The political – and probably economic - landscape in South Africa is changing, as I sit here typing this article, and I wonder how many are aware of how these changes are liable to change everything.
Lonmin has been forced basically to increase the wages of its miners by up to 22% and the knock-on effect of this is going to be huge. This on the same day that Zim miners have had their wages increased to just under R 2,000. I can already see miners north of the Limpopo - and every unemployed person south of the Sahara - packing their bags, and camels, horses and goats, and heading south, can’t you?
Does anybody out there really believe that miners, and labourers, and artisans, and just about anybody working on any mine, or in any factory, or foundry, or garden is now not going to believe that this is a golden opportunity to get in on the act too? Please send me your names, all 2 of you.
Vavi is likely to spend a fair amount of his time henceforth rushing around trying to quell wildcat strikes in an effort to save his own ass - as will too assorted union leaders and members of the ruling party. The ride of the Blue Lights, with suitable background music if you please!
Mine owners too are in for sleepless nights, maybe even a couple of lost-production days, and weeks, and the bottom line here is not good for anybody. It’s what is termed a lose-lose situation and we’re in for a rocky ride.
As for the rest of us, well we’re going to have to just sit and watch the circus really come to town with every ANC bigwig worth his salt, and union leader - and assorted shareholders in certain mining houses with hands in everybody’s pockets - attempting to hold onto his seat on the gravy train as it careers along towards Manguang.
I wouldn’t miss this show for all the tea in China - or platinum in Rustenburg - it’s going to be a scream.
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