to draw the President’s attention to the precedent set by SANRAL which owns roads in KwaZulu-Natal but permits other trucks to utilise such routes, subject to tolls. A similar approach within the rail sector can alleviate the crisis without privatisation. We implore President Ramaphosa to act swiftly. The time for proactive leadership is now. We cannot afford to lose 35,000 jobs when viable solutions exist. The government's inaction and negligence in this matter are untenable.
As a trade union, the NUM can vividly remember when the President himself earlier this year described the rail constraints as “a crisis of catastrophic proportions” and committed himself that his government will create a task force that includes private companies to look for solutions.
Such delays and the Transnet neglect threaten our ability to stand in support of the ruling party, the ANC, with whom we are in alliance through our federation, COSATU. We implore the government to recognise the severity of the situation within the coal sector and take immediate and decisive action to avert this impending catastrophe.
The coal sector is in turmoil, and time is running out. The NUM calls on President Ramaphosa to heed our call, for the sake of thousands of families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
We stand ready to work collaboratively with your administration to find practical solutions to the Transnet crisis. The fate of thousands of jobs, the well-being of countless families, and the stability of our nation's economy are at stake.
Issued by Thapelo Malekutu, NUM Highveld Regional Deputy Regional Secretary, 27 September 2023
