SCORES of mine workers gathered at the infamous Marikana Koppie near Rustenburg in the North West to commemorate the Marikana massacre.
On 16 August 2012, mine workers embarked on a strike demanding better wages and living conditions, and 34 miners were shot dead when police opened fire on a group that gathered at a hill near the mine.
The preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two security guards, were killed.
Wednesday, 16 August marks 11 years since the massacre and the victims have not found closure.
Some of the workers attending the event said this day holds great significance to them and the mining industry.
Mine worker Jan Madingani said today is a reminder of a traumatic experience for him, adding that they're grateful that workers are now being paid better wages.
“The deaths of our fellow brothers should never be for nothing,” he said.
He said they still want development for the community of Marikana.
“We can’t continue living in shacks,” said Jan.
He said the government is not making efforts to remember what happened in Marikana.
“They want us to forget and that will never happen,” he said.
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Jan said the surviving miners want an apology, compensation and criminal liability for the people who are responsible for the tragic events, including politicians, Lonmin mine officials and the police.
Another mine worker, Felimon Morokwana, said 11 years later, it still pains them that some of the mines are still underpaying their workers.
“As we remember the massacre, let us be reminded of the main focus and that is the struggle of the workers,” he said.
Another mine worker, Matshidiso Leballo, said what happened in 2012 should never be repeated.
"Violence should never be a solution when we are fighting for our rights. We are here to remember our heroes,” she said.
Matshidiso said it’s a shame that it's been 11 years and no arrests have been made.
“We will continue fighting for better wages and living conditions and we will not get tired.”
