Union's food aid helps as Rustenburg reels

Rustenburg - Solidarity continued distributing food to non-striking workers in the North West on Thursday, a trade union spokesperson said.

"Today [Thursday] we are handing out food at the NG Kerk [church] in Rustenburg. We have spent R700 000 helping non-striking workers," Marina Jacobs said.

Food was distributed in Brits, Mooinooi, and Rustenburg.

Workers affiliated to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union at Lonmin, Impala Platinum and Anglo American Platinum downed tools on January 23, demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.

They have rejected the companies' offer that would bring their cash remuneration to R12 500 by July 2017.

The strike has badly affected Rustenburg's economy, leading to some businesses closing down. Taxi drivers said they counted themselves lucky to do two loads of passengers per day.

"If you want to do two loads you must sleep at the rank," said taxi driver Lesang Mpondo.

He ferried people from Rustenburg to Photsaneng near Amplats's operations.

"We are transporting fewer people than we used to transport before," he said.