Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma should declare a state of
emergency in the mining sector, the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa)
said on Thursday .
"The situation is totally out of control, resulting in
anarchy being created in our mining sector, and could easily spill over
to other sectors of our economy," it said in a statement, referring to
unrest at Lonmin's Marikana mine and other mines.
Fedusa said it was unhappy with government's handling of the situation so far.
A state of emergency was necessary to restore peace,
order and stability. Despite a peace accord signed by some parties,
unrest and disruption was continuing. As a result, government revenue
would decline, corporate profits were plummeting, and there was the risk
of potential job losses.
The federation called on Zuma to show true leadership
by convening a meeting with leaders of organised labour and business to
bring the situation under control.
"Government must provide leadership in order to create a conducive environment for stability and peace," Fedusa said.
The State of Emergency Act, of 1997, provided for the
declaration of a state of emergency and empowered the president to
declare such a state.
A state of emergency may only be declared when the life
of the nation was threatened by war, invasion, general insurrection,
disorder, natural disaster or other public emergency.
Government should consider laying sedition charges against those guilty of inciting violence, said Fedusa.
Last month, 34 striking workers were shot dead by police at Lonmin's Marikana mine. Another 78 were injured.
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