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OPEN LETTER TO LABOUR MINISTER, MILDRED OLIPHANT, BY BANTU HOLOMISA, MP – UDM PRESIDENT

The abovementioned matter has reference.

Yesterday morning I received a letter from a group of mineworkers from Gold One Modder East Mine in Springs, Johannesburg. According to the letter, approximately 1100 Gold One mineworkers have been on strike since June 04, 2012 demanding a salary increase. The workers have a problem with the fact that some of their colleagues earn R2800 a month.

Since then, there has been a series of court actions between the employers and the employees, some of which are still pending.

Of grave concern, however, are reports about sporadic incidents of violence taking place at the mine. The mineworkers allege that since the strike began they have been subjected to police brutality. They allege that they have beaten and shot at with rubber bullets by the police even though their gatherings posed no threat to public safety.

We call on you to help resolve the impasse, as it has the potential to degenerate into another Marikana-type debacle.

Regards,

Bantu Holomisa, MP

UDM President