Johannesburg - The economy may not be able to absorb the consequences of the extended strike in the platinum mining sector, the African National Congress said on Thursday.
Spokesman Zizi Kodwa said the party, therefore, hoped an inter-ministerial technical team set up by new Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi would help resolve the strike.
“It is the view of the ANC that the continued strike may have a negative impact to the extent that the economy may not be able to absorb its consequences,” he said in a statement.
“As all parties engage, we are urging them to do so in good faith and to show that they put the country first, and that jobs are not jeopardised.”
On Wednesday, Ramatlhodi announced the formation of an inter-governmental technical team in a bid to resolve the strike.
The team was expected to meet the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) and mining bosses on Thursday.
Members of Amcu at Lonmin, Impala Platinum, and Anglo American Platinum downed tools on January 23, demanding a basic monthly salary of R12,500.
They rejected an offer by the companies to bring their pay to R12,500 by July 2017. - Sapa