NUM must defend itself - leaders

Johannesburg - The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) had to defend itself, its leaders said on Tuesday.

"NUM members cannot run for ever. We have to defend ourselves," general secretary Frans Baleni told reporters in Johannesburg.

He said three of its members had been attacked at Impala Platinum's number six shaft in Rustenburg for rejoining the NUM.

The NUM lost its majority status at platinum mines to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) during the five-month-long strike in the platinum belt.

Union president Thamsanqa Matosa said NUM members had a right to protect themselves and their property.

Demand payslips

"We have been on the run for a long time. It is time to defend ourselves."

Baleni said stability in the mining sector could be attained by implementing the mining stability framework.

Workers in the North West platinum belt were being attacked for belonging to the NUM.

"In informal settlements, people demand payslips to see which union you belong to. If you belong to NUM, you are attacked."

He said workers had joined union Uasa "as a temporarily safe base" before rejoining the NUM.