Further, South Africa’s mining industry held a collapsed management system and weak leadership, with the tactics of organised labour being questionable.
“There is an inability to stand for what is right,” he said. He also warned that it was imperative that the current mistrust between workers and companies be resolved.
He says much needs to be done to create a globally competitive and sustainable mining industry and a stronger, more inclusive dialogue could bolster growth efforts.
“We need a new framework for dialogue,” Baleni said, adding that the “bread and butter” issues affecting mineworkers and communities needed to be urgently – and honestly – addressed.
Companies needed to fully comply with the letter and spirit of transformation imperatives and legislation, while organised labour needed to look beyond its own needs and become the voice of those that require it.
Further, information sharing between labour and management must be promoted with the sustainability of the industry developed in the best interest of the workers and other stakeholders.
Baleni emphasised the need for a people-first approach, with greater respect for human rights.
