CEO of the Gupta-owned Optimum Coal mine in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, George van der Merwe has told striking workers that the mine is experiencing financial problems. Van der Merwe visited the mine today after workers downed tools, demanding that he address their concerns before they return to work. Workers say they're concerned about the future of the mine, with the Gupta brothers embroiled in corruption allegations and at least one out of the country. Van der Merwe says the challenges faced by the mine have been caused by what he calls external forces. Stephen Kirker spoke to NUM's branch Secretary at the mine, Richard Mguzuli

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Miners continue strike at Gupta-owned Optimum Coal mine

Today on Update At Noon we had a power packed show for you with the latest on: 
* The investigations into the fire that killed five people in Pietermaritzburg in KZN;
*The two children aged five and seven who are fighting for their lives after a house they were sleeping in was allegedly petrol bombed at Mvelaphanda village, outside Vuwani, in Limpopo. 

*The Khutsong Community Clinic in Carltonville on Gauteng's West Rand that has no access to running water. 

*Plus our lead: The police and owner of Forensic Data Analysts (FDA) have agreed to withdraw the police commissioner's urgent application to prevent FDA from switching the police's IT systems off because of non payment. The urgent application was supposed to be heard today in the High Court in Pretoria but has since been struck off the roll. Last week, FDA's Keith Keating threatened to stop the SAPS from accessing certain systems that his company installed for the them. Keating is in the centre of corruption allegations against former police commissioner, Kgomotso Phalane. We spoke to the Chairperson of the standing committee on public accounts, Themba Godi on this matter.

Today on Update At Noon we had a power packed show for you with the latest on: * The investigations into the fire that killed five people in Pietermaritzburg in KZN; *The two children aged five and seven who are fighting for their lives after a house they were sleeping in was allegedly petrol bombed at Mvelaphanda village, outside Vuwani, in Limpopo. *The Khutsong Community Clinic in Carltonville on Gauteng's West Rand that has no access to running water. *Plus our lead: The police and owner of Forensic Data Analysts (FDA) have agreed to withdraw the police commissioner's urgent application to prevent FDA from switching the police's IT systems off because of non payment. The urgent application was supposed to be heard today in the High Court in Pretoria but has since been struck off the roll. Last week, FDA's Keith Keating threatened to stop the SAPS from accessing certain systems that his company installed for the them. Keating is in the centre of corruption allegations against former police commissioner, Kgomotso Phalane. We spoke to the Chairperson of the standing committee on public accounts, Themba Godi on this matter.

Controversial Keith Keating's stand off with the SAPS over an IT system

Speakers at the memorial service of struggle stalwart the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, have paid tribute to her during an official memorial service currently being held at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto. People from all walks of life as well as supporters from different political parties are attending. Madikizela-Mandela's grandchildren and great-grandchildren also expressed their feelings about her passing. The icon died last week Monday at Milkpark hospital in Johannesburg after complaining of flue-like symptoms. Update At Noon has been broadcasting from Soweto.

A memorial service for Madikizela-Mandela is underway in Soweto

Crowds continue to gather outside the home of the late struggle icon Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in Soweto to pay their respect. Flags will fly at half-mast for the next ten days in honour of the former ANC Women's League president. Many have described her as fearless and committed to the struggle against apartheid, despite the harsh treatment meted out against her which included imprisonment. Former president Jacob Zuma visited the home earlier today and says Madikizela-Mandela was an inspiration to all.

Miners continue strike at Gupta-owned Optimum Coal mine

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