Johannesburg - Labour unrest in the mining industry was
extremely damaging to the economy, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said on
Friday.
"It undermines confidence in the South African economy,
and if we undermine confidence, we undermine investment," he told
reporters at a press conference in Pretoria.
Meanwhile Intelligence Minister Siyabonga Cwele said no more
illegal gatherings or incitement to violence would be tolerated.
"No more incitement to violence would be
tolerated," Cwele said.
The ministers of police, justice, finance and intelligence
were briefing the media on ongoing unprotected mining strikes across the
country over the past few weeks.
Forty-five people have died in incidents related to an
illegal strike at Lonmin mine in Rustenburg. Thirty-four of them were shot dead
by police a month ago.
Asked how authorities would control crowds without shooting,
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa only said: "We will do everything to ensure
that peace will prevail."
Asked if expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema
was being accused of incitement to violence, the ministers said, "this
statement of government is not directed to any specific individuals".
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