Lonmin talks ‘cordial’: company

Rustenburg -

The meeting between Lonmin management and representatives of striking workers went well, the company said on Wednesday.

“The meeting last night (Tuesday) went really well and there was a lot to talk about,” spokeswoman Susan Vey said.

“As the mine, we are pleased that we are talking to the striking workers. However, we are not sure if there will be any more meetings in the future.”

The meeting was held at the Lutheran Church, in Wonderkop, after the Bench Marks Foundation offered to co-ordinate it.

The foundation is an independent faith-based organisation monitoring corporate performance,

Police opened fire on a group of protesting workers gathered on a hill near the mine on Thursday, killing 34 of them and wounding 78. Another 260 were arrested on charges of public violence and remain in custody.

In the week leading up to the shooting, 10 people Ä including two police officers and two security guards Ä were killed.

Vey said President Jacob Zuma was at the mine on Wednesday afternoon and addressed the 22 percent of the Lonmin work force who reported for duty.

Earlier, Zuma visited Nkaneng in Wonderkop to listen to the striking workers.

Vey said the mine would be closed on Thursday to mourn those who were killed.

The foundation said the talks between mine management and the representatives of striking workers were “cordial”.

“Negotiations started on Monday to give the workers a platform to present their grievances and demands,” said the foundation's chairman Jo Seoka, who is also president of the SA Council of Churches.

“So far the process was very cordial and both parties listened to each other.”

The protests were believed to be linked to rivalry between the National Union of Mineworkers and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union over recognition agreements at the mine. Workers also wanted higher wages.

A cleansing ceremony would start at 6am on Thursday, Vey said. - Sapa