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Gordhan: Strikes could hit economy hard

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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