GoldOne hostage situation ‘likely to further weaken SA’s already poor global standing’

The hijacking of GoldOne’s Modder-East gold mine by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) last Sunday was nothing short of economic terrorism and mafia-like in its narrative, said economist Dawie Roodt.

GoldOne drama ends

The drama ended yesterday with the hostages released, but the impact, said Roodt, is likely to further weaken South Africa’s already poor global standing, particularly when it comes to investor confidence.

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Ironically, Amcu did not get what it wanted – recognition as a union at the mine and an end to the “closed-shop” agreement with the National Union of Mineworkers.

“It’s probably not the end of that story, but we were not going to be held over a barrel and bullied into signing a recognition agreement,” said John Hericourt, chief executive of GoldOne Group.

“We know how politics works in this country but there is a line in the sand that must be drawn.”

Roodt said while Amcu’s tactics were shocking, this was another indication of the collapse of law and order in South Africa.

“It is happening on all levels and when you have a weak and incompetent government that cannot seem to do anything, someone is going to fill the void. Amcu did, in this case.”

ALSO READ: GoldOne gets interdict against strike as hostages remain underground

Despite repeated calls for ministerial intervention, nothing was forthcoming from the department of mineral resources and energy.

Mantashe ‘ineffective and incompetent’

“I am not surprised,” said Wayne Duvenage chief executive of the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse.

“(Mineral Resources Minister) Gwede Mantashe … is ineffective and incompetent. His silence is just another indication that he is out of his depth and uncaring.”

ALSO READ: Hundreds still underground in alleged hostage situation at GoldOne Mine in Springs

Roodt said: “This is a clear signal to investors that SA is a gangster’s paradise. Between our incompetent government and actions such as this, it is fast eroding whatever remains if the country’s reputation, already in tatters.”

A police official who could not be named because he is not authorised to speak to the media, said plans were afoot to charge Amcu with more than 500 counts of kidnapping and intent to incite violence.

Hostages ill-treated

Hericourt said the hostages were not well treated while underground.

“Four more workers had to be carried out on stretchers; the security officer who was taken hostage looked as if he was repeatedly beaten, his haggard expression evidence of the harsh treatment and trauma, both mentally and physically,” Hericourt said.

During the first phase of release early yesterday, another badly injured individual was treated in a clinic underground before being rushed to hospital.

ALSO READ: More than 540 miners held hostage underground in Springs

“Presently, everyone is undergoing counselling and medical treatment for other injuries. There has been smoke inhalation and other less serious wounds,” he said.

Questions posed to Mantashe remained unacknowledged at the time of going to print. Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the police had dissolved the joint operational centre after 562 people were brought to the surface.

Muridili said the mine rescue team had confirmed the underground area had been cleared. Police will remain in the area.

– news@citizen.co.za