Platinum mining companies Amplats, Lonmin and Implats will on Tuesday oppose an urgent application by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) to stop them directly texting striking miners about wage increases.

Lonmin Chief Executive Ben Magara says up to 67% of Amcu members have indicated that they are willing to return to work, but fear for their lives.

Magara says, “We will strongly, as you may expect, oppose Amcu’s application. In our view, our actions to communicate with our own employees is in no way a contravention of the Labour Relations Act of our country, South Africa.”

Latest reports point to a hit list in Marikana of people who had to be killed
He says, ” We are not against any Recognition Agreements nor any employee’s constitutional rights, but outside of the mechanics of the law, we cannot understand Amcu’s objection to our communicating with our own members.”

Meanwhile, Amcu has distanced itself from the reported violent incidents and murders in the Platinum belt.

Four miners were killed in separate incidents a week ago as some employees prepared to go back to work at Amplats and Lonmin.

Latest reports point to a hit list in Marikana of people who had to be killed. According to the reports, the dead miners are on the list.

Amcu President Joseph Mathunjwa says they condemn violence in the strongest terms.

Amcu members is demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.
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