LONMIN is still disregarding legally binding commitments.
This is according to a report by Amnesty International on the eve of the Marikana commemoration.
The institution’s director for Southern Africa, Deprose Muchena, said Lonmin’s response to its actions have been contradictory statements that amounted to lies.
“The catastrophic events of August 2012 should have been a decisive wake-up call to Lonmin that it must address these truly appalling living conditions,” said Muchena.
“The company’s failure to improve employees’ housing is baffling and irresponsible in the extreme.”
Muchena added that Lonmin’s misleading statements have been repeated to shareholders in sustainability reports.
“Lonmin is playing a very dangerous game. Its shocking admission that it has no intention of fulfilling its legal obligation under the social and labour plan flies in the face of South African law, in addition to well accepted international standards on business and human rights.”
Thousands of workers, families and sympathisers will gather today at Marikana’s famous koppie to remember the 34 miners who were gunned down four years ago.
The commemoration is also extended to the 10 people who died in the events leading up to the massacre.
Amcu, which is organising the event, extended the invitations to all sectors of society but it appears the government and the ANC will not be attending.
Advocate Dali Mpofu, who represented injured and arrested miners in the Marikana hearings and is part of the organising committee of the commemoration, told reporters in Joburg that the event is open to any person who feels the pain.
Mpofu said it would be a disgrace if the fifth anniversary is reached and the widows haven’t been looked after.
Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa said workers will attend the commemoration and report for duty afterwards.
