More job losses...self inflicted though!

You have to love logic...it makes most things in the universe fall into place.
Sadly, logic is not one of the things possessed by many in leadership South Africa.

Last year striking miners made worldwide headline with their confrontation with police, leaving over thirty dead. The unions dragged the strike out and in doing so, damaged the cash flow of the mine. Billions of Rand was lost- not only income to the mine, but to South Africa. But, unions are all about politics and even though the mining companies tried to work compromises, the unions (who's leaders were funnily enough, still receiving an income) stood their ground. This, despite warnings that the high increases they were requesting could not be sustained by the companies involved. Apparently that does not matter to the unions though.
So, the workers received high pay increases, with a warning that it would drain the companies.

Flash forward to 2013. Anglo Platinum has announced that it would close four shafts and have to sell a mine. 14 000 jobs are on the line. Yes, this is shocking and extremely sad. So, how does The Amplats Workers Committee react- they call a strike to bring Anglo 'to it's knees'. Great thinking. The company needs to downsize as it is, so hey, let's damage it further and see how many more we can add to the 14 000 jobs already on the line. Logic at it's best.

Cleverly The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has asked it's members not to strike, while it negotiates with the company to save as many jobs as possible. (NUM was the only large union willing to compromise in last years strikes). The second union, who was the main cause of the earlier never-ending strike, the Association of mineworkers and construction union (Amcu) tell us they will be 'guided by their member's calls'. Also with a bit of prodding I am sure.

This defies logic...but then, so does South Africa in many aspects. Of course, the ANC led government is also threatening to re-look at mining licenses for those mines who are restructuring, giving unmined shafts to 'those who want to mine'-whoever they may be.

This is no isolated case either, wildcat strikes have caused Harmony Gold, Harmony Platinum and Aquarius Platinum to re- look at their operations at some mines, which may lead to further closures.

Considering South Africa was built on mining and remains a mining giant, the government needs to step up and provide leadership. Threatening is not leadership. The government need to have open discussions and understand where the mining companies are coming from. Furthermore, many in government have a financial interest in the mining industry (our future deputy president for example), so they will blow smoke, but tread carefully when it is time for action.

The unions and the government use the lack of education by the masses as a tool for power. The company bosses only care about the bottom line. There has to be a compromise that would work. For the sake of our economy, they need to find it quickly.

The Joke of SA Education.

As a new school year begins, I feel a need to reflect on the past Matric/National Senior Certificate (NSF)/ Grade 12 year and specifically the much celebrated results.

What does one need to pass the NSF or any other grade in South Africa:
40% in your home language.
30% in a second language.
30% in mathematical literacy or mathematics.
40% in life orientation.
40% in one of the remaining three subjects.
30% in other two

Now, with this in mind, our esteemed Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga (who did not cover herself in glory during 2012) is very pleased that some 73% of learners (formerly known as Pupils) passed the NSF. This guru on education states that the 2012 results would 'restore confidence' in our schooling. (seriously).
She does not of course comment on the estimated 50% of Grade ones who never make it to Matric or even the 40% of Grade 11's who never see Grade 12.
She also failed to bring up her stuff about about the non delivery of text books last year.

Reflecting on the percentage required to pass, how stupid must one be to actually fail? You see, when the ANC took over, they could not keep a system from the past (whether it was working or not) and replaced it with their own dysfunctional one. The ANCs 'free education' election promise also burned like a vampire in the midday sun. Schooling now cost as much as university did back then.
Year after year the pass rate was pathetic...so these brilliant minds take a look at what they can fix to rectify this troublesome situation.

Did they decide to look at the syllabus..nah....the quality of schools..nah...the quality of teaching..nah..the study material nah....I mean, how would improving any of those help make more people pass? Why improve the system.
So they did what any clever government think- tank does when marks are low....lower the pass rate. Genius. Who would have thought of that. And as a result, the under achievers also get a shot at passing. Talk about a good idea.

Now, the Education Department and ANC government or gloating in their self made sense of achievement..ignoring the reality- that the quality of the NSF is so low that most who are lucky enough to move on to higher education, will not even see out the first year and any country outside Africa, will pass out laughing if any prospective job seeker presented their NSF Certificate to them.
It is a fact that most high school learners do not know know how to read or write properly...and this is not even mentioning the spelling. Even worse- the Teachers themselves could not pass their own tests they were asked to write at the beginning of this year.

So..as 2013 commence  I suggest that we reduce the pass mark to 10% across all subjects and then next year we can celebrate the 85% NSF pass rate...I should be in government! Oh right...if I was then my brats would be in a private school and not subject to the Department of Educations quality education.

2013.......

.....a new year begins.....2012 ended on a very busy note..and I neglected my blog...shame on me...but 2013 should see me getting my arse in gear once more and I will try to post as much as I can...sorry for being such a stranger to all of those who visit on a regular basis....