"This is not an interim type of achievement. This is a success"
THE world's third largest platinum producer, Lonmin platinum mine outside Rustenburg, came under pressure on Friday after a demand from Bapo Ba Mogale authorities to employ at least 2500 locals.
Chaos erupted on Thursday when the Bapo Ba Mogale tribal authority gave the mine authorities an ultimatum to employ locals, saying failure to do so would lead to the termination of the lease agreement between the tribe and mine.
Lonmin entered into the lease agreement with the tribal authorities in 1969.
The Bapong village residents have been protesting violently since last Sunday, and have blockaded roads with burning tyres and rocks. Three police vehicles were stoned and classes at two local high schools were disrupted.
The mine's chief executive, Ian Farmer, expressed hope that a speedy and conclusive solution could be found to create employment for locals.
Briefing the media after a meeting of royal authorities, local government officials, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), Farmer promised to employ 643 locals by the end of the week.
He said 256 locals would fill vacant positions immediately and the another 384 would be placed in positions still to be advertised.
The remaining number is set to be hired within three months. They will be employed on social upliftment projects funded by the mine.
MEC for local government Paul Sebegoe appointed a task team to work on the development of the community and to establish a training and recruitment centre.
The team is chaired by Farmer and comprises Bapo-Ba-Mogale royal authorities, Bapo-Ba-Mogale employment forum, community youth, NUM, Cosatu, local government officials and Lonmin.
Sebegoe said he was satisfied that the arbitration process would allow the two parties to reach an agreement.
"We remain committed to finding an amicable solution within the shortest possible time," he said.
"We have been suffering for a long time and most of us will be able to take care of our families now. I am satisfied," said Reuben Kaisa, chairperson of the task team.
Mokopane Moerane, a member of the royal executive of Bapo-Ba-Mogale, said he believed Lonmin will commit. "This is not an interim type of achievement. This is a success," said a thrilled Moerane.
Lonmin agrees to employ more locals
"This is not an interim type of achievement. This is a success"
THE world's third largest platinum producer, Lonmin platinum mine outside Rustenburg, came under pressure on Friday after a demand from Bapo Ba Mogale authorities to employ at least 2500 locals.
Chaos erupted on Thursday when the Bapo Ba Mogale tribal authority gave the mine authorities an ultimatum to employ locals, saying failure to do so would lead to the termination of the lease agreement between the tribe and mine.
Lonmin entered into the lease agreement with the tribal authorities in 1969.
The Bapong village residents have been protesting violently since last Sunday, and have blockaded roads with burning tyres and rocks. Three police vehicles were stoned and classes at two local high schools were disrupted.
The mine's chief executive, Ian Farmer, expressed hope that a speedy and conclusive solution could be found to create employment for locals.
Briefing the media after a meeting of royal authorities, local government officials, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), Farmer promised to employ 643 locals by the end of the week.
He said 256 locals would fill vacant positions immediately and the another 384 would be placed in positions still to be advertised.
The remaining number is set to be hired within three months. They will be employed on social upliftment projects funded by the mine.
MEC for local government Paul Sebegoe appointed a task team to work on the development of the community and to establish a training and recruitment centre.
The team is chaired by Farmer and comprises Bapo-Ba-Mogale royal authorities, Bapo-Ba-Mogale employment forum, community youth, NUM, Cosatu, local government officials and Lonmin.
Sebegoe said he was satisfied that the arbitration process would allow the two parties to reach an agreement.
"We remain committed to finding an amicable solution within the shortest possible time," he said.
"We have been suffering for a long time and most of us will be able to take care of our families now. I am satisfied," said Reuben Kaisa, chairperson of the task team.
Mokopane Moerane, a member of the royal executive of Bapo-Ba-Mogale, said he believed Lonmin will commit. "This is not an interim type of achievement. This is a success," said a thrilled Moerane.
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