Marikana shooting top of agenda at ANC NEC meeting

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The ANC says the Marikana mine shooting took centre stage at the party's national executive committee meeting at the weekend.

The ANC issued a lengthy statement on Monday morning in which it gave its support for government efforts to bring the violence and strike under control and also called on the platinum mining sector to join the centralised bargaining system.

The ANC says the mining sector is of strategic importance to the development and growth of the South African economy.

It says the current instability at Marikana poses challenges to the growth of the sector and the international image of the country.

"The NEC declared its support for the work done by government to date. There was agreement in the NEC on giving space and support to the Judicial Commission of Enquiry appointed by President Zuma," the ANC statement said.

The ruling party also encouraged the public to submit whatever evidence that they might have to the Judicial Commission of Enquiry "so that the truth can be established on the circumstances that led to the tragedy and its aftermath."

"The work of the Inter-Ministerial committee was also commended by the ANC leadership and as well as the support that the Committee has given and continue to give to the affected families," said ANC spokesperson, Jackson Manatha.

"It is the NEC's view that the socio-economic conditions of the mine workers at Marikana and other areas are part of what led to the human tragedy that continues to haunt our nation. Mining remains the bedrock of the South African economy, and yet the abject poverty and squalor surrounding mining areas remains a matter of deep concern," he added.

Manatha says "the mining sector is of strategic importance to the development and growth of the South African economy. The current instability at Marikana thus poses challenges to the growth of the sector and the international image of the country."

"The national debate on the transformation of the mining sector therefore remains critical. It is in the interest of the workers and the economy to ensure that the industry continues to be productive and efficient for its long term survival and growth."