The NFP wishes to applaud AMCU workers and employers of Lonmin, Anglo American Platinum and Impala Platinum for reaching an agreement which in effect brought an end to the strike that lasted five months. The NFP commends mineworkers for relentlessly and steadfastly standing, and fighting for their rights.
The NFP is gratified that about 70 000 mineworkers will now resume work. The employers, it is hoped, will do everything to ensure that mineworkers become shareholders of the wealth that is generated in the mining industry and that decent family houses and other benefits are provided to mineworkers.
The employers and producers must also make sure that the people who reside in the proximity of mines benefit by way of being provided with clinics and schools, that issues of sanitation and environmental awareness are attended to, and that the government ensures that a conducive environment is created even for the mining and engineering sectors so that they can come back to the negotiation table. Thank you. [Applause.]