Marikana survivors call for August 16 to be declared a holiday

Some survivors of the Marikana tragedy on August 16, 2012, say the day should be declared a holiday to remember their fellow brothers who fought for better working conditions in the Platinum mining sector.

Thirty four mine workers were shot dead by police during a protracted wage strike on this day at the then Lonmin operations, now owned by Sibanye-Stillwater.

One of the survivors Alfred Makhaya, who spoke to the SABC ahead of the commemoration activities, says he wishes to see a monument erected to honour those who died on this day.

Makhaya says, “As workers we would like to see this day being turned into a workers day holiday at least. And one more important thing, we wish to see happening is that where our brothers died, there should be a monument where all their names will be written.”

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) has raised questions over the progress of the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) investigations into the Marikana tragedy, seven years ago.

UDM president Bantu Holomisa says the NPA prosecution of those involved in the tragedy needs to be concluded soon.

He says, “The NPA, under Adv (Shamila) Batohi, everybody thought that the community will know how far the NPA is making progress in this tragedy, but unfortunately it looks as though it is not the priority of the NPA.”

“Perhaps we need to establish a clearing house of the authorities responsible for maintaining justice to close this file so far as the prosecution is concerned. Also to meet the families who feel the R100 million which was paid by the government was inadequate.”-Additional reporting by Risha Maduray.

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