THOUSANDS of South African mineworkers are expected to take part in a historic nationwide strike today to demand better safety in mines.
"Everybody is ready. We are expecting 240,000 to join the action. In the march we are expecting 40,000 in Johannesburg alone," National Union of Mineworkers spokesman Lesiba Seshoka said.
Mr Seshoka said the number of deaths in mines had reached "alarming" proportions, and the mining industry had not made enough of an effort on improving safety.
Minerals and Energy Minister Buyelwa Sonjica yesterday blamed negligence on the part of mining officials for the high levels of death after three miners died over the weekend.
Union chiefs have said strike action could be intensified if employers do not make significant inroads into the levels of mining fatalities.
About 200 miners die in South Africa’s mines every year.
The one-day strike will bring production to a complete standstill in around 700 mines yielding everything from gold and diamonds to platinum and coal.
Concerns over safety in the mines reached a new peak in early October when some 3200 miners were stuck underground in a gold mine southwest of Johannesburg for more than 24 hours after a lift cable snapped.
The incident led President Thabo Mbeki to order a security audit of the mines in the country.
Mining, which generated 195 billion rand ($32.45bn) in local sales last year, is the largest foreign exchange earner for South Africa.
AFP
