State calls for Amcu-NUM peace as mining sector violence spirals
At least three people have been killed and several injured during the protracted Amcu-led wage strikes at Sibanye-Stillwater Beatrix mine in Welkom and Driefontein
The mineral resources department has urged unions in the mining sector to engage in a peaceful and tolerant manner following a series of violent incidents in recent weeks that have claimed one life. At least three people have died and several others were injured following renewed clashes between members of the Association for Mineworkers and Construction (Amcu) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). Members of the two unions have resorted to violence as their rivalry deepened since Amcu replaced Num as the majority union at a number of mines in the platinum belt in 2012 and some gold operations. On Monday, the department said peace and stability were critical for “long-term sustainability” of the mining sector in light of the renewed clashes, which emanated from a strike by Amcu members at Sibanye-Stillwater Beatrix mine in Welkom, which has since spilled over to the Driefontein operation. On Friday mineral resources minister Gwede Mantashe met the mine’s bosses to find ways o...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.