Mr Speaker, for the past few weeks, we have observed violence and lawlessness at the Impala Platinum Mine, Implats, in Rustenburg. While Cope supports the right of workers to strike, we also believe that the rights of those who do not want to strike should be respected. Although the experience of having violent strikes without any consequences has become the norm, Cope believes that the loss of life should never be regarded as a norm. Cope urges the SA Police Service to ensure that the murderers of the three mineworkers are brought to book. Their arrest should result in a successful prosecution.
Mr Speaker, the issue of who is to blame for the illegal strike should not cloud our judgement when condemning the violence, intimidation and lawlessness that accompanied the strike.
Our labour laws are meant to ensure that labour disputes are resolved within an atmosphere of civility and peace. Those who undermine these laws should be dealt with harshly. The leadership of these hooligans masquerading as worker leaders should be identified and prosecuted.
It is only in South Africa that people can appear on television and threaten people with death without there being any consequences. It is not clear whether the police allow this because they think that it is a normal, democratic practice, or because those hooligans are their comrades.
Whilst Cope condemns the actions of some striking mineworkers, the behaviour of management - implementing retrenchment by stealth - should also be condemned. If the mine wants to re-employ, it can't use this opportunity to retrench approximately 2 000 workers without following procedure.
In this regard, the mine owners should be urged to play fair. The only way in which there can be a resolution of this impasse is if the two parties each play their part in good faith. Thank you.