Strikers given time to respond to offer

Associated Press

Striking miners armed with machetes, sticks and spears march to a smelter plant at the Lonmin platinum mine near Rustenburg.

Johannesburg - The platinum producer Lonmin tabled a wage offer to striking Marikana workers on Thursday night.

“Unions and worker representatives would consult with workers regarding the offer,” said Lonmin spokesperson Sue Vey.

“We expect their response on Friday at noon.”

She was unable to reveal the offer.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration - which had facilitated negotiations between the unions and the employer in Rustenburg - confirmed that Lonmin had made an offer.

Four unions - the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Solidarity and the United Association of South Africa (UASA) were involved in the wage talks.

Workers at Lonmin downed tools four weeks ago, demanding a salary of R12 500. They refused to return to work unless their demands were met, despite a peace accord that was signed by the unions.

Last month, the protest turned violent and police shot dead 34 protesters and injured 78.

Another 10 people were killed in the week leading up to the protest.

This week another man, NUM shop steward Dumisani Mthinti, was found dead not far from where the protesters normally converge in Wonderkop.

In a statement, NUM spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said its national executive committee would hold a meeting at Randburg Towers on Friday to “ponder on the developments” in the mining sector and the problems in Marikana.

NUM's founding president, James Motlatsi, and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe were expected to address the members.

“The meeting will further focus on the organisational, political and economic matters affecting the members,” he said. - Sapa