By Obakeng Maje
The DA said they will write to the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources Ms Faith Bikani requesting an urgent meeting to address the breakdown in negotiations between the world’s three largest platinum producers, Lonmin, Impala Platinum (Implats) and Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu).

“In what has become South Africa’s longest strike, nearing its 15th week talks have yielded no positive resolution. Relations between the parties seem to have degenerated to such an extent that a solution seems unlikely in the near future” DA Tiaan Kotze said.

The DA said making matters worse, following news of the failure of negotiations last week Thursday reports of violence in the area have steadily increased. 

Kotze said failure to not only end the strike within the platinum belt and create stability within the sector as a whole will decimate both domestic and foreign investor confidence and destroy prospects of future growth in the industry.

“This is depriving jobs to tens of thousands of South Africans. Those currently employed are also at risk should mining houses decide to close up shop and leave” he said.

According to Adcorp’s Employment Index (AEI), it is estimated that between the months of February and March of this year, 5 000 jobs have been lost in the mining sector alone; representing a -26.5 percentage change.

When one compounds this with the effects of the job-killing Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) Amendment Bill, which increases investor uncertainty within the sector, job creation is destined to suffer.

“It is now essential that Parliament’s portfolio committee be recalled in order to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities by doing everything possible to resolve this on-going dispute. In particular, all parties should be summoned and the committee must initiate an inquiry into the underlying causes of the strike and make recommendations as to what should be done to fix it” DA said.

Kotze said a committee meeting can be called at any time, even during recess, and the fourth democratic parliament is still in existence until midnight on 6 May 2014. He said there is ample time for parliament to play its part in trying to help fix this crisis.

“The DA will not sit back while thousands of jobs continue to be lost in the platinum sector. We will continue to do everything possible to ensure that a solution is found – sooner, rather than later” he concludes.-TDN
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