Rustenburg - A looming strike at the Impala platinum mine in Rustenburg has been averted after workers accepted a pay agreement on Thursday.
“We are not going on strike, the mine has agreed to adjust our pay with effect from October 1,” said Khayelethu Mzimeli, chairman of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) at Impala.
He said workers would be given letters on Friday indicating how their salary had been adjusted.
“You will receive a letter on the adjustment. We want you to be happy during the festive season,” he said to the applause of the crowd.
“Amcu will not go on an illegal strike; if we have to go on a strike we will follow all relevant channels.”
He said workers would see the exact figures on Friday.
“Good news is that no worker will earn less than R6000.”
Mzimeli said workers initially demanded a pay rise of 10 percent not to go on strike.
In February, workers at the mine went on a strike demanding a minimum monthly salary of R9000.
Their salary was increased by 10 percent.
Miners were not happy that axed ANC Youth League president Julius Malema was not going to speak to them.
“We wanted Malema here, he is the one who supported us during our strike.
We wanted to thank him,” said worker Israel Litlepu.
“He has been denied an opportunity to talk to us, they have blocked his way.”
Before being addressed by Amcu, workers wearing green Amcu T-shirts and wielding sticks sang liberation songs outside Number Eight hostel.
Some held up placards reading: “Bring back Juju, Zuma step down”.
Another poster said: “Juju is the best leader, a true leader.”
Police monitored the meeting and a police helicopter circled above while it was in progress.
Mine security officers were also deployed.
The workers dispersed peacefully after the meeting. - Sapa