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Another commemoration of the Marikana Massacre was held on Tuesday. This time, Sibanye-Stillwater who are the new owners of Lonmin, hosted an event to remember the 34 mineworkers who perished at the hands of the police at the Lonmin mine in Rustenburg nine years ago.
The Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe graced the occasion, marking the first time a government official has attended a Marikana Commemoration event.
Sibanye-Stillwater Marikana Memorial Lecture:
A tragedy that is forever etched in the collective memory of all South Africans.
Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba opened the Sibanye-Stillwater Marikana Memorial Lecture with a prayer for the lives lost on that fateful day.
Former anti-apartheid activist, Mampela Ramphele, paid tribute to the dead miners for their bravery.
Mantashe also honoured the victims on behalf of government.
Sibanye-Stillwater highlighted its efforts to boost economic development and job creation in Marikana since taking over Lonmin two years ago.
Ten people were killed in the days leading to the Massacre on 16 August 2012. Among them were six non-striking mineworkers who were members of the National Union of Mineworkers.
The union says they too must not be forgotten.
Sibanye-Stillwater says it’s committed to building a good relationship between the company and members of the local community.
