South Africa (SA) is today marking the 14th anniversary of the Marikana massacre, the tragic event on August 16, 2012 when 34 mineworkers were shot dead by police during an unprotected strike at the Lonmin platinum mine near Rustenburg, in the country’s North West province.
Commemorations are taking place this morning at the “koppie”, where many of the workers lost their lives. The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), which organised the event, expects between 10 000 and 15 000 people to attend.
Speaking ahead of the commemoration, AMCU Deputy President Phuthuma Manyathi expressed that the union is using the anniversary to question the state of economic freedom for workers 14 years on. High police visibility remains in place near the site to ensure the proceedings run smoothly.
–ChannelAfrica/SABC–
