ANC CALLS FOR ACCELERATED ACTION TO IMPROVE MINING COMMUNITIES IN HONOUR OF VICTIMS OF MARIKANA

Saturday, 15 August 2015
Johannesburg

Tomorrow, 16 August 2015 marks the third year since the tragic events at Marikana, North West Province which, at their end, saw 44 people dead and many more injured. The African National Congress commemorates the lives of these 44 compatriots who lost their lives in Marikana in the period up to and including the 16th August 2012. The commemoration of this tragic day in our history is and should always continue to be a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges our country faces to build an inclusive society characterised by economic redress and social justice.

Our collective desire as a nation is for Marikana to never happen again. As we remember Marikana, we, as South Africans, must  vigilantly guard against the entrenchment of further inequality, the concerning trend of increasingly violent strike action and lack of adherence to commitments made to improve the lives of the people, mining communities in particular, for the better.

Consequently, the African National Congress calls for mining companies in general to learn lessons from the tragedy of Marikana and, in honour of the victims of Marikana and other disadvantaged communities in mining towns, commit themselves to full compliance to the Mining Charter. The private sector should and must work closely with government on the revitalisation of distressed mining towns. We further reiterate our call for mining companies to review their position on job cuts; actions which undoubtedly would depress an already sensitive situation. Government on its part must move with speed to implement the recommendations of the Farlam Commission.

Statement issued by Zizi Kodwa, ANC national spokesperson, August 16 2015