SA: Malema Calls for Nationwide Mine Strikes

Former ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema has called for a nationwide strike.

In a speech punctuated by cheers and the blowing of whistles and vuvuzelas, Malema called for a national strike in all South African mines, encouraging a step-up of a strike that has already halted production at several platinum and gold mines.

Malema told thousands of striking miners at a gold mine that this nation’s critically important mining industry should be stopped in its tracks to force the removal of the leadership of the country’s National Union of Mineworkers, which is cozy with the power elite, including South African President Jacob Zuma, who Malema simply doesn’t like.

Said Malema:

There must be a national strike. They have been stealing this gold from you. Now it is your turn. You want your piece of gold. These people are making billions from these mines

You must be treated like human beings. You must also be respected.

Miner unrest has become a central issue in South Africa since police shot and killed 34 striking miners and wounded 78 on Aug. 16 at Marikana, a platinum mine owned by Lonmin PLC.

Strikes have been spreading in South Africa since the shooting with the gold sector now affected.