Marikana – President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday warned mining firms they could lose their licences if they failed to provide decent housing for workers, a week after 44 miners died when what started as an illegal strike erupted into violence.

Zuma was speaking at a lecture commemorating former African National Congress president James Moroka, in Mmabatho, North West.

Even as the president issued the warning – following a meeting with striking miners at the Lonmin Marikan where police shot 34 armed workers on strike a week ago – tensions appeared to be rippling out to nearby mines.

Hundreds of workers at the nearby Royal Bafokeng Platinum downed tools, demanding higher pay. The world’s top producer Anglo American Platinum also admitted receiving a broad list of demands from its employees.

Pointing out that the mining industry has assets valued at more than R20 trillion excluding coal and uranium, Zuma said the sector should be able to pay its workers a better wage.

“In fact it should not be such an industry that has the lowest paid worker, given the wealth they have,” he said.

He also noted that the government issued a directive to improve housing conditions for mine workers two years ago.

“In terms of the Mining Charter, all mining companies are required to implement measures to improve the standard of housing and living conditions of mine workers,” Sapa reported the president as saying.