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Rustenburg - Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) members defied Lonmin's call to return to work on Wednesday.
About 5 000 Amcu members chanted slogans at the Wonderkop Stadium at Marikana, near Rustenburg, North West, when union leader Joseph Mathunjwa arrived to speak to them.
They formed a guard of honour as he got out of his car. Others waved sticks and umbrellas to welcome him.
Lonmin set May 14 as the date for employees to return to their posts after its SMS survey indicated that more than 60% of workers wanted to return to work.
Amcu members at Lonmin [JSE:LON], Impala Platinum [JSE:IMP] and Anglo American Platinum [JSE:AMS] downed tools on January 23 demanding a basic salary of R12 500 per month.
They have rejected the company's offer of 10% that will see them earning R12 500 by 2017.
"We cannot accept this offer. We have spent four months without a salary," said mineworker Elias Mpe.
He said they had lost too much to care any more.
"I have been without a salary fighting for R12 500. To give up now is in vain."
However, a mineworker who identified himself as Tlatu said he wanted to work.
"I've had enough of this strike. I cannot afford to provide for my family."
He said he would report for duty if adequate security was provided.
"If the company can guarantee my security and that of my family I will go to work. Now, no one is safe. They follow you home and kill you."
