The deaths in Marikana mines

16 August 2012

The African National Congress is shocked and saddened at the killings that resulted from the labour dispute in the Lonmin mines in Marikana.

It is the view of the ANC that these deaths could have been avoided had the trade union operating at Lonmins and Lonmin mine management found a resolution to the dispute. Even at this late stage where blood has been spilled and lives lost, we call upon the union involved and the employer at Lonmin mines to find a last resolution at this stage. If all parties involved in the dispute had used all legislative avenues available within the realm of the labour markets this could have been averted.

The resurgence of violence and resultant deaths and injuries, following a lull at the initial stages of this dispute, are regrettable and have stained what has been a healthy climate in our labour relations since the dawn of democracy. The stand-off that characterized the unwillingness of all parties could have been avoided if all parties had acted in good faith and in respect of our laws.

We call on our government to undertake an inquiry to investigate this ugly violence with the intention to establish what caused it and to act on the findings. We convey our condolences to all the families that lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured and hospitalized. Whilst we respect the rights of any worker and union to engage in an industrial action, we reiterate our belief that violence in any industrial action cannot and doesn`t strengthen the hand of the striking union or workers, on the contrary it weakens any trade union and makes it to lose respect and sympathy of the general populace in our country.

Issued by:
Jackson Mthembu
ANC National Spokesperson

African National Congress
54 Sauer Street
Johannesburg
2001

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