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.
The Guardian 