Pretoria - Cabinet has expressed concern at the strike at Lonmin’s platinum mine in Marikana in the North West.
This as tensions are rising following the downing of tools on Tuesday by workers associated with Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), who are demanding the closure on the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) offices in Lonmin.
AMCU alleges that NUM still enjoys Lonmin’s recognition despite losing scores of members to AMCU in the wake of last year’s shooting.
AMCU will now take their fight for recognition to a government labour mediation body, and discussions are expected to start today.
Tensions in Marikana were also raised by the killing of AMCU North West regional leader, Mawethu Joseph Steven, and two brothers said to be members of NUM in separate incidents over the weekend.
“Cabinet appeals to the leadership of both unions to resolve their dispute amicably and put the interests of the country and workers above everything else,” acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said following the regular Cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Williams said the workers must be aware that the unprotected strike could have serious consequences not only for themselves, but for the future of the mine and their jobs.
Cabinet also appealed to Lonmin management to do everything possible to make sure that the problems are resolved as soon as possible without further damage.
“It is in the best interest of the country for both unions and management at Lonmin to demonstrate required levels of leadership and industrial relations management,” said Williams.
The high tensions come exactly nine months after the shooting that killed 44 people during a wage–related strike at Marikana. – SAnews.gov.za
