Striking Lonmin workers have vowed not to return to work until the mine meets their demand for a R12,500 monthly wage.
“We are not going underground, the employer must come here to tell us when will we get our money,” said a worker, Andries Lefoka.
They would stay on the hill where they had been holding meetings until the mine's management listened to them.
“The mine cannot hire anyone. We are employed by the mine. All we want is R12,500.”
He was speaking to the workers after Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) president Joseph Mathunjwa appealed to the group to be peaceful.
“Stop the bloodshed. Stop the fighting. I'm begging you,” a kneeling Mathunjwa said.
Amcu would fight for the rights of the workers and would not abandon them, he said.
“We will not let you be dismissed. We are going to fight for your rights. We are not turning back.”
He intended meeting with the mine's management later on Thursday to inform it of the workers' demands.
Men armed with spears, knobkerries and pangas sang war songs when Mathunjwa left.
They had gathered on the hill since the morning, braving scorching heat. - Sapa