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Rustenburg - Newly appointed Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi could bring calm to the troubled platinum mining sector, the Workers Association Union (WAU) said on Tuesday.
"The platinum sector is on fire. Given his background as an advocate, we believe he will be able to extinguish the raging fire in the sector," said WAU general secretary Elifas Ngoepe.
The union also welcomed the appointment of Supra Mahumapelo as North West premier.
"The premier has indicated his intention to stabilise the economy of Rustenburg. We fully support him and we expect to have a meeting to present our ideas to him as a union."
Ngoepe said the strike - now in its 124th day - had damaged the economy of the country.
"Children are no longer in schools. People have lost their property, the sooner the strike ends the better."
Members of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) atImpala Platinum (Implats) [JSE:IMP], Lonmin [JSE:LON] and Anglo Platinum (Amplats) [JSE:AMS] downed tools on January 23 demanding a basic monthly salary of R12 500.
They rejected the companies' offer that would bring their cash remuneration to R12 500 by 2017.
Labour Court-facilitated talks aimed at resolving the over four-month-old wage strike continued at an undisclosed location in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Spokeswoman for the producers Charmaine Russell confirmed talks were continuing.
The strike has cost the companies R19.8bn in revenue and employees have lost R8.8bn in earnings according to website.
The strike has been marred by violence and intimidation that has led to the death of at least five mineworkers.
Ngoepe said the union was sceptical the talks would result in a settlement.
WAU has been providing transport, security and accommodation for workers willing to work but who fear for their lives.
"We have two buses and 20 minibus taxis taking people to work. Our challenge is that our resources are depleting and the demand is growing," he said.
