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The Minister of Labour, Mrs Mildred Oliphant has noted with great concern the recent developments at Lonmin Platinum mine.

“The violence that has occurred cannot be condoned and has no place in the way that labour relations and inter-union relations should be conducted. The loss of life has been particularly tragic and unnecessary,” said the minister.

She also conveyed sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have died.

She reiterated that the purpose of the Labour Relations Act is to advance labour peace and all parties should consider a peace process to resolve their differences and get to the root cause of the conflict that has erupted over the past few days.

The Minister also calls on all concerned to ensure that the situation on the mines and in the communities in the area returns to normal as soon as possible.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has been trying to assist the parties since the beginning of the year with the last meeting held at the end of July. However, one of the parties withdrew from the agreement. The minister urged parties to consider the CCMA’s offer and also to work constructively with other public bodies, such as the South African Police, to bring the situation back to normal as soon as possible.