President Jacob Zuma would like to thank South Africans for observing with dignity and respect, the week of mourning for the 44 people who died in Marikana and other South Africans who died violently.
President Zuma declared a week of mourning which ran from Monday and ends today, Sunday, 26 August. Flags have been flown at half mast at all stations inside the country and at missions around the world.
“The people of South Africa have given us strength in the manner in which they responded with dignity, calm and fortitude in the midst of pain, shock and disappointment at the tragic events in Marikana. The killing of 10 people between the 10 and 12 August, and 34 people on 16 August, coupled with other violent murders around the country have caused enormous sorrow to all of us. The tragedies must unite us all behind a resolve to end violence of all forms in our society, including in protests and labour action. Our Constitution allows us to protest against anyone or any institution, but we must do so unarmed and peacefully," President Zuma said.
President Zuma also thanked South Africans for respecting the call of government not to apportion blame or point fingers as the facts about what really happened in Marikana from around the 10th to the 16th is yet to be established by the Farlam Commission of Inquiry into the Marikana Tragedy.
“Our people have respected our call. Apportioning blame without facts can only serve to worsen the situation," said the President.
The President urged all affected parties to cooperate with the Farlam Commission.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Minister in the Presidency, Mr Collins Chabane will also continue to assist the families of all the 44 people who died until all burials have taken place.
We thank the families who buried their loved ones this weekend for cooperating with government to ensure dignified burials for these compatriots.
The President also thanked traditional and religious leaders for their role which helped to calm the volatile situation in Marikana and for their on-going support to all affected families.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
E-mail: macmaharaj@mweb.co.za / mediaenquiries@po.gov.za
President Zuma thanks South Africans for observing mourning period
