The Department of Mineral Resources will not intervene indefinitely in the ongoing mining strike in the platinum belt, Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi said on Saturday.

“Monday will be the last meeting with parties. I’m making a humble appeal to all parties involved to assist us to move this process forward. We’ve done enough work, we can’t mediate indefinitely.

“At some point we must find a solution, workers have gone almost five months with no work. The situation is untenable,” said the minister at a media briefing held at the Saint George Hotel in Irene, Pretoria.

The minister appealed to the parties involved namely the labour union, Amcu, and the mining companies Lonmin, Anglo Platinum and Impala Platinum to find a solution to the strike.

Monday’s meeting will be the last one that the newly appointed minister, who was sworn in 26 May, will preside over as the department will pull out of negotiations after Monday.

“I think we’ve done enough work for them to conclude on a positive note on Monday. Then the institutions that have been set up to deal with these matters can take over. Hopefully we will have a happy Monday or we will have a very sad Monday if the parties decide not to walk the last mile,” explained the minister.

The minster noted that miners were the least paid in the country even though they are the backbone of the economy. He said such social issues as the remuneration and accommodation of mine workers are something that needs attention.

Following his swearing-in, the minster convened the parties to a meeting after which a technical team was set up to resolve the matter. The technical team comprised of officials from National Treasury and the Department of Labour among others met over two days last week to find a solution to the impasse.

While the strike was continuing, the minister has seen commitment to resolving the impasse between all sides.

The minster added that it was not the department’s role to intervene in a labour dispute between employers and employees but that this had become necessary as a last resort.

“The work I have been spearheading does not replace other forums and institutions in place to resolve labour disputes. - SAnews.gov.zaDept

The African continent can no longer be the producer and exporter of primary materials, but should ramp up its scale of industrialisation if jobs are to be created, says Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies. “We cannot any longer hope to continue to live, proposer, create jobs and the sustainable livelihood of our people [...]Africa must ramp up scale of industrialisation is a post from: Africa in One


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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (KZN DOT) has suspended the North Coast Vehicle Testing Station, in Phoenix.

The move comes after a joint operation by law enforcement agencies, which uncovered irregular activities at the station.

The joint operation -- conducted by KZN DOT, Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and SAPS Organised Crime Unit -- uncovered fraud and corruption, which led to the arrest of two employees for allegedly issuing fraudulent vehicle roadworthiness certificates.

The MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has welcomed the suspension of the vehicle testing station’s operations, saying that the issuing of fraudulent roadworthiness certificates undermines government’s efforts to reduce the scourge of road fatalities.

“Roadworthiness is a key prerequisite for motor vehicles to be on our roads. In many accidents, we have observed that unroadworthy vehicles, with all types of faults, have often been cited as major contributing factors and it is all because of individuals who have no respect for our laws and people’s lives.

“This bold decision by the department is a clear indication that we will deal harshly with all those who break the law, especially vehicle roadworthiness and driver licence testing stations.

“We will aggressively and proactively take radical measures to prevent road accidents, crashes and fatalities,” said MEC Mchunu. – SAnews.gov.za

President Jacob Zuma has congratulated all the winners of the 2014 Comrades Marathon, in particular, Bongumusa Mthembu, who won the 89km race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, on Sunday.

Mthembu secured his maiden Comrades Marathon victory after finishing in five hours, 28 minutes-34 seconds.

"This was clearly one of the most exciting races this year and we congratulate all those who made it the success that it was,” said President Zuma.

In second place, was 2012 champion Ludwick Mamabolo at five hours-33 minutes-14 seconds.

The third place went to Gift Kelehe. The fourth place was taken by Zimbabwean Stephen Muzhingi.

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo also applauded third runner-up Kelehe, who earned a gold medal.

“Thirty-year old Kelehe has made the country and the province proud as our ambassador in the highly competitive and ultimate human race, following in the footsteps of his legendary older brother Andrew, who won 11 Comrades Marathon gold medals and scooped the 2001 championship.

“With three gold medals to his name, Gift has stamped his authority as a force to be reckoned with on the road running and ultra marathon circuit. He is an inspiration and a role model for our youth,” Premier Mahumapelo said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the woman’s race was won by British-born Canadian, Eleanor Greenwood, ahead of the Nurgalieva twins, Elena and Olesya. – SAnews.gov.za

When scrubbing the inside of the loo with a loo brush, close your eyes! It is amazing how many times a tiny drop of water will be propelled off the bristle of the brush right into your eye! Stop scrubbing when you open your eyes to check to see if the stain has been scrubbed […]

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