Chief whip apologises for confusing names

ANC chief whip Mathole Motshekga. Picture: Bongiwe Gumede/Foto24

ANC chief whip Mathole Motshekga today apologised to Impala Platinum (Implats) for attributing the possible retrenchment of 14 000 miners to them.

“It is, in fact, Amplats (Anglo American Platinum) which is planning to retrench,” Motshekga said in a statement.

“We apologise to Implats for any inconvenience caused, and hope the media will reflect this fact.”

Motshekga made the mistake in a statement yesterday when he said President Jacob Zuma should ignore the open letter written to him by DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko. She was calling for Zuma to demonstrate leadership.

Last week, Amplats announced its plans to stop production at four of its shafts – Khuseleka One and Two and Khomanani One and Two, all in Rustenburg – which could result in the loss of 14 000 jobs.

The company said closures were needed to restore profits.

- Sapa