Wesizwe Platinum Limited has confirmed the start of a formal Section 189 consultation process at its flagship operation, Bakubung Platinum Mine in Ledig, North West Province, due to a major restructuring drive aimed at securing the mine\u2019s long-term future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company said the retrenchment process could affect close to 500 employees across the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The JSE-listed company issued a media statement on 04 June 2026 confirming that consultations in terms of Section 189(3), read with Section 189A of the Labour Relations Act, No. 66 of 1995, commenced this week. The process will be conducted jointly with recognised trade unions and elected employee representatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Financial pressure triggers review<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Wesizwe, the consultation follows an ongoing review of Bakubung\u2019s operational and economic position. The mine, which has been in production for 15 years, has consistently underperformed at 1.0 million tonnes per annum against a design capacity of 3.0Mtpa. Management says the operation now has an estimated 12 months of cash remaining and needs urgent repositioning to align with a sustainable 3.5Mtpa strategy.\u201cThe process follows the Company\u2019s ongoing review of the operational and economic position of Bakubung Platinum Mine, including the need to implement a turnaround strategy aimed at preserving liquidity, protecting the long-term viability of the operation, and repositioning the business towards a sustainable operating model aligned to the future 3.5 Mtpa strategy,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No final decisions yet<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wesizwe stressed that no final decisions on retrenchments have been taken. The Section 189 process is described as a \u201cformal joint consensus-seeking consultation\u201d where all parties will consider the reasons for proposed restructuring, explore alternatives to job losses, and develop measures to mitigate the impact on affected employees.The company acknowledged the sensitivity of the process and its potential impact on employees, families, host communities and other stakeholders. It pledged to engage \u201copenly, responsibly and constructively\u201d with affected employees, organised labour, regulators, local government, traditional leadership and other relevant parties as consultations unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Temporary operational shutdown instituted<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a precautionary safety measure aligned with the Group\u2019s \u201cZero Harm to People and the Environment\u201d value, Bakubung Platinum Mine has instituted a temporary operational shutdown. Management said the shutdown will allow the company to monitor the situation and ensure the safety and security of employees before resuming operations.Wesizwe confirmed it will continue assessing the situation, with operations set to resume once the company is satisfied that conditions are safe and appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commitment to lawful process<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company reiterated its commitment to managing the process lawfully, fairly and responsibly while protecting the integrity of the consultation and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Bakubung Mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the workers said they are anxious. “We now come to work not knowing if we will still have jobs going forward. The anxiety at home is heavy because we have families.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another worker said temporary shutdown means no overtime and no production bonuses. Basic salary helps, but it is not enough with the cost of living rising every day. We understand safety must come first, but the mine must try safe jobs.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are hoping consultation will be genuine and not just a formality. If there are other ways to save costs without losing jobs, management should explore those first. Workers are ready to propose solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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