ANC chief whip apologises to Implats, meant Amplats

ANC Chief Whip Mathole Motshekga has 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 on Wednesday when he said President Jacob Zuma should ignore the open letter written to him by Democratic Alliance parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko. She was calling for Zuma to demonstrate leadership.

Last week, Anglo American Platinum 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 the closures were needed to restore profits.