Lesiba Seshoka, a spokesperson for the union stated, “Our concern is the fact that despite the Cullinan mine having exceeded its financial target, it still does not want to give workers any profit sharing.” He also said that some workers were being pressured to quit, despite being able to work, according to Reuters.

The mining company vehemently disagreed, saying in a statement that the mine in question has an “excellent, industry-leading safety record.” “The NUM statement contains errors of fact, including references to mines that De Beers no longer operates and unsubstantiated allegations which we do not accept,” the statement said.

"We therefore encourage the union to engage with us at the mine on matters which we can address," it said.