Mail & Guardian writes that Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members at Harmony Gold’s Free State operations have accused management of colluding with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) to prevent Amcu from recruiting members at the populous Tshepong and Phakisa shafts.  

Regional organiser Jack Makopo said there was a decree, in existence since 2013 and circulated via email, that imposed a ban on wearing Amcu paraphernalia and the possession of registration forms.  The emails, seen by the M&G, warn of a “concern” about Amcu’s recruitment campaign and instruct that: “Any person in possession of such bulk forms should not be allowed in the working areas or hostels ... and should these forms be found, they should be confiscated and reported to HR immediately.”  Although the emails are from 2013, Amcu members who have recently faced disciplinary proceedings, say efforts to stem the union’s growth have resulted in clampdowns on recruitment and wearing of union paraphernalia.  Koos Sello, an Amcu member whose T-shirt was torn from his chest, said he had opened a case of common assault at the mine.  Makopo said repeated efforts to get George Phillips, a senior HR manager at the Free State operations, to intervene in the alleged harassments had been met with silence.  Amcu’s national treasurer, Jimmy Gama, said this harassment was systematic and not confined to Harmony’s Free State operations.  

Acting NUM spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburuu said it was the first time he had heard the allegations of collusion and harassment at Harmony’s Free State operations.

• Read this report by Kwanele Sosibo in full at Mail & Guardian

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