[miningmx.com] — PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has authorised the
deployment of the South African National Defence Force to maintain law and order in
the platinum-rich areas of the North West province.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the arrangement would be in place
until January 31 2013.
“President Jacob Zuma has . employed members of the South African National
Defence Force to support the South African Police Service in the prevention and
combating of crime as well as the maintenance of law and order in the Marikana area
. and other areas around the country where needed.’
The order coincided with Government’s announcement last week that it would step up
action against violence and intimidation around South Africa’s major platinum
operations in the North West.
Following the settlement of wage negotiations earlier this week, a Lonmin
spokesperson said the company recorded “very positive attendance’ on Thursday.
Lonmin is due to hold a media briefing later on the day to provide more specifics.
As for the strike-affected operations of Anglo American Platinum in the Rustenburg
area, the company said it had attendance of less than 20% at four of its five mining
operations in the region on Thursday morning.
However, the processing operations and the Bathopele mine have resumed full
production.
The company has issued an ultimatum to all its employees to return to work by no
later than Thursday evening or face dismissal.
