Cape Town - As the people of Marikana gathered on Tuesday to commemorate the shooting of mineworkers in August 2012, the North West provincial government said it was working towards delivering essential services as well as promoting peace in the area.
On August 16 2012, police opened fire on a crowd of striking mine workers, killing 34 and wounding more than 70. Ten people, including two police officers and two Lonmin security guards, had also been killed in the days preceding the August 16 massacre which came amid a strike at the Lonmin mine.
In a statement, the Bokone Bophirima provincial government said it would continue to partner with other spheres of government to ensure that services are delivered to the people of Marikana.
“The Marikana Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal Committee has been established and it comprises of a broad segment of stakeholders in Marikana. This committee seeks to draw all stakeholders in the area to work together for the attainment of long lasting peace and stability. We are, however, still persuading Amcu (Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union) to join the committee to ensure inclusivity of all stakeholders in Marikana,” North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo said.
According to spokesperson Brian Setswambung, the provincial government, in partnership with the local municipality and national government, had started on a housing project comprising of four phases, as part of government’s response in the area.
“Phase one is made up of a total of 532 housing units. These houses have been completed,” Setswambung said.
Phase two of the housing project was expected to commence as soon as the provincial government had sorted out the issue of illegal occupation of houses.
According to Setswambung, the Rustenburg municipality had established a fire station and had procured a fire engine valued at R3 million for the Marikana area.
African News Agency