Pretoria - Cabinet says it remains positive about the mediation process to resolve a strike in the platinum sector.
Negotiations on wages between the platinum mines and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) are currently being mediated by the CCMA which has appointed senior commissioners to facilitate the process.
“Cabinet is confident that the parties will produce a mutually beneficial agreement that will protect the rights of the workers and protect the economy of the country,” Acting Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said following the first executive meeting in the New Year.
Members of Amcu at Lonmin, Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum embarked on a strike on 23 January, demanding a R12 500 basic salary for miners. An average mineworker earns about R4 500 per month.
The platinum companies said hundreds of millions of rands have already been lost as a result of the strike.
Cabinet has also reiterated President Jacob Zuma’s message on public protest which in some cases have been fatal in several parts of the country.
Williams said protests that threatened lives and property and destroyed valuable infrastructure undermine the gains the country has made.
“As South Africans, we all have a collective responsibility to build a society that respects the rule of law, respects one another and respects life and property.”
Cabinet assured the public that loss of life through negligence by the police in the course of dealing with the protests will not be overlooked or condoned.
Likewise, she said protesters in possession of weapons or found burning public facilities or endangering the lives of others will face the full might of the law.
“Government will work with communities to improve living conditions in all parts of the country. Communities are urged to engage with councillors in a bid to jointly and amicably resolve service delivery disputes,” said Williams. – SAnews.gov.za
