By REGINALD KANYANE

A call to declare 16 August a ‘public holiday’ in honour of the miners, who were killed during Marikana massacre back in 2012, has gained momentum. The commemoration was held at Koppies in Marikana where 34 miners were gunned down in Hollywood-style by police.

More than 3000 miners embarked on illegal five month-long strike demanding salary increase. Various political parties, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders attended the event.

North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro said: “On behalf of government and the people of the North West, we would like to take this opportunity today to join millions of South Africans and people around the world to remember the tragic Marikana day when 44 people perished exactly six years ago.

“We wish to pass our heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of all those that departed on that day as well as those that lost their lives days prior. This was as a result of the labour unrest that had gripped the Platinum Belt, where workers were demanding a better wage from the employer at the time.”

The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) said that the Marikana Massacre remains a painful blot and repulsive chapter in the history of South Africa’s young democracy.

Sanco spokesperson, Jabu Mahlangu said: “The lessons learnt from the collapse of constructive engagements that led to violent confrontation and what could have been done to avoid it though invaluable were too costly in terms of the lives of the 44 miners who were killed.

“What is worrying is that the methods of engagement have not changed much since the horrible incident that shocked the world. All assortments of weapons are still being carried during protests which are still characterized by violence and no visible improvement in crowd control and public order policing.”

He said that exploiting the massacre for political expedience has compromised and delayed the healing process.

Democratic Alliance leader, Mmusi Maimane said 34 mineworkers were killed and 78 injured. Maimane added that those miners stood up and spoke about their living conditions and their wages.

“These men were shot down, some at point blank range in these fields and koppies by a government and its police force whose only response to protest is brutality.

“A police force was urged to take strong action against the protesting miners by the man who would go on to be elected ANC president, and by default our president,” he said.

He said this day was a ‘shameful moment’ that exposed the government to the world for what it was. Maimane said the government is no more the visionary and compassionate government of Nelson Mandela.

“This is a brutal and authoritarian ANC government that won’t hesitate to turn on its own people. I have written to President Cyril Ramaphosa and asked that he declare 16 August a Marikana Memorial Day because his predecessor, Jacob Zuma refused,” he said.

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

A 50 year-old woman allegedly burned herself to death at Molelema village in Taung on Friday. According to eyewitnesses, Maki Mokgaudi (50) was speaking to her husband on the phone before the incident happened.

It is alleged that there was a ‘misunderstanding’ between the two and that prompted Mokgaudi to set self and the house on fire. The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said a case of inquest has been opened at Taung Police Station.

“We can confirm that a case of inquest has been opened by the Taung police after a woman died in a fire. We do not know the motive behind the atrocity and the investigation continues,” Funani said.

The atrocity left Molelema community shocked.

The Positive Youth of Taung (PYOT) chairperson, Phemelo Mohutsiwa said: “It is imperative for our communities to go and find help before is too late. Depression is real and we should not take it lightly. There are so many institutions across the country where people can get marriages and relationships therapy.

“Taking your own life does not remove the pain, but passes it to others. We also urge women to speak out about any challenges they come across either in their marriages or relationships. We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Mogaudi’s family. Let us make sure that our homes are filled with possibility.”

He added that it is important for couples to create a friendly, caring connection homes where it is safe to explore and express unique self. Mohutsiwa said this will encourage partners to have a ‘sense of freedom’ and talk to each other openly about challenges they come across in daily basis.

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By REGINALD KANYANE

Six people from Molelema village in Taung briefly appeared at the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Gaorongwe Mooki, Kenny Letebele, Ompolokile Leeuw, Malefane Motswakae, Olebogeng Monchusi and Tebogo Makoloi were subsequently arrested and charged with public violence after the community of Baga-Maidi embarked on violent protests demanding tar roads on D208 and D209 routes few months ago.

The accused were granted R500 bail each and they will be back in court on the 25 September 2018. Those who were released on bail were instructed to report at Kokomeng Police Station every Friday between 6am and 6pm.

Shops were looted, while the community hall and few schools torched during protests. One of community leaders, Mothibi Makoro said: “The community embarked on a protest demanding tar road on D208 and D209 after the North West Public Works and Roads department failed to honour its promises to construct those roads on 1 April 2018.

“There was an agreement between the community and the department to construct those roads during 2018/19 financial year. Our roads are inaccessible especially during rainy season. We have met with the department regarding the matter, but nothing positive came forth.”

MEC for Public Works and Roads department, Mmule Maluleke said the department can only afford to construct a 10km tarred road due to financial constraints.

North West MEC of Education and Sport Development department, Sello Lehari also condemned the arson after Molelema Primary School’s administration block and the National School Nutrition Programme kitchen were reduced to ashes.

“The destruction of schools was never a solution to challenges residents face in communities. On behalf of the department, I condemn in the strongest terms the burning of the two schools in the province. Last year pupils of GS Phoi Secondary School in Madibogo village, near Mahikeng lost about three months of teaching and learning due to strikes.

“The GS Poi obtained only 46% pass rate when coming to matric final examination last year. So, I am pleading with our communities to desist from burning schools as this act creates a huge backlog in the infrastructure for schools too,” he said.

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