THE last of a wave of illegal strikes that have swept South Africa's mining sector ended yesterday after workers accepted an offer from Anglo American Platinum.

South Africa's platinum and gold sectors have been rocked for months by often wildcat action, spawned by income disparities and a union turf war for members, and more conflict could be sparked by looming job cuts and wage talks next year.

The labour unrest has rattled investors in the continent's largest economy and has claimed the lives of more than 50 people, including 34 shot dead by police in one incident in mid-August near a mine operated by platinum producer Lonmin.

"All the workers are returning to work," said Evans Ramokga, a strike leader at Amplats, a unit of Anglo American.

The firm has offered either an additional monthly allowance of 600 rand (£42) or a monthly salary increase of 400 rand, as well as a one-off 4500 rand.