The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Highveld Region in South Africa says it is taken aback and angered by the total disrespect and impulsive decision taken by SERITI Resources to retrench 1 143 workers.

The union says this is capitalist barbarism at its best and exploitation of poor workers that cannot be tolerated.

The South African coal miner announced it plans to cut the jobs to contain costs due to lower prices and persistent rail bottlenecks.

The privately-owned Seriti is a major coal supplier to South Africa's thermal power stations and also exports some of its output.

To get reaction, Peter Ndoro spoke to Malekutu Bizzah Motubatse, NUM Highveld Regional Chairperson.