DHAKA: The biggest union in South Africa`s platinum sector has called a strike over pay, the biggest in the sector since the 2012 Marikana massacre.

On that occasion 34 protesting miners taking part in an illegal wage protest were gunned down by police, reports BBC.

Thursday`s strike over pay will halt production by the world`s top three platinum producers.

A separate strike in the gold sector also planned for Thursday has been postponed following a court ruling.

Judge Hamilton Cele said that a decision on whether the protest by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) is "protected" - enabling workers to down tools without being dismissed or disciplined - will be taken on 30 January.

BDST: 1014 HRS, JAN 23, 2014