The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) North East Region confirms that it has succeeded in representing and bringing back to work the eighty-five (85) De Beers Venetia Mine workers who were dismissed last month. On the 24th October 2024 the NUM received a very disturbing and shocking news that De Beers Venetia mine had taken a decision to summarily dismissed the 85 workers after the workers did not agreed with the implementation of a system shift pattern that forces workers to work during holidays.

“Through a very tough negotiations and robust engagement, the NUM and De Beers management ultimately reached an agreement to unconditionally reinstated the workers. Majority of those workers are NUM members. The reinstatement of the poor workers demonstrates how structured and systematic NUM is. The NUM is very matured and tactical when it comes to matters of this nature, of championing the workers’ struggle,” said Phillip Mankge, the NUM North East Regional Secretary

The NUM North East Region commends all the parties involved, and for swiftly resolving and making sure that all the 85 workers are reinstated. We also further acknowledge and recognize the support received from different sections of society, however the NUM remains aware that there were certain provocateurs, demagogues and some charlatans who to masquerade and claim victory as the champions of working class.

The NUM shall remain the only trade union with a rich history within the mining industry and a powerful voice of the vulnerable mine, energy, construction and metal workers. We will never allow any self centered messianic people who want to hijack the workers struggle to claim easy victories. It should be noted that it was not an easy journey to return those workers back to work.