IMC Marikana tragedy statement

21 August 2012

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the Marikana tragedy entered its second day of work and continues to maintain presence in Marikana and surrounding areas. This morning the committee met with key stakeholders representing provincial and local traditional leaders as well as  religious leaders from the South African Council of Churches.

Government believes that working together with these stakeholders will enhance the restoration of peace and harmony in the Marikana community. Government will continue to work with all stakeholders on arrangements for the memorial services, counselling of affected families and communities, in particular the mining community. 

The committee, religious and the traditional leadership agreed on a cleansing ceremony for the site where the tragedy occurred. Government is encouraged by the commitment shown by  the traditional and religious leaders to facilitate dialogue, help affected families to deal with their loss and bring about resolution to the situation in Marikana.

The committee has also held consultations with the leadership of Contralesa and agreed to work together in this process. The committee reiterates that it met with the Lonmin mine management on Monday and impressed upon the mine management that it is not in the interest of the country in this time of mourning to issue ultimatums to mine workers. Government believes that both mine workers and management should be afforded the opportunity to mourn their colleagues. 

Services government is providing;

• 33 out of 34 deceased miners have been identified. One of the identified was found to be a foreign national from Lesotho.
• Death certificates are being issued for South African citizens.
• Government is establishing a hotline where family members to call for information on what is happening.  
• Government continues to provide counselling and support to families who require social assistance. 
• Social workers maintain consistent presence at the Phokeng Mortuary.

The situation still remains calm at the mine and police continues to maintain presence to ensure safety and security in the area. Government is of the firm believe that working together with all stakeholders will help the nation in the process of healing. The participation of the nation and all stakeholders in this process of healing will ease the burden of affected families and communities. 

Statement issued by Harold Maloka, The Inter-Ministerial Committee, The Presidency, August 21 2012

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