Attempts by the Modikwa Platinum Mine in Limpopo to resolve a racism dispute with miners deadlocked on Friday evening, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said.
”The issue of racism has partly been addressed by suspending the two mine managers who wrote racist e-mails, which were circulated around the company,” said NUM spokesperson Humbulani Tshikalange.
”The two white employees have been suspended pending an investigation and the management promised to get back to us on Saturday.”
About 200 miners downed tools around 6am on Friday, demanding an end to racism at the mine.
Tshikalange said racism in the workplace prohibits management from paying black employees equal salaries to their white colleagues.
”Their the miners] gripe is the aggravating wage gap between black and white miners and the refusal of the mine management to accede to wage demands that are viewed as helpful in alleviating the wage discrepancy along racial lines.”
Other demands include reviewing the issue of workers being expected to work additional shifts on their days off and a 100% transport subsidy.
Modikwa Platinum in Limpopo is a 50% joint venture between Anglo Platinum and African Rainbow Minerals. — Sapa