What really happened at Marikana?
Monday marks nine years since 34 miners were killed and 78 seriously injured when the police opened fire on protesting miners at Marikana, North West. Between 12 August and 14 August ten people died, including six mine workers, two Lonmin security guards and two SAPS members.
Why were miners killed in Marikana?
Police accounts The South African Police Service said that the miners had refused a request to disarm and attacked them with various weapons including firearms taken from the two police officers killed earlier in the week.
Why did Marikana mine workers strike?
The strike was for a wage increase and to address the poor living and work conditions of miners and their families in Marikana. These issues were not formally addressed by the NUM or by Lonmin during the protest.
How long did the Marikana massacre strike last?
10-day
At the commission of inquiry set up to investigate the 44 deaths during the 10-day strike, including 34 mineworkers that the police killed on 16 August, Colonel Salmon Vermaak went further than Merafe.
Where is the Marikana mine?
Rustenburg
Marikana is located near Rustenburg, about 112km from Johannesburg in South Africa. It is a producer of platinum group minerals (PGMs) and covers an area of 33km2.
Is Cyril Ramaphosa married?
Tshepo Motsepem. 1996
Nomazizi Mtshotshisam. 1991–1993
Cyril Ramaphosa/Spouse
Why did the Marikana miners strike happen?
The strike continued despite gaining no support from NUM and receiving no official commitment from Lonmin management to enter into negotiations. The strike was for a wage increase and to address the poor living and work conditions of miners and their families in Marikana.
What happened to the victims of Marikana?
For nine long, tortured years, the grieving families of the slain at Marikana have sought justice – in vain. Alone, they suffer a suppurating and very wicked wound, for both themselves and the entire South African nation. First published in the Daily Maverick 168 weekly newspaper.
What happened in the South African miners’ strike?
The miners were unable to attain a meeting with NUM or Lonmin representatives and events became increasingly militaristic following the death of the two protesting miners. Between 12- 14 August at least four miners, two police officers and two security guards died in the ensuing violence.
What was the response of the families of the striking miners?
The families of the striking miners were also in general solidarity with the protest and worked to support the movement, joining in protest action and bringing supplies when necessary. Striking mine workers gather on hill on 16 August 2012, before massacre occurs. On 14 August Lonmin officially halted production at the Marikana platinum mine.