The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Marikana tragedy led by Minister in the Presidency, Collins Chabane today attended funerals of the victims of the Marikana tragedy. Minister Chabane attended the funeral of Mr Themba Gwelani at Makhwaleni in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape.
The Minister was welcomed by members of the Gwelani family and the mourners who were gathered at the funeral. Minister Chabane was accompanied by the Speaker of Inquza Hill Municipality, Mr Dumisani Mjokovana.
In his message to the family, Minister Chabane expressed condolences on behalf of President Jacob Zuma, Government and the people of South Africa to the family.
"Government took a decision to support all families of the 44 deceased without discrimination. Mr Gwelani was not an employee of Lonmin mine; however, his family was still expecting a lot from him. We are with the family and this community in your loss and we will do whatever possible to ensure that support is provided to the family in Mr Gwelani's absence" said Minister Chabane.
Chief Mpendulo Jiba of Makhwaleni, in his address to the mourner’s expressed appreciation for the presence of Government at all three funerals that took place in Lusikisiki and across various places in the Eastern Cape. He further thanked President Zuma for the assistance Government is providing during this trying time and the way its officials have conducted themselves during this period.
Government provided necessities as required by families towards arrangement of the funerals and social workers were on hand to provide counselling and social support to families.
Minister of State Security, Siyabonga Cwele also attended a funeral in Lusikisiki and Minister of Social Development; Bathabile Dlamini attended funerals that took place in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape. Government representatives from provinces of Mpumalanga, Free State, Eastern Cape and North West and local Governments represented Government in 31 other funerals that took place today.
On Friday, 31 August 2012, Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motswaledi visited the bereaved families in Lesotho to express condolences of the South African Government to the families, Government and the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Enquiries:
Harold Maloka
Cell: 082 847 9799
E-mail: maloka.harold@gmail.com or harold@po.gov.za
