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The management of Northam Platinum has thanked the minister of mineral resources, Minister Zwane for his visit to the Zondereinde mine today.

Management is appreciative of the efforts of Mr Zwane and his ministry in attempting to resolve the tensions at the Zondereinde mine near Thabazimbi. Tensions were ignited after the death of Mr Mthetheleli Somaxhama in the town of Northam (some 20km from mine property), followed on Monday 6 June by that of another Zondereinde employee, Mr Thembinkosi Mhlabeni, also in the vicinity of the mine.

In thanking Mr Zwane for his support and the leadership efforts of the DMR, Northam chief executive Paul Dunne once again extended his sympathies also to the families and colleagues of Mr Somaxhama and Mr Mhlabeni.

Mr Dunne continued, “We will continue to provide support to the authorities in tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to justice. We will also continue our plans to support the municipality as we have done over the years with infrastructure, expertise and developments, as we strive to improve the living conditions of our employees.

“We recognized that tensions were high immediately following these tragic deaths, and for this reason temporarily suspended underground operations. But, for all of us, it is time to go back to work. If we do not we run the risk of undermining the viability of operations here at Northam.

In closing I appeal to all employees and their representatives – let us all continue to engage and let the SAPS do their work. Let us help them where we can to bring the criminals that threaten the safety of our employees and their families to book so that justice may prevail. And let us not allow these tragic incidents to bring strife and violence onto our mine. We look forward to a speedy return to work.”

Issued by Northam Platinum