Johannesburg - Miners at the Royal Bafokeng Platinum mine outside Rustenburg in the North West downed tools on Wednesday, demanding a salary increase, according to a report.
SABC news reported that more than 1000 miners wanted direct salary negotiations with the mine's management.
According to the report, workers terminated their membership the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and appointed seven of their colleagues to negotiate on their behalf.
Protesters were gathering at the main entrance of the mine's shaft. Management had not addressed the group, who reportedly wanted a R12,000 wage increase, an SABC news crew on the scene reported.
This was the second platinum mine in the province affected by protests after rock drill operators at Lonmin's platinum mine, outside Marikana, went on strike. Forty-four people were killed during violence linked to this.
The protests were believed to have been caused by rivalry between the NUM and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union over recognition agreements at the mine. Workers also wanted higher wages. - Sapa