As indicated at the media briefing on Saturday, yesterday - Monday the 9th of June 2014 - was the last meeting facilitated by myself to resolve the impasse in the wage negotiations between labour union AMCU and platinum producers Lonmin, Anglo Platinum and Impala Platinum.
Yesterday I convened the parties to the dispute, and I informed them formally that I am withdrawing from the process as of yesterday. The simple reason behind this is that I strongly believe we have done enough work over the past two weeks, through the technical task team and the meetings which have been taking place daily, for the parties to take the process forward and continue engaging on their own.
There is an incorrect perception that I have “abandoned” the talks. My main role has been to create an environment conducive for the parties to begin talking to each other again, following the breakdown in negotiations previously. I sincerely believe we have achieved that. Our discussions have been robust and frank. The parties have and continue to negotiate in good faith. Both have remained committed to the process, which has been encouraging.
It was never my intention to replace other forums and institutions which have been set up to deal with disputes between employers and employees. However, the impact of the strike on the industry and the economy broadly, necessitated that I intervene to unlock the impasse.
I am pleased that the parties have committed to continue engaging in this process. I hope the spirit and enthusiasm which they have displayed over the past two weeks will continue beyond this point. I wish them well as they take the talks forward. The workers, industry and South Africa eagerly await a positive outcome.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership of business and labour, as well as members of the government technical team, who spent an inordinate amount of time on this matter.
While we are pulling back from this particular process, Government has committed to accelerate the implementation of the Presidential Package to alleviate the socio-economic plight of affected communities. As a department we will also continue to enforce the implementation of the Mining Charter.
We all agree that we need a sustainable mining industry going forward, and as a Department we will do all that is in our power, as outlined in our mining legislation, to ensure that the mining industry continues to play a key role in the economy of our country, and that indeed the minerals beneath our soil benefit all South Africans.
I thank you.
Enquiries:
Adv Mahlodi Muofhe
Cell: 082 972 0141
Ayanda Shezi
Cell: 079 880 2059
