Message by Premier of the North West Province, Prof Job Mokgoro, on the 6th Anniversary of the Marikana shootings
On behalf of Government and the people of the North West Province, 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; 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 events of 16th August 2012 will remain a tragic reminder edged in our collective memory for a long time.
Therefore, it is our deepest wish that such a catastrophic and fateful event should never, ever, occur in our lifetime or in any other period of our democracy.
It is our collective prayer that discussions between Government and representatives of the bereaved families finalize an agreement for compensation of all families affected by the tragic events of Marikana.
This little act of acknowledgement by Government of the pain suffered by the families will lay a firm foundation for unity and peace.
On our part as Provincial Government, we are committed to ensure that the people of Marikana and the surrounding areas receive basic services that are meant for the betterment of their lives; and to achieve this, we are more than prepared to work with all relevant stakeholders to make this a living reality.
Marikana will always remain a blight in the history of the struggles of workers in this country, but we should, collectively as a people, work towards ensuring that workers in this country are not exploited and that this government continues to ensure a better future for those that have lost their loved ones; friends, fathers, husbands, sons, uncles, during this tragic era of our democratic dispensation.
Enquiries:
Vuyisile Ngesi
Cell: 079 778 1772
Tel: 018 388 4972
E-mail: vngesi@nwpg.gov.za
