Rustenburg – Hundreds of Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members sang liberation songs in Marikana on Thursday afternoon, awaiting the arrival of their leaders.
Amcu leader Joseph Mathunjwa and others were scheduled to brief members on the latest developments in wage negotiations.
About 2 000 workers sat on the lawn of the Wonderkop Stadium while others moved in five groups singing struggle song around the stadium.
Fourteen buses were parked outside the stadium. Police in two nyalas and a van kept watch from a distance.
“I heard in Bleskop [Anglo American Platinum] they have accepted a R1 600 increase and mandated the union to negotiate the R12 500 while they return to work,” Lonmin worker Aubrey Matamo told Sapa.
“We want to go to work, but we need money. The company can afford to pay us R12 500.”
He was one of many men sitting on pipes, waiting for Mathunjwa.
The marathon strike had been difficult, said Matamo.
“I cannot recall when did I have had a decent meal.”
Amcu members have been on strike at Lonmin, Anglo American Platinum, and Impala Platinum since January 23, demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500…
South Africa Today – South Africa News
