Rustenburg miners go on strike

More than 700 National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) members at the Helem diamond mine in Swartruggens near Rustenburg have downed tools to demand better wages, the union said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Mxasi Sithethi said the union was demanding a minimum wage of R2 300 per month for surface workers and R2 500 per month for underground workers.

All workers are currently earning R1 500 per month.

“The NUM is disappointed that a company that began its mining operations in 1932 still gives workers 1960 wages despite the high inflation,” he said in a statement.

Workers refused the 12% increase offered by the company. This increase would have boosted their earnings to R1 680 per month.—Sapa