SA's gold and platinum mines face the disturbing Malema factor

The Marikana conflict is said to have arisen through a key group of mineworkers, the rock drill operators, supposedly feeling short-changed by NUM-negotiated across-the-board pay deals. There may well also be a host of other grievances which have helped fan the flames of dissent.

Running a South African centred gold or platinum mining company at the present time is a complex and challenging task. Serious labour disputes, which can boil over into violent confrontations, must worry top management, Mineweb says, particularly when taking into account the Malema factor - which may prove to be the most disturbing development of all.

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