Fourth industrial revolution and trade unions in South African platinum mining industry

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution is unavoidable and its impact on jobs is taking centre stage across the business sector and government discussions. The labour movement in the country realises the threat of this revolution on jobs and livelihood of the working class. The South African platinum mining industry is amongst the industries that are directly affected by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study is aimed at investigating the impact of fourth industrial revolution on trade unions’ future sustainability and existence. An in-depth interview method was used as the main data collection method. The participants were identified using a purposive voluntary sampling method. The sample was limited to the platinum mining industry and it involved members of three dominant trade unions namely; NUM, AMCU and UASA. The data collected was analysed based on specific themes that were identified during the study. The study findings indicated there is need for trade unions to focus on training and development of their members in order to remain relevant and sustainable. There is need for change of leadership qualities even though it could not conclude on the proposed visionary leadership style. Trade unions need to be adaptive organisations in order to survive the impact of Fourth Industrial Revolution. There’s need for them to form partnerships with employers and focus on training and development of their members.