It is upsetting that, during a time where the country is battling a high unemployment rate and other negative economic factors, municipal managers and those directly reporting to them will receive pay hikes. The United Democratic Movement condemns this immoral decision in the strongest possible terms. This is a total insult to all South Africans who continue to feel the pinch. We do not see the need for this increment whilst there are other key areas on which money should be spent. Seen in this light, this move by Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize makes absolutely no sense. The ruling party prioritises their stomachs over our people and they need to realise that it takes them for granted while using their votes as a golden ticket to line their pockets. Elections are just a few months off and it is time for voters to make right the choices and show them their due. Issued by: Mr Bongani Msomi UDM Secretary General
Open letter to Mr Simon Scott, CEO of Lonmin Mine about Lonmin Mine’s September 2012 salary increase agreement from Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP (UDM President) (4 February 2013) The abovementioned matter has reference. In September last year the Management of Lonmin’s Marikana mine reportedly promises a pay rise offer of 22% to its mineworkers, ending six weeks of violent labour unrest that had devastating effects on the South African economy. However, nearly four months since this agreement was reached, I am inundated with calls from the mineworkers complaining about the fact the 22% salary increase is yet to reflect on their payslips. Mineworkers claim that they are still paid in accordance with the old salary agreement. It is common knowledge that respecting contractual agreements brings about trust and mutual respect in the workplace. However, the fact that the mineworkers already feel that the Management of Lonmin Mine does not respect their agreement increases the danger that the mineworkers could go on another wildcat strike, which would be more difficult to resolve because trust between the two parties would have broken down irrevocably. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) therefore calls on the Management of Lonmin Mine to look into and address the concerns of the mineworkers at its Marikana mine. Regards, Bantu Holomisa, MP UDM President