JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The recently signed peace accord at Lonmin’s Marikana platinum mine would quell the mood of the striking workers, trade union Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) president Joseph Mathunjwa averred on Friday.

Platinum miner Lonmin, the Chamber of Mines, the National Union of Mineworkers, Solidarity and the United Association of South Africa, under the auspices of Labour Minister Mildred Oliphant and the Council for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, signed a peace accord in Rustenburg on Thursday in an attempt to eliminate violence and intimidation in the region.

AMCU did not sign the accord, which Mathunjwa believed should have remained between those responsible for the events leading to the death of 44 at the mine in August, namely the management, workers and police.

Speaking at a media briefing in Sandton, the AMCU leader further commented that dealing with the workers’ demands of a minimum basic salary of R12 500 a month was the only route to ensuring peace and stability at the mine.

Lonmin commented on Thursday that the company, along with the other unions, invited AMCU and the party of workers’ delegates to participate in the existing wage agreement negotiations.

But, AMCU said that it was not a part of the existing wage agreement and that the accord would only allow unions to be observers at the discussions and not active participants.

Mathunjwa further criticised the peace accord signed by the employer and “sweetheart” unions, noting that it would not enable a fair balance between the interest of the workers “still living below the poverty line”, the company and the economy.

Lonmin stated that it remained hopeful that the other parties would sign the accord.

It was hoped that workers would start reporting for duty on Monday.