It has been four years since the Marikana tragedy which occurred on 16 August 2012. Government joins the nation in remembering this tragic event. At this very difficult time our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all those who lost their lives.
In the four years since the tragedy government has been hard at work to address the revitalisation of distressed mining communities, and to find sustainable solutions that are of benefit to all.
Part of government’s drive to address existing socio-economic challenges has seen the establishment of an Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) Chaired by the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and the Chairperson of the National Planning Commission (NPC) to tackle the revitalisation of distressed mining communities.
The IMC’s mandate is to change the face of mining in South Africa, working with business, labour and other sectors. The IMC has prioritised the issue of integrated and sustainable human settlements in mining towns and in labour sending areas.
They are working to ensure improved socio-economic conditions in mine communities and labour sending areas. An additional priority is to improve the working conditions of miners. The IMC is also working towards ensuring decent living conditions for miners. This however, requires the commitment and involvement of all social partners to build lasting solutions.
Work in this regard is continuing and will be to the benefit of distressed mining communities across the country.
The mining sector remains the bedrock of the South African economy and the improvement of conditions for workers should be viewed within the context of the country’s efforts to address poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Government is also continuously engaging mining companies to assess the implementation of the provisions of the Mining Charter to improve living conditions of workers.
Enquiries:
Tshegofatso Modubu
Cell: 083 276 0786
Mmabatho Ramompi
Cell: 076 480 3513
