ANC attacks Sibanye Gold over job cuts

African National Congress secretary general Gwede Mantashe fields questions from reporters during a news conference in Johannesburg, Monday, 17 January 2011 following the NEC ordinary meeting and NEC lekgotla which took place last week. Picture: Werner Beukes/SAPA

African National Congress secretary general Gwede Mantashe fields questions from reporters during a news conference in Johannesburg, Monday, 17 January 2011 following the NEC ordinary meeting and NEC lekgotla which took place last week. Picture: Werner Beukes/SAPA

Published Apr 3, 2013

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Johannesburg - Sibanye Gold, South Africa’s second-biggest producer of the metal, was criticised by the country’s ruling party for planning to cut 3,000 jobs at its fire-stricken Beatrix West operation.

Sibanye said yesterday it will cut jobs after a blaze broke out on February 19 at the mine in the central Free State province.

The Westonaria-based company has lost 61 kilograms (134 pounds) of gold every month, or about 28 million rand ($3 million) in revenue, it said yesterday.

“You don’t penalise victims for a fire,” Gwede Mantashe, secretary general of the ruling African National Congress, said in an interview on Johannesburg-based state-owned SAfm radio.

“Safety is the responsibility of management.”

Sibanye was spun off from Gold Fields last month and comprises the Kloof-Driefontein complex, Africa’s largest gold operation, and the Beatrix mines.

Mines Minister Susan Shabangu on January 15 said she had the power to fine mining companies after Anglo American Platinum, the world’s biggest producer of the metal, announced plans to idle four shafts, cut output by 400,000 ounces and fire as many as 14,000 workers. - Bloomberg News

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