Breakthrough in Marikana - Lonmin to talk to miners

Lonmin have finally agreed to and are presently meeting with representatives of the strikers at the Lutheran Church in Wonderkop, said Bishop Seoka.

Bishop Jo Seoka, Chairperson of the Bench Marks Foundation and SACC president has persuaded Lonmin executives to finally meet with striking miners in Marikana in the North West Province of South Africa.

Following their visit to the area last week which was halted in the middle of negotiations by the violence that erupted when police opened fire on the strikers, Bishop Seoka together with a delegation of clergymen and bishops, returned to the area yesterday to meet with Lonmin and the miners.

"We have been in discussions since yesterday and we are pleased to announce that Lonmin have finally agreed to and are presently meeting with representatives of the strikers at the Lutheran Church in Wonderkop," says Bishop Seoka.

"It is our hope that an agreement can be reached by all involved which will end this very sad situation. Too many lives have been lost already." At present the ultimatum that was issued to the miners to return to work has been put on hold due to the declaration by President Jacob Zuma that this will be a week of national mourning.

The situation in the area remains tense but calm.