Rustenburg - EFF leader Julius Malema received a hero's welcome in Freedom Park near Rustenburg on Tuesday.
A crowd of about 5000 supporters cheered, waved, and whistled as he arrived.
Malema was in the volatile North West platinum belt in a last push to garner votes for the Economic Freedom Fighters ahead of the May 7 election.
He told the crowd they should make sure they voted for the EFF to remove the African National Congress from power.
“We are here to say to workers and your families that we support your struggle for R12 500. We are here not because of the election. We have been with you for a long time.”
He said an EFF-led government would provide them with two-bedroomed houses, double social grants, and give mineworkers a minimum wage of R12 500.
Workers at the country's platinum mines have been on strike since January 23 for a R12 500 monthly salary.
Malema told the crowd a vote for the ANC was equal to murder.
“If you do not vote you are helping the ANC to remain in power. Tomorrow (Wednesday) even when you are on strike you must go to work for yourself. The future of this country is in your hands.”
He said protests could not change government.
“Stop burning tyres... even apartheid was removed by a cross. Stop burning halls. Let us go to give them a lesson.”
He told workers to continue their strike.
“We will never abandoned you. We will die with you. We will be buried next to you.”
Sapa