Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe says he has ordered employers in the sector to withdraw retrenchment letters.

"During the lockdown, I called four mines to the department head office that were issuing Section 189 and I said to them that they can't use a lockdown period for Section 189, go and withdraw all of them without exception and they withdrew the notices," said Mantashe.

He says random visits by officials to assess health and safety regulations at the mines are showing results.

At least 19 miners at the Implats Marula Mine in Limpopo have tested positive for COVID-19.

"I have been personally to 12 mines, on unannounced visits. In every mine I have been, I have found trade union representatives present.

These unannounced visits are intended to get a genuine picture of what is happening in the mines and I think we are succeeding in doing so."

eNCA