Echoes of Marikana as Sibanye strike drags on
Fears of more violence after three mineworkers killed
The buzz of a drone was for a moment the only thing that silenced about 2,000 Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members gathered this week on a hill overlooking Sibanye-Stillwater's operations in Driefontein, Carletonville. The drone, belonging to Sibanye, was keeping tabs on the crowd that began protracted strike action on November 21. On Thursday afternoon Amcu members braved the heat as leaders updated them on salary negotiations. In a move echoing Marikana, strikers sat on the koppie armed with spears, sticks and sjamboks. Amcu leaders explained to them that the union was not backing down from its demand for a monthly salary of R12,500. "Mayibuye! Imali!" they chanted, adapting an anti-apartheid slogan from "Bring back Africa" to "Bring the money". Amcu leaders urged workers to not intimidate others into joining the strike. Three workers have died since the strike began. James Wellsted, head of investor relations at Sibanye, said the drone was to ensure vi...
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.