Upbeat and in high spirits - these striking South African platinum miners say they're determined to carry on.

While other unions have signed a government-backed deal with mine owner Lonmin to end a deadly four week strike, miners from the militant AMCU union are refusing to give up on their demands.

They say they're not interested in a deal that fails to include a basic wage hike, which would double what they earn now.

(SOUNDBITE) (SESOTHO) STRIKING MINE WORKER SAYING:

"Last month we received half salary from the mine; things are tough, but we are prepared, we have saved enough to buy the basics, but the struggle continues we will not retreat."

Thirty-four striking miners were shot dead by police last month in the deadliest security incident in South Africa since the end of apartheid.