ANC Statements

The African National Congress joins families, friends and colleagues as they remember their loved ones who perished on this day, ten years ago, during what has become known as the Marikana massacre. We continue to stand with every widow, mother, father, son and daughter, brother and sister who lost a loved one during that entire period. We shall strive to never forget their memories.

The ANC as the leader of society believes in the sanctity of life and that everything should be done to avoid death. As the governing party, we acknowledge that the fateful events of Marikana occurred on our watch.

However, opportunistic accusations like we have observed, fail to indicate that situations like the Marikana massacre, unless properly investigated and decisive action is taken based on outcome, can compromise consequence management efforts.

The Marikana incident revealed deeply rooted socio-economic gaps in South Africa. But this also provided an opportunity for self-reflection and self-criticism. We once again call on our government to move with speed in implementing the Farlam Commission recommendations, including programmes that will help alleviate the plight of affected families and to ensure that conditions that led to this tragedy are adequately addressed.

END

ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

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Pule Mabe

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