Marikana Massacre: SA govt receives backlash from EFF and BOSA

JOHANNESBURG – The South African government is facing criticism for its silence on the “Marikana Massacre” as the country remembered 34 mineworkers who were gunned down by police in 2012.

Saturday marked 13 years since the incident took place at  the Lonmin Platinum Mine – now known as Sibanye-Stillwater - in the North West province during a wage protest 

Although a commission of inquiry had been conducted, no one has faced prosecution for the tragedy to date. 

Several organisations and political parties honoured and commemorated the lives that were lost during the tragic incident that occurred 13 years ago - and renewed their calls for accountability. 

For its part, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) pointed out that many families lost fathers, brothers and sons - men who were fighting for their basic human rights and for dignity.

ALSO READ: 

• Marikana massacre 12 years on: Victims await compensation
• R352m in compensation paid out to Marikana massacre victims, says Justice Dept
• Marikana residents say govt 'does not care for us', and won't be getting their votes

The party also criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa, a shareholder at the time at Lonmin, and the African National Congress (ANC) for failing to deliver justice.

Build One SA (BOSA) also called on Ramaphosa to commemorate the massacre with a National Day, in honour of those breadwinners who were killed 13 years ago. 

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) also reiterated their demands for justice. 

And the Socio-Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI) emphasised that true justice could only come through successful prosecutions.