The Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the Marikana Tragedy, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane, has called for calm, reconciliation and unity as the country commemorates the first anniversary of the Marikana Tragedy which took place on 16 August 2012.
Minister Chabane appeals to all stakeholders to ensure that the commemoration takes place in a climate of dignity in honour of all those who lost their lives in August last year.
“We recall with shock and regret this tragic event that resulted in death, injury and destruction of property. As the nation reflects on this national tragedy, it is incumbent upon all social partners to ensure that the anniversary is a time for reflection and recommitment to peace,” Minister Chabane said.
“This is a time for pulling together as a nation and working collectively to ensure that, a year after the Tragedy, the events of 2012 do not revisit the people of Marikana or South Africa as a whole in any shape or form” Minister Chabane said.
Government also calls for restraint and condemns the continuing loss of life around Marikana. The IMC reiterated President Jacob Zuma's commitment that government will ensure that law enforcement agencies act in a manner that is fair, impartial and objective.
Government calls on all communities to support the programme of healing and peace led by church leaders in Marikana. This programme is meant to ensure peace and stability in Marikana.
Government also supports the work led by the Deputy President working with social partners to stabilise the mining industry.
Government further calls on social partners to secure the success of the Mine Crime Combating Forum which was launched by Minister of Police on Wednesday, 14 August 2013.
The Forum will see mining companies, trade unions and mining communities working with the South African Police Service to maintain peace and stability in the mines and surrounding communities.
The launch of the Forum is part of a broad range of interventions by social partners to restore peace and stability in the mining sector.
The Minister also expressed confidence in the Farlam Judicial Commission of Inquiry appointed by President Jacob Zuma to get to the bottom of what happened during the tragic events that took place in Marikana last year.
The IMC comprises of the following members :
Minister in The Presidency for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation
North West Premier
The Minister of Mineral Resources
The Minister of Police
The Minister of Social Development
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
The Minister of Labour
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
The Minister of Health
The Minister of State Security and
The Minister of Home Affairs
Enquiries:
Harold Maloka
Cell: 082 847 9799
