ANC’s ‘hollow’ response to Marikana film

ANC national spokesman Zizi Kodwa. Photo: Bongiwe Mchunu

ANC national spokesman Zizi Kodwa. Photo: Bongiwe Mchunu

Published Nov 25, 2015

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South Africans waited with bated breath for government’s response to the Emmy Awards success of Miners Shot Down, and the ANC finally released a statement on Tuesday to a lukewarm reception.

ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa’s message of congratulations included the encouragement of South African storytelling through the arts, “as difficult as some episodes of it may be and with all its trials and tribulations”.

South African twitter users and opposition party the DA seemed less-than-impressed by the ruling party’s response, especially in light of the national broadcaster’s refusal to air the film despite it receiving international acclaim and accolades.

“Hollow congratulations for #MinersShotDown from @MyANC_, under whose govt the massacre unfolded, are an insult to those who lost their lives,” the DA tweeted.

It added that Kodwa’s reference to "the cast" of the documentary film was “puzzling”, as “the film has no cast and is a collection of unstaged, real life footage. This calls into question whether Kodwa has even seen #MinersShotDown of which he now claims to be so proud.”

The ANC's full statement reads:

The African National Congress congratulates the South African produced and directed, Miners Shot Down Documentary for winning an Emmy Award for Best Documentary at the International Emmy Awards held in New York yesterday, 23 November 2015.

The documentary tells of the tragic story of the 44 of our people who died in Marikana in August 2012. As we congratulate and celebrate this historic victory, the ANC encourages South African voices to continue telling the story of South Africa, as difficult as some episodes of it may be and with all its trials and tribulations.

It is our strong belief that the Arts, and the Film industry in particular, is an important voice in the definition of a South African narrative by South Africans themselves. This is a key component of building a united nation, learning from its past and charting an even more progressive future characterised by social cohesion and inclusion. We also acknowledge the very important strides this sector is making as an emerging giant in economic development.

The ANC extends its compliments to all cast members of the Documentary for their hard work and determination which resulted to this achievement. We are looking forward to many more achievements of this nature which, we believe, will positively address our socio-economic demands.

 

Some twitter users dismissed the ANC as “hypocritical” and urged the party to ensure that the film be aired on the SABC.

 

@MyANC_ this is adding salt to the wounds of the ones who lost their loved ones

— #FeesMustFall (@Khusy89) November 25, 2015

If the @MyANC_ really supports #MinersShotDown it will support its immediate broadcast on the SABC. - @zilevandamme #Marikana

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) November 24, 2015

@MyANC_ Wonder how many more of the freedom fighters children and grandkids will die trying to eke out a living in the promised ANC land

— Chris Potgieter (@Doudag) November 24, 2015

@MyANC_ wth? You savagely murder people and then congratulate the victims on their socio-economic contribution to the country? #idiots

— Lianne Keiller (@lkeiller) November 24, 2015

Zizi Kodwa said he has never watched #MinersShotDown. Hence he thinks the whole thing was a reenactment by actors and not actual events.

— Nchema (@ShottaZee) November 24, 2015

@MyANC_ looking at Marikana clips, I wonder who's still vote #ANC or you want to vote it until they do to your family

— Jose DA (@Jose2ab) November 24, 2015

#MinersShotDown doc must not be treated as a product that has top entertainment value, it must be handled as a textured human rights issue.

— Fumi (@Fumisa_K) November 24, 2015

"WE LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THIS NATURE..." - ANC about #MinersShotDown pic.twitter.com/qRYPZn8P9n

— till Babylon falls (@thando_mgqo) November 24, 2015

 

 

 

 

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