18 Sep 2012

Marikana miners ‘agree 22 per cent pay deal’

Reports from South Africa say that workers at a platinum mine, the scene of deadly clashes in which 45 people have died, have agreed a pay deal and will return to work.

South African miners celebrate security a 22 per cent pay rise (Getty)

Agency reports quote a mediator in the talks between miners’ representatives and the mine’s owners Lonmin saying the strikers have accepted a 22 per cent increase in their pay.

According to Bishop Joe Seoka, a member of the negotiating team, there will also be a one-off payment of 2,000 rand ($250) to help cover the almost six weeks that the miners have been on strike.

Read more: Q and A on Marikana miners strike

The bloody and bitter strike began on 10 August and was marked by violence in which 45 people were killed. On 16 August police opened fire on demonstrating strikers, killing 34 and wounding 78 in a display of state violence that shocked the nation.

Deadly clashes

About 5,000 strikers gathered in a stadium to listen to the deal and cheered and sang when they finally accepted the offer. They then formed a line and danced out of the stadium. One worker held up a hand with the phrase “Mission Accomplished” written in black ink.

Mr Seoka said he will go back to the negotiations with Lonmin management to finalise the deal on Tuesday night.

The Lonmin workers were the first to strike, and in recent weeks seven other mines had work stoppages, including at six platinum mines, one gold and one chrome mine.

The strikes have destabilized South Africa’s key mining sector. The work stoppages have cost the country more than $500m, according to President Jacob Zuma.

A striking miner tells Channel 4 News’ Inigo Gilmore he witnessed police shooting miners at the Marikana mine