COSATU condemns the ongoing violence at Lonmin

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) condemns the ongoing violence at Lonmin mine, which has claimed the lives of at least nine people since its outbreak.  The federation extends its condolences to the families and friends of the mine workers, security personnel and police officers who have lost their lives in the violence.

The federation believes that violence is in this case used as a political strategy to intimidate workers into making political choices about their association. It is no coincidence that similar incidents of violence engulfed Implats in Rustenburg and that the common factor in both cases is a splinter union which is hell-bent to utilise violence to further its political aims.

COSATU calls on Lonmin to initiate a full investigation into the violence. We also call on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned and bring the culprits to justice.

The federation appeals to workers to observe maximum discipline and unity in the face of a political strategy geared towards dividing them and weakening their position in relation to mine bosses and capitalists.

COSATU will continue to support the National Union of Mineworkers' efforts to resolve this situation.

Statement issued by Phindile Kunene, Shopsteward Magazine Editor, COSATU, August 14 2012

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