The African National Congress welcomes government reflection on the
ongoing labour unrest, violence and intimidation in the mining sector
that has caused tragic loss of lives and undermined our collective
efforts of ensuring economic growth, socio-economic transformation,
stability, and safety and security.

It is the responsibility of our government to contain these isolated
events, bring the situation under control and to ensure that order,
peace and stability are restored. We call on government, labour,
business and civic society to work in partnership to promote
sustainable economic development in our country and peaceful
resolution of disputes.

Our constitution provides for the right to organise and to
collectively bargain and strike. We also have a world class and
progressive legal framework to reduce industrial relations conflict
and eliminate unfair discrimination in the workplace.

We need to recommit ourselves to effective social dialogue and to
strive to find a common vision to take us forward. We call on the
strikers to observe and act in accordance with the rule of law, and to
desist from illegal acts, incitement, as well as threats of violence.

We further call on all South Africans to work with the authorities and
law enforcement agencies to ensure that the situation is brought to
normality. Working together we can restore peace and stability and
put our country back on the road peaceful resolution of conflict,
economic stability, job creation, and safety and security.