THE FIRST PROTEST

It was just after five minutes to seven in the morning when I arrived at the gate and noticed a heavy full riot geared police men and women at the mining access gate. I stopped moving and approached one of them to ask what was going on. I was told no one was allowed in since they where told that today miners will riot. "But you're advised not to go home, because if the situation gets back to normal. Access might be given to workers before 14"

I moved away and went and sat with the guys who were chanting" away with the Indian investors!!! ". I took my sit down since almost every one was sitting and standing at the same place. They sang and shouted on top of there voices. And since the demonstration was peaceful, all the police could do is just watch.

Then I saw a land cruiser followed by 10 or more cars Park behind the police and the VP and his team come out with a police man who looked like he was in command of the all police team outside and inside. He pushed his way through and started to address us.

"I have information about the planned rioting and we know the ring leaders!!!. You know that any protect without a permit in this country is a criminal offence. If you are found waiting. You'll be put in for a long time and you'll never ever work because of your criminal record. "he looked behind at the VP and the police behind him and continued" our job is to protect property and the laws of this country. So, I am peacefully asking you all to go inside peacefully and call off the protests and go back for work"

His words didn't come out like a statement but it was a command in a polite was. I saw the kp4s and 5s (usually called Junior management) getting up and going in and being part of them I followed. Since kp4s and above are under management and are not allowed to take part in any strike or protests. As we were moving, the crowd started yelling out insults at us. I was happy the police stood before us because I was afraid we might be stoned or beaten.

Around 13 hours, I saw quite a number of miners getting in and going to work. I asked one of the them what was happening outside. He told me they have told them that anyone who is willing to go in and work will be considered awol. Absent without official leave was a dismisable offence. I knew they have been cornered and sensed this wasn't going anywhere. The had them at their throat. As much as we wanted charge, nothing was going to happen. They had the back up of the government and police. We had no option but to chicken in. We had families and bills to pay. We couldn't risk it all. We had a lot to lose.

The following day the work moved in as usual and every one was back doing what they do to add to the production of copper. The atmosphere was cooling down and people were not even talking about the previous day. I had a feeling something big was being planned. On a Friday the same week, I was doing a section and plotting some geological mapped data when a friend walked in the office and started to whisper. "Maku Boi, have you heard the latest?" I nodded that I didn't. He then told us that the have fired 10 people for being behind the protest and reliable sources are reporting that more letters are expected in today.