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Johannesburg - Looming strikes in the gold and platinum sectors should not be violent and unlawful, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) acting chief executive Phumla Williams said on Tuesday.
"Whilst workers have the right to protest, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic, we encourage the protest to be within the confines of the law," she said in a statement.
"Protesters are thereby urged to abide by the rule of law and act responsibly should they take the decision to go ahead with the strike."
On Monday, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) announced it would embark on a strike in the platinum and gold sectors after issuing employers with strike notices. The union wanted an entry-level monthly salary of R12 500.
The Chamber of Mines filed papers with the Johannesburg Labour Court in an attempt to prevent the gold strike, which its members viewed as illegal.
Williams said mining and related industries were critical to economic development.
"As South Africa remains a destination for investment and business opportunities, government urges the parties to resolve their disputes promptly in the interest of the country's economy."
