The National Union of Mineworkers will mobilize mass protests in an effort to prevent the privatization of Eskom

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) will mobilize mass protests across the country in an effort to prevent the privatization of Eskom through the involvement of independent power providers (IPPs). “NUM president Thamsanqa Matosa said President Jacob Zuma had been misled on the impact IPPs could have on mining‚ energy and construction sectors. ‘We will embark on rolling mass action to prevent massive job losses‚ electricity price hikes and the possible collapse of the livelihood of people in coal-mining communities’ Matosa said. NUM argues that IPPs which vouch for green energy‚ will lead to closing of five power stations and to 10000 direct job losses with a further 40000 jobs lost throughout the sector.”