Johannesburg - The strike in the platinum belt in the North West cannot go on forever, Amcu leader Joseph Mathunjwa said on Wednesday.
There was “ongoing engagement” with Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi to try and resolve the five-month-old mineworkers' strike.
“The strike cannot be forever,” the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union leader said.
“The process is ongoing.”
He could not say whether a deal was on the cards yet, and declined to say if negotiations with mining bosses were fruitful.
“I don't want to speak for the companies. The minister has to meet with them and speak to them.”
Amcu members at Lonmin, Impala Platinum, and Anglo American Platinum downed tools on January 23, demanding a basic monthly salary of R12,500.
They have rejected the companies' offer that would bring their cash remuneration to that amount by 2017.
A team comprising officials from the departments of mineral resources, labour, and the National Treasury, has intervened in the matter to help bring an end to the strike.
On Monday, Amcu met to discuss a new offer put forward by the team but details of the offer were not provided. - Sapa