Anglo Platinum, the world's leading platinum producer, has said that it might take disciplinary action against its workers, who are on an illegal strike.

The company is planning to take strict action against the workers as less than 20 per cent of the workers report for work at its four mines near Rustenburg in South Africa. Several strikes have disrupted the country's mining sector following stoppage at platinum producer Lonmin, which resulted in the killing of 46 people.

Chief executive officer, Chris Griffith said that the company will start sacking workers if they do not report to work within 24 hours.

"Despite repeatedly urging our employees to come back to work, attendance at our Rustenburg operations remains low, We have been left with no choice but to initiate disciplinary action, which could lead to dismissals," he said.

He workers appear undeterred with the warning form the company that they will face suspension if they do not return to work in the next 24 hours. Rustenburg labour activist and community representative Mametlwe Sebei responded by saying that the workers are not intimidated by the ultimatum. He also said that the workers want their demands to be met and will not be deterred by threats from the management.