The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is shocked that, just as Christmas is approaching, 3500 wage earners at ArcelorMittal South Africa's (Amsa) Newcastle, Vereeniging, and Arcelor Rall and Structures are set to lose their jobs as a result of the company's board and management's decision to close these three plants. The reasons tabled for this severe measure include Eskom’s continued loadshedding antics, Transnet’s high costs and unreliability, unpredictability, and the significant decline in South Africa’s infrastructure development exacerbated by disruptions to rail-service, escalating energy prices, and consistently low economic growth, which are all credited to the African National Congress’ (ANC)-led government.