Amcu strikers await talks update

Johannesburg - The strike by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union continued on Tuesday across the platinum belt in the North West.

Workers at Lonmin Platinum, Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum downed tools last week and demanded an entry-level monthly salary of R12 500.

Lazarus Khoza, an Amcu shopsteward at Amplats, said workers were expecting an update from the union's leadership later during the day.

"We are converging again today. The strike continues. We hope to hear from our leaders at around 11:00," Khoza said.

North West police spokesperson Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said no incidents have been reported since Monday night.

The negotiations are being facilitated by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA).

Discussions began in Johannesburg on Friday, and continued in Pretoria on Monday. They are scheduled to continue until Wednesday.

Amcu workers at Impala, Lonmin and Anglo American platinum downed tools on Thursday, demanding R12 500 a month for entry-level workers.

The platinum companies have said the amount is unaffordable.

On Monday, the CCMA said it was optimistic about the mediation process, which was being conducted behind closed doors.

"We remain confident that a mediated solution will be found to resolve the strike... and that parties had come to the process willing to engage with each other," CCMA director Nerine Kahn said in a statement.