On 16 August 2012, one of the most tragic events in post-apartheid South Africa unfolded at the Marikana mine in the North West.
Story Summary:
- 34 miners were killed by police gunfire during a strike at the Lonmin mine on 16 August 2012.
- The strike began as miners demanded a wage increase to R12,500 monthly.
- The massacre led to widespread condemnation and inquiries into police conduct and the events leading up to the shootings.
Marikana massacre: What exactly happened on this day?
The incident, which has since become known as the Marikana massacre, resulted in the deaths of 34 striking mineworkers, who were shot by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The massacre took place during a wildcat strike at the Lonmin-owned platinum mine.
The strike began six days earlier when rock drill operators at the mine, demanding a wage increase to R12,500 per month, walked off the job.
The strike was marked by tensions between two rival unions: the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), aligned with the ruling African National Congress (ANC), and the more militant Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU).
In the days leading up to the massacre, violence had escalated, resulting in the deaths of 10 people, including two police officers, two security guards, and six workers.
Despite attempts at negotiation, the situation remained tense.
On the day of the massacre, police attempted to disperse the striking miners who had gathered on a hill near the mine, known as a “koppie.”
What followed was a deadly confrontation in which police officers, armed with automatic rifles, opened fire on the miners, killing 34 and injuring 78 others.
The events of that day drew widespread condemnation, both locally and internationally, as they marked the most lethal use of force by South African security forces against civilians since the end of apartheid.
The massacre was seen as a stark token of the deep socio-economic inequalities that persisted in South Africa, particularly in the mining sector, and raised serious questions about the relationship between the state, corporations, and the working class.
What was Ramaphosa’s involvement in the tragedy?
Cyril Ramaphosa, who was a non-executive director at Lonmin at the time, found himself at the centre of the controversy following the massacre.
Ramaphosa, a former trade union leader and one of the wealthiest men in South Africa, was also a significant shareholder in Lonmin.
Emails that later came to light revealed that Ramaphosa had played a role in escalating the situation.
In the days leading up to the massacre, Ramaphosa referred to the striking miners’ actions as “dastardly criminal” and called for “concomitant action” to address the situation.
He communicated with Lonmin executives and government ministers, urging a strong police response.
These emails were seen by many as evidence that Ramaphosa prioritised the interests of the mining company over those of the workers, a perception that has tainted his political image ever since.
Ramaphosa’s involvement in the Marikana massacre has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny.
Critics argue that his actions contributed to the decision to deploy police forces in a manner that led to the deaths of the miners.
Ramaphosa, who later became President of South Africa, has publicly apologised for his role in the events, but the massacre remains a dark chapter in his career.
How to commemorate the Marikana massacre on 16 August
The Marikana massacre is commemorated annually on 16 August, a day of reflection and mourning for the victims and their families.
In Marikana, the community holds memorial services at the site of the massacre, where the miners lost their lives.
These events are often attended by labour unions, political leaders, and human rights activists who gather to honour the memory of the deceased and to call for justice and accountability.
In addition to local commemorations, the day is also marked by discussions and events across the country, focusing on labour rights, social justice, and the ongoing struggles faced by mineworkers in South Africa.
The massacre has become a symbol of the broader fight for economic justice in the country, and the annual commemorations serve as a sobering memory of the deep-rooted inequalities that persist in South African society.
