Residents from Bekkersdal, Westonaria, and Randfontein have called on mining giant Sibanye-Stillwater to reconsider its planned retrenchments, warning that the decision will worsen unemployment and fuel illegal mining activities across the West Rand.
On Monday, dozens of protesters gathered outside Sibanye-Stillwater’s head offices in Westonaria, demanding that the company suspend the job cuts and engage directly with affected communities. The demonstrators also handed over a memorandum outlining their concerns and expectations.
Community representative Paseka Ndevu criticised the retrenchments as a “cost-cutting exercise” disguised as restructuring, accusing the company of putting profits ahead of people.
“This is not about unprofitability — it’s about cutting costs while ordinary workers suffer,” Ndevu said.
“We understand the challenges the company faces, but retrenching over 4,000 people is not a solution. Sibanye should rather create new opportunities or redeploy affected workers internally.”
Ndevu cautioned that mass job losses could drive more people into illegal mining, known locally as zama-zamas, which has become rampant in parts of the West Rand.
“When people lose their jobs, desperation takes over. Many will turn to illegal mining just to survive — and that brings more crime and danger to our communities,” he added.
Sibanye-Stillwater announced in 2024 that it planned to cut more than 4,000 jobs at its South African gold operations as part of efforts to restructure unprofitable shafts, including Beatrix. The company cited rising operational costs, declining production, and falling gold prices as the main reasons behind the decision.
However, residents argue that instead of shedding jobs, the company should invest in mine rehabilitation projects and create alternative employment initiatives to safeguard livelihoods.
Responding to the protest, John Thamela from Sibanye-Stillwater’s stakeholder relations office said the company would engage with community leaders to address their concerns.
“We will respond within seven days through your leaders to discuss these issues,” Thamela said.
He also reminded residents that company policy prohibits employees from accepting physical CVs.
“No one is allowed to take CVs. It’s unfortunate that people still try to hand them over,” he added.
