Only 168 employees of the 2 314 who have been affected by the restructuring process at Sibanye-Stillwater will be retrenched.
Through the S189 consultation process, 1 136 employees accepted transfer opportunities to available positions at other group operations in the South African region.
Five hundred and fifty-two employees were granted voluntary severance or early retirement packages. Natural attrition accounted for 103 less affected employees.
The 168 employees who could not be accommodated or who chose not to participate in the agreed upon avoidance measures, will be retrenched.
This number includes 39 learners who will be given the opportunity to complete their training, as well as 59 employees who declined a reasonable alternative position within the company.
Constructive consultations were held between Sibanye-Stillwater and affected stakeholders, which considered various avoidance measures to mitigate possible retrenchments and minimise job losses due to the potential cessation or downscaling of operations and associated services at the Beatrix 4 shaft and Kloof 1 plant.
Neal Froneman, chief executive officer (CEO) of Sibanye-Stillwater, said that while the decision to close or restructure operations is never taken lightly, the closure of the end-of-life, and loss-making operations are necessary to ensure sustainability for the remainder of the business.
“We are pleased with the outcome of this S189 process regarding the Beatrix 4 shaft and Kloof 1 plant, where, through constructive and co-operative engagement, we have been able to preserve the vast majority of jobs initially at risk.
“We acknowledge and thank all stakeholders for their constructive engagement.”
