• News
  • Sport
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Education
  • TV Licences
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • SCI-TECH
  • LIFESTYLE
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION
Home Features Remembering Marikana Latest News - Remembering Marikana

Unions should work together to fight battles in memory of Marikana victims: Vavi

16 August 2019, 1:10 PM  |
SABC SABC |  @SABCNews
Marikana

34 mineworkers were shot dead by police during a protracted wage strike on this day at the then Lonmin operations, now owned by Sibanye-Stillwater

Marikana

Image: Twitter@SABC_2

34 mineworkers were shot dead by police during a protracted wage strike on this day at the then Lonmin operations, now owned by Sibanye-Stillwater

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has expressed disappointment at unions not being further united in their fight for workers’ rights – post the Marikana tragedy.

This as the country commemorates seven years since the Marikana tragedy, in which 34 mine workers were shot dead by police during a protracted wage strike at the then Lonmin operations.

SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi says unions should work together to fight battles in memory of those who perished in Marikana.

“The period between 2012 and now – trade unions have fragmented, weakened even further, have been divided. Some of those divisions have nothing to do with advancing the interest of ordinary workers instead of launching new battles inspired by the memories of those workers who perished in Marikana. Trade unions should have been much stronger post-Marikana. We are in 2019 where there about 212 registered trade unions in South Africa, that is very sad indeed.”

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

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

“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,” says Makhaya.

Watch calls for August 16 to be holiday:

International humanitarian organisation (Oxfam) is hosting the screening of the Marikana documentary at Maboneng precinct in Johannesburg on Friday. The documentary is based on three women who were affected by the massacre. One of them died when police fired on the mine workers.

A number of women who have been left destitute by the deaths of their husbands are also expected to attend.

Oxfam Spokesperson is Vuyokazi Futshane says, “We are screening a documentary “Strike a rock”. The documentary is based on the story of Primrose, Sonti and uThumeka. uThumeka and Primrose lived in Marikana and they started an organisation called Sikhala sonke (we are all crying) after their friend was killed by the Police.”

Thousands of mine workers have converged on the infamous Koppie in Marikana, the shooting scene of 34 miners in 2012. Members of different political formations, the clergy, social activists and families of the victims are also attending.

Watch video below:

Other mine-workers who survived the shooting in Marikana are still battling psychological effects of events and needs urgent assistance. This is according to Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union’s (AMCU) president Joseph Mathunjwa who maintains all 250 that were arrested and the over 100 that were shot at but survived are reeling from trauma to this day.

“If they can meet with the families, not only the widows, the workers of Marikana are still traumatised, they are still sitting with trauma, there is a process that has to be,” says Mathunjwa.

 

We will never forget this soldiers #MarikanaMassacre pic.twitter.com/10tLLt2m2w

— Mufhatu Nevhutalu (@MufhatuN) August 16, 2019

Share article
Tags: Sibanye-StillwaterSABCCyril RamaphosaMarikanaAMCU
Previous Post

Riot police beat up protesters in Harare

Next Post

Thabethe recounts visit to Indian dairy company

Related Posts

Disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo

Malesela Teffo remains struck off as an advocate: LPC

6 February 2023, 7:49 PM
Patient being evacuated close to the Boss 400 wreck.

NSRI cautions against visiting Bos 400 shipwreck site

6 February 2023, 2:51 PM

VIDEO | MPs bid farewell to Dr Frene Ginwala

6 February 2023, 2:04 PM
A customer looks over a Glock 17 9mm hand gun at the Guns-R-Us gun shop in Phoenix, Arizona, December 20, 2012.

Kwazakhele massacre claims another life on Saturday

6 February 2023, 1:05 PM
Water & Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu briefs media.

Minister Mchunu to receive progress reports on North West water challenges

6 February 2023, 7:01 AM
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is seen interacting with the school management team at the Geluksdal Secondary School in Brakpan on 03 February 2023 following the fatal stabbing of a learner.

Emotional stress, gangs behind recent spate of violence in Gauteng schools

5 February 2023, 9:05 PM
Next Post
Peter Thabethe is testifying before the State Capture Commission of Inquiry

Thabethe recounts visit to Indian dairy company

Most Viewed

  • 24hrs
  • Week
  • Month
  • Registration at Unisa closes on Friday, but management says no need to panic
  • Green comet to be visible from SA next week
  • VIDEO: Mabuza resigns as SA Deputy President
  • Budding Stellenbosch FC star reportedly stabbed to death
  • Shock over proposed SA sponsorship of Tottenham Hotspur
  • Parts of the Northern Cape to be exempted from rolling blackouts
  • Registration at Unisa closes on Friday, but management says no need to panic
  • VIDEO | St Benedict College’s Matric learner gets 11 distinctions
  • Limpopo matriculant from child-headed household attains diploma pass
  • Female circumcision practice thriving in Eastern Cape
  • Kellerman, Bantwini, Zikode win Grammy award
  • We are not moved by threats made by Malema: Mbalula
  • Former Orlando Pirates midfielder John Moeti passes away
  • EFF expresses concern over ‘secrecy’ around Mabuza’s resignation
  • VIDEO | Swearing in of four new ANC MPs

LATEST

African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President and newly sworn-in MP Paul Mashatile
  • Politics

David Mabuza still Deputy President of SA: Mashatile


Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Gwede Mantashe.
  • Business

Minister Mantashe wants declining energy availability factor to stop


UN Oryx helicopter came under fire and a crew member was killed
  • Africa

UN peacekeeping mission condemns fatal shooting of SA soldier in Goma


A rescue team works on a collapsed building, following an earthquake in Iskenderun, Turkey February 6, 2023. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
  • World

President Ramaphosa sends condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria


Disbarred advocate Malesela Teffo
  • South Africa

Malesela Teffo remains struck off as an advocate: LPC


Close to 1 800 people have been confirmed to have died in the quakes that have injured thousands of others in the two countries.
  • Politics

Malema offers condolences to Turkey and Syria following earthquakes


Weather

  • About the SABC
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer
  • Site Map

SABC © 2023

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • SCI-TECH
  • LIFESTYLE
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION

© 2022

Previous Zim Police Riot police beat up protesters in Harare
Next Thabethe recounts visit to Indian dairy company