Marikana Support Campaign / Right2Know campaign / Socio Economic Rights Institute

Press Release 12 August 2018

It has been a full six years since the Marikana massacre took place. Most of the recommendations that came out of the Farlam Commission have still to be acted upon. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate recommended almost two years ago that 71 police officers be charged. To date only a few police are facing charges relating to the incident that began on the railway tracks on August 13th 2012.

Compensation for the widows has partially been finalised. The state is digging in its heels regarding claims relating to emotional trauma and damage. The injured and arrested have not yet been offered compensation that they feel is acceptable for wrongful arrest, incarceration and injury.

The investigation into the politicians seems to have been stonewalled. The Marikana Support Campaign and partner organisations continue to ask the South African public to commemorate the 6th anniversary of the massacre on Thursday August 16th, in whatever way you can.

See below some of the events events that will be taking place in Johannesburg.

August 13

1 pm to 2.15 pm

Imbokodo: The Widows of Marikana

Short documentary: duration 12 minutes

Followed by panel discussion

Speakers: Nomzamo Zondo (Socio Economic Rights Institute), Koketso Moeti (Amandla.mobi), Nazia Dinat (Students for Law and Social Justice).

Chalstey Auditorium

West Campus, Wits University

August 15

10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Release of ISS report which details what happened on the small Koppie, or Scene 2.

Venue: Conference Room, ISS Pretoria and online via YouTube Live

Block C, Brooklyn Court, 361 Veale Street New Muckleneuk, Pretoria 0181

Six years after the Marikana killings, what lessons have been learned about policing in South Africa? The Marikana Commission of Inquiry rejected the police’s explanation for the deaths, at ‘Scene 2’, of 17 of the 34 striking workers killed that day. But the commission didn’t make detailed findings about what took place.New ISS research based on photographs, witness statements and forensic evidence presented to the commission shows what actually happened at Marikana.

Speakers: 

• David Bruce, Independent Researcher and expert on Marikana and policing in South Africa
• Nomzamo Zondo, Director, Litigation at the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (SERI)

August 15

5:30 pm for 6 pm

Business As Usual After Marikana – Book launch

Donald Gordon Auditorium at Wits School of Governance
2 St. David’s Place, Parktown 2050, Johannesburg.

Speakers: Bishop Jo Seoka, Thumeka Magwangqana, Patrick Bond, Maren Grimm and Britta Becker.

August 16

2.30 pm to 3.30 pm

Silent demonstration

Dedicated to the 44 people who were killed during the 2012 strike

Venue: TBA

August 16

3.30 pm until 5.30 pm

Candlelight Memorial on Nelson Mandela Bridge

Johannesburg CBD