Oh how the chickens have come home to roost. The crisis afflicting the SA mining sector is merely a symptom of a much deeper malaise that is now threatening what little stability we have left in the country.
Exactly how long did the mining bosses and indeed many others throughout the SA business community, believe they could get away with it? One is appalled at the cold and cynical exploitation of other human beings that has gone on for so long, paying out such meager wages that it is impossible for any worker to create a decent life around themselves and their families. This is in direct contrast to the unbelievable sums the bosses give to themselves without a shred of shame.
Those companies that do actually apply a fair wage and treat their workers with respect have the return benefit of loyalty and a real appreciation of their efforts. This is such a simple human equation and it boggles the mind that so many in big business with all their so-called education credentials, just do not get it. What do they teach them in business school? - 'Strip away the heart and everything that goes with it, what you have left is good business sense!' I think not.
The fact that Marikana dissolved into such bloody chaos points to callous, unthinking almost moronic management policies. How is it that so many in positions of fiscal power can also be so permanently removed from reality and the act of compassion and fair play? Long ago Lonmin could have worked to create a family-like environment by showing care toward their workers, instead all their policies produced were 34 lives lost in a disgusting display of state power backing up idiotic business practise.
This is the bed that Big Business SA has made and now they find it no longer comfortable. It is high time that these so-called movers and shakers create a living wage for their workers. The days of workers risking their own lives in dangerous working conditions while CEO's enjoy an obscene life of surplus are well and truly over.
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