RETRENCHED? SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY

Losing one’s job often leaves one feeling lost. Not knowing whereto from here can cause one to worry and become very anxious.

Be positive!

Create a new beginning!

Mobilise your support systems by forming groups of people to help you find solutions for problems you experience due to the retrenchment. These support groups can also help you find new employment.

Your work-place

The moment you hear that retrenchments are imminent and that you will be involved, you should contact your shop steward or the representative of your Union. Urge them to form discussion groups of five to ten retrenchees like yourself at the work-place so that you can discuss topics that will help you cope. Choose a leader for the group and decide on topics for discussion. These could be:

  • How the group members feel about the retrenchment;
  • What do I do from here?
  • How to tell important persons in your life about the retrenchment;
  • Options for the future (further training and job-hunting);
  • The possibility of starting a joint business venture;
  • Where to access help;
  • And many more.

You could invite non-governmental organizations, ministers of church, social workers, private psychologists, and representatives of the Department of Labour to deal with some of the topics. Ask the employment services staff of the Department of Labour who will be visiting your company/organization for the names and addresses of service providers.

Your home

Once you have left your job and are back home, the following options could be considered to help you cope:

Family and friends

Discussing your retrenchment with family and friends is important, since they care for you. You could also find comfort in your religious and cultural practices. See the pamphlet on “Supportive Family and Friends” for more detail in this regard. Do not forget that you could mobilize your family and/or friends to venture income-generating activities like growing vegetables, farming chickens, selling goods, etc.

Mineworkers Development Agencies (MDA)

The Mineworkers Development Agencies help ex-miners to find self-emloyment. They provide training and counselling on small business options. They could help you find materials to start a small business. You could possibly join one of their co-operatives to help sell chickens, make marula beer, etc. Contact these organizations as soon as possible to see whether your future lies with them.

Contact details for Mineworkers’ Development Agencies:

Mineworkers’ Development Agency Head Office

14th Floor Orion House

49 Jorissen Street

Braamfontein

2017

Or

PO Box 30697

Braamfontein

2017

WELKOM

Old Welkom Mine No 1 Shaft

5 Almar Road

Welkom

9459

Mhala

PO Box 450

Thulamahashe

1365

Lesotho Country Office

Teba Offices

226 Moshoeshoe Road

Maseru

OR

PO Box 0417

Maseru West

1050

The Department of Labour

The Department of Labour can also provide assistance with career guidance and placement in a job or skills development opportunity. The Department of Labour can also assist you to find a number of organizations that assist people in need. Please see the website for the contact details of Labour Centres.