LazyLion
King of de Jungle
Can somebody say "utterly useless"????
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Marikana Shootings Farlam Commission Thread
Can somebody say "utterly useless"????
supersunbird
Honorary Master
I think more shooting is required...
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
NEGOTIATION WAS MARIKANA PANACEA: RAMAPHOSA
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa should have used his position to influence warring parties at Marikana in 2012 to negotiate a settlement, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Monday.
"Since it was your view on August 11, 2012 that the way out was to negotiate. Why was that view not expressed to [Lonmin] management on August 15, and why wasn't it raised with the chairman of the [Lonmin] board?" asked Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, for the Legal Resources Centre.
Ngcukaitobi was cross-examining Ramaphosa at the commission's public hearings in Pretoria.
Ramaphosa, a Lonmin non-executive director at the time, said he believed negotiations would become the focal point when ongoing killings had been halted.
"It's a matter of saying, when was that raised? During the course of all this, all options were considered. One option was to stabilise the situation.
"Once that has happened, negotiations must then ensue. To get out of any difficult situation, you have to negotiate," said Ramaphosa.
Ngcukaitobi asked whether the deputy president believed negotiations would have averted the bloody confrontation between police and protesters on August 16, 2012, which left 34 people dead.
"Do you not think that the proposal of a negotiated outcome should have been raised earlier? Do you not think that if it had been raised earlier, some of the issues we are dealing with in this commission could have been avoided?" he said.
Ramaphosa responded: "The issue of negotiating has to remain prominent in anybody's mind when dealing with a situation of parties seeking a solution.
"Another option which was considered in this case was to make sure there was stability and no further people were killed."
Ngcukaitobi asked whether Ramaphosa could not have used his influence to cajole the warring parties to negotiate for a settlement.
Ramaphosa responded: "It is eminently possible, but we were dealing with a situation from a variety of angles. When I got reports that more and more people were being killed, I got alarmed," he said.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
On Monday, Ngcukaitobi said there was a wage gap between what Impala Platinum mine and Lonmin were paying their employees at the time.
"How did you think that wage gap could be resolved? Did you think that Lonmin should have upped its offer," he asked.
Ramaphosa said that after meticulously analysing the wages, he realised there were slight differences in what the mining companies paid.
Ngcukaitobi said the wage disparity was the crux of the Marikana unrest. He read out a 2011 Mining Weekly article, penned by Ramaphosa, stating that generic unrest in the mining industry was caused by the failure of mining companies to address socio-economic needs of employees.
"Is that a view you still hold?" Ngcukaitobi asked.
Ramaphosa responded: "I still hold that view. Let me say, this is a collective responsibility. We are dealing here with the legacy of apartheid and colonialism and the migrant labour system embedded in the history of our country.
"Collective action needs to be taken to rid our country of this inhumane system of migrant labour. The labour instability is caused by our collective failure, as stakeholders, to address key problems of working people in mining areas," he said.
Not only mining companies bore the responsibility of addressing miners' socio-economic needs, he said.
A group of protesters seeking to enter the Tshwane council premises converged at the main entrance as Ramaphosa testified.
Some people in the auditorium wore white T-shirts bearing the words "Buffalo Head killed people in Marikana" and "McCyril the killer". Some T-shirts had a drawing of a buffalo head.
These were references to Ramaphosa reportedly once unsuccessfully bidding up to R19.5 million for a buffalo cow, and his ownership of the McDonald's franchise in South Africa.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/ks/jje
Date : 11 Aug 2014 13:14
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa should have used his position to influence warring parties at Marikana in 2012 to negotiate a settlement, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Monday.
"Since it was your view on August 11, 2012 that the way out was to negotiate. Why was that view not expressed to [Lonmin] management on August 15, and why wasn't it raised with the chairman of the [Lonmin] board?" asked Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, for the Legal Resources Centre.
Ngcukaitobi was cross-examining Ramaphosa at the commission's public hearings in Pretoria.
Ramaphosa, a Lonmin non-executive director at the time, said he believed negotiations would become the focal point when ongoing killings had been halted.
"It's a matter of saying, when was that raised? During the course of all this, all options were considered. One option was to stabilise the situation.
"Once that has happened, negotiations must then ensue. To get out of any difficult situation, you have to negotiate," said Ramaphosa.
Ngcukaitobi asked whether the deputy president believed negotiations would have averted the bloody confrontation between police and protesters on August 16, 2012, which left 34 people dead.
"Do you not think that the proposal of a negotiated outcome should have been raised earlier? Do you not think that if it had been raised earlier, some of the issues we are dealing with in this commission could have been avoided?" he said.
Ramaphosa responded: "The issue of negotiating has to remain prominent in anybody's mind when dealing with a situation of parties seeking a solution.
"Another option which was considered in this case was to make sure there was stability and no further people were killed."
Ngcukaitobi asked whether Ramaphosa could not have used his influence to cajole the warring parties to negotiate for a settlement.
Ramaphosa responded: "It is eminently possible, but we were dealing with a situation from a variety of angles. When I got reports that more and more people were being killed, I got alarmed," he said.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
On Monday, Ngcukaitobi said there was a wage gap between what Impala Platinum mine and Lonmin were paying their employees at the time.
"How did you think that wage gap could be resolved? Did you think that Lonmin should have upped its offer," he asked.
Ramaphosa said that after meticulously analysing the wages, he realised there were slight differences in what the mining companies paid.
Ngcukaitobi said the wage disparity was the crux of the Marikana unrest. He read out a 2011 Mining Weekly article, penned by Ramaphosa, stating that generic unrest in the mining industry was caused by the failure of mining companies to address socio-economic needs of employees.
"Is that a view you still hold?" Ngcukaitobi asked.
Ramaphosa responded: "I still hold that view. Let me say, this is a collective responsibility. We are dealing here with the legacy of apartheid and colonialism and the migrant labour system embedded in the history of our country.
"Collective action needs to be taken to rid our country of this inhumane system of migrant labour. The labour instability is caused by our collective failure, as stakeholders, to address key problems of working people in mining areas," he said.
Not only mining companies bore the responsibility of addressing miners' socio-economic needs, he said.
A group of protesters seeking to enter the Tshwane council premises converged at the main entrance as Ramaphosa testified.
Some people in the auditorium wore white T-shirts bearing the words "Buffalo Head killed people in Marikana" and "McCyril the killer". Some T-shirts had a drawing of a buffalo head.
These were references to Ramaphosa reportedly once unsuccessfully bidding up to R19.5 million for a buffalo cow, and his ownership of the McDonald's franchise in South Africa.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/ks/jje
Date : 11 Aug 2014 13:14
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
FARLAM WARNS RAMAPHOSA HECKLERS
Protesters who heckled Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Farlam Commission of Inquiry on Monday will be kicked out, retired Judge Ian Farlam warned.
"If there are further interruptions, I will not hesitate to clear the chamber. Those who want to hear the evidence will do so from the overflow room without being here and wasting our time," he said.
"This is serious misconduct which cannot be tolerated in any civilised society. No commission can function in the face of misbehaviour of this kind."
Bodyguards rushed into the Tshwane council chambers, where the inquiry conducts public hearings, on Monday afternoon as the protesters heckled Ramaphosa.
Farlam briefly adjourned the proceedings after the session was brought to a standstill.
The group banged on tables and clapped hands shouting "Ramaphosa must resign" and "blood on his hands". After a short while Dali Mpofu, for wounded and arrested Marikana miners, managed to calm the protesters.
Farlam said Ramaphosa would only be available on Monday and Tuesday and he had to be allowed to give his evidence.
"Those interrupting the proceedings are in fact impairing the work of this commission. They are preventing us from having the witness fully cross-examined," he said.
"I want to make one thing absolutely clear. Those people have one more chance to behave themselves. If there are further disruptions, I won't hesitate to clear the chamber."
Some of the protesters were from the Marikana Support Campaign. Some people in the auditorium wore white T-shirts bearing the words "Buffalo Head killed people in Marikana" and "McCyril the killer". Some T-shirts had a drawing of a buffalo head.
These were references to Ramaphosa reportedly once unsuccessfully bidding up to R19.5 million for a buffalo cow, and his ownership of the McDonald's franchise in South Africa.
The commission, chaired by Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/aa/ks
Date : 11 Aug 2014 13:58
Protesters who heckled Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Farlam Commission of Inquiry on Monday will be kicked out, retired Judge Ian Farlam warned.
"If there are further interruptions, I will not hesitate to clear the chamber. Those who want to hear the evidence will do so from the overflow room without being here and wasting our time," he said.
"This is serious misconduct which cannot be tolerated in any civilised society. No commission can function in the face of misbehaviour of this kind."
Bodyguards rushed into the Tshwane council chambers, where the inquiry conducts public hearings, on Monday afternoon as the protesters heckled Ramaphosa.
Farlam briefly adjourned the proceedings after the session was brought to a standstill.
The group banged on tables and clapped hands shouting "Ramaphosa must resign" and "blood on his hands". After a short while Dali Mpofu, for wounded and arrested Marikana miners, managed to calm the protesters.
Farlam said Ramaphosa would only be available on Monday and Tuesday and he had to be allowed to give his evidence.
"Those interrupting the proceedings are in fact impairing the work of this commission. They are preventing us from having the witness fully cross-examined," he said.
"I want to make one thing absolutely clear. Those people have one more chance to behave themselves. If there are further disruptions, I won't hesitate to clear the chamber."
Some of the protesters were from the Marikana Support Campaign. Some people in the auditorium wore white T-shirts bearing the words "Buffalo Head killed people in Marikana" and "McCyril the killer". Some T-shirts had a drawing of a buffalo head.
These were references to Ramaphosa reportedly once unsuccessfully bidding up to R19.5 million for a buffalo cow, and his ownership of the McDonald's franchise in South Africa.
The commission, chaired by Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/aa/ks
Date : 11 Aug 2014 13:58
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
RAMAPHOSA QUESTIONED ABOUT MARIKANA 'INACTION'
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was asked at the Farlam Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday why he did not intervene and initiate negotiations with striking Marikana miners in 2012.
"Nothing was happening, as far as the wage dispute was concerned. Why did you not establish that nothing was being done?" asked Heidi Barnes, for the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union.
She was cross-examining Ramaphosa at the commission's public hearings in Pretoria.
Ramaphosa was a non-executive director and shareholder at Lonmin at the time.
He replied: "We had people that were dealing with the matter at the level where everything was happening.
"I can concede that meeting should have happened, negotiations should have ensued at an early [stage] before everything escalated into violence".
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Barnes said Ramaphosa should have intervened.
"You didn't even ask, because you would have been told that nothing was happening in relation to the wage dispute. If you had asked, you would have said it was unacceptable," she said.
Ramaphosa disagreed.
"We got reports from where everything was happening. Our representative, Ms Ncube, was dealing with the matter. I did not have the information on an ongoing basis."
Barnes asked Ramaphosa to explain why he expended a great deal of energy on lobbying to have the preceding violence characterised as criminal and to increase police presence, yet "did not take a single step to find out what was going on with regards to the wage dispute".
Ramaphosa said the incidents were an emergency which required attention after being stabilised initially.
"I was being given information of people dying and being killed. That is what I responded to, immediately. The stabilisation, in my view, would lead to negotiations to bring the solution," he said.
Ramaphosa said striking employees should not attack non-protesting colleagues.
Security was again tightened considerably on the second day of Ramaphosa's testimony.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/aa/jje
Date : 12 Aug 2014 10:44
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was asked at the Farlam Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday why he did not intervene and initiate negotiations with striking Marikana miners in 2012.
"Nothing was happening, as far as the wage dispute was concerned. Why did you not establish that nothing was being done?" asked Heidi Barnes, for the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union.
She was cross-examining Ramaphosa at the commission's public hearings in Pretoria.
Ramaphosa was a non-executive director and shareholder at Lonmin at the time.
He replied: "We had people that were dealing with the matter at the level where everything was happening.
"I can concede that meeting should have happened, negotiations should have ensued at an early [stage] before everything escalated into violence".
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Barnes said Ramaphosa should have intervened.
"You didn't even ask, because you would have been told that nothing was happening in relation to the wage dispute. If you had asked, you would have said it was unacceptable," she said.
Ramaphosa disagreed.
"We got reports from where everything was happening. Our representative, Ms Ncube, was dealing with the matter. I did not have the information on an ongoing basis."
Barnes asked Ramaphosa to explain why he expended a great deal of energy on lobbying to have the preceding violence characterised as criminal and to increase police presence, yet "did not take a single step to find out what was going on with regards to the wage dispute".
Ramaphosa said the incidents were an emergency which required attention after being stabilised initially.
"I was being given information of people dying and being killed. That is what I responded to, immediately. The stabilisation, in my view, would lead to negotiations to bring the solution," he said.
Ramaphosa said striking employees should not attack non-protesting colleagues.
Security was again tightened considerably on the second day of Ramaphosa's testimony.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/aa/jje
Date : 12 Aug 2014 10:44
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
'WE ALL FAILED MARIKANA MINERS': RAMAPHOSA
Different parties should take the blame for the August 2012 Marikana tragedy, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa told the Farlam Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday.
"The tragedy has to be approached as a collective failure by many role players. I don't think that many can say they do not bear any form of responsibility," he told the commission's public hearings in Pretoria.
Ramaphosa was being cross-examined by Dali Mpofu, for the wounded and arrested Marikana miners.
Ramaphosa was a non-executive director and shareholder of Lonmin at the time.
"The responsibility has to be collective. As a nation, we should dip our heads and accept that we failed the people of Marikana, particularly the families, the workers, and those that died," he said.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Mpofu said Ramaphosa's responsibilities at Marikana went beyond fiduciary duties as a non-executive director of Lonmin.
"Of the parties you say should share the responsibility, you were associated with [the] Lonmin board and management, you were a shareholder, the SA Police Service, the government," said Mpofu.
Ramaphosa said he was not in government (at the time).
Mpofu retorted: "You were not in government but you were exchanging telephone calls with people in government.
"You were a senior member of the ANC [African National Congress]".
Mpofu suggested Ramaphosa was criminally liable for the Marikana events.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/jje/aa
Date : 12 Aug 2014 11:01
Different parties should take the blame for the August 2012 Marikana tragedy, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa told the Farlam Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday.
"The tragedy has to be approached as a collective failure by many role players. I don't think that many can say they do not bear any form of responsibility," he told the commission's public hearings in Pretoria.
Ramaphosa was being cross-examined by Dali Mpofu, for the wounded and arrested Marikana miners.
Ramaphosa was a non-executive director and shareholder of Lonmin at the time.
"The responsibility has to be collective. As a nation, we should dip our heads and accept that we failed the people of Marikana, particularly the families, the workers, and those that died," he said.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Mpofu said Ramaphosa's responsibilities at Marikana went beyond fiduciary duties as a non-executive director of Lonmin.
"Of the parties you say should share the responsibility, you were associated with [the] Lonmin board and management, you were a shareholder, the SA Police Service, the government," said Mpofu.
Ramaphosa said he was not in government (at the time).
Mpofu retorted: "You were not in government but you were exchanging telephone calls with people in government.
"You were a senior member of the ANC [African National Congress]".
Mpofu suggested Ramaphosa was criminally liable for the Marikana events.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/jje/aa
Date : 12 Aug 2014 11:01
daveza
Honorary Master
You are kidding right ?
I failed the people of Marikana ?
The criminals of Marikana failed themselves - that's all.
supersunbird
Honorary Master
Thanks, I wanted to post earlier but didn't know how to put it. You put it perfectly.
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
MPOFU ASKED ME TO PULL STRINGS: RAMAPHOSA
Dali Mpofu asked Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene and help him advance his career, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Tuesday.
"You came to me here yesterday [Monday] and said 'I have been trying to be certified as senior counsel. Is there anything you can do for me?'," Ramaphosa told the commission's public hearings in Pretoria.
Mpofu, who represents wounded and arrested miners at Marikana in August 2012, interrupted: "No, that is untrue. You can't come here and make up stories. Tell the story as it happened, Mr Ramaphosa."
Commission chairman retired judge Ian Farlam intervened, allowing Ramaphosa to continue.
"Mr Mpofu and I had a fairly friendly discussion here yesterday. I asked him 'are you now senior counsel?'. He said 'yes, I am supposed to be senior counsel but what is left is for the president to sign the certificate'. He said 'is there anything you can do for me?'.
"I raised the issue of a conflict of interests with him. I said even if I know that he is opposed to me, he is on another side of the political divide. There is no conflict of interest there, nothing fraudulent or criminal about it," said Ramaphosa.
Mpofu repeatedly interjected, saying Ramaphosa was lying.
"If you can misrepresent something that happened less than 24 hours ago, then one shudders to think how much falsification you can put to events where your integrity and criminality are in question," Mpofu said.
Farlam said the allegations made by Ramaphosa were outside the inquiry's terms of reference.
Mpofu insisted on refuting the allegations.
"I never said 'is there anything you can do for me?'. He said he would intervene. I did not ask for any favours. He offered that himself, gratuitously. Don't come here and patronise me, I did not ask for any favours."
Mpofu said he pointed out to Ramaphosa several other lawyers were waiting for President Jacob Zuma to sign their appointment as senior counsel.
Ramaphosa said there would be no conflict of interest if he intervened to assist Mpofu, or other lawyers.
The commission is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Earlier, Mpofu submitted that Ramaphosa was caught up in "incestuous relations" with roleplayers at Marikana in August 2012.
"You had relations with [former police minister] Mr Nathi Mthethwa, you were both in the ANC national executive of the ANC, as well as with [ANC secretary general] Gwede Mantashe," said Mpofu.
"You were a non-executive director of Lonmin. If you look at that web of relationships you will accept that you were caught in a cesspool of incestuous relationships in relation to the [Marikana] players."
Ramaphosa objected.
"Mr chairman, I do take exception to a question that seems to suggest that my relation with my organisation, the African National Congress, is incestuous," he said.
"Similarly, Mr Chairman, I also take exception to a suggestion that my relationship with the secretary general of the ANC, and all the other colleagues, is incestuous."
Mpofu responded: "Yeah, that might well be."
Farlam said "incestuous" was an "unhappy word" which should be withdrawn.
"You should spell out what the nature of the conflict was. Put to the witness clearly what the conflict was. Don't use objectionable adjectives," Farlam said.
Mpofu responded: "I will try and restrain myself."
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/ks/jje
Date : 12 Aug 2014 13:46
Dali Mpofu asked Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene and help him advance his career, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Tuesday.
"You came to me here yesterday [Monday] and said 'I have been trying to be certified as senior counsel. Is there anything you can do for me?'," Ramaphosa told the commission's public hearings in Pretoria.
Mpofu, who represents wounded and arrested miners at Marikana in August 2012, interrupted: "No, that is untrue. You can't come here and make up stories. Tell the story as it happened, Mr Ramaphosa."
Commission chairman retired judge Ian Farlam intervened, allowing Ramaphosa to continue.
"Mr Mpofu and I had a fairly friendly discussion here yesterday. I asked him 'are you now senior counsel?'. He said 'yes, I am supposed to be senior counsel but what is left is for the president to sign the certificate'. He said 'is there anything you can do for me?'.
"I raised the issue of a conflict of interests with him. I said even if I know that he is opposed to me, he is on another side of the political divide. There is no conflict of interest there, nothing fraudulent or criminal about it," said Ramaphosa.
Mpofu repeatedly interjected, saying Ramaphosa was lying.
"If you can misrepresent something that happened less than 24 hours ago, then one shudders to think how much falsification you can put to events where your integrity and criminality are in question," Mpofu said.
Farlam said the allegations made by Ramaphosa were outside the inquiry's terms of reference.
Mpofu insisted on refuting the allegations.
"I never said 'is there anything you can do for me?'. He said he would intervene. I did not ask for any favours. He offered that himself, gratuitously. Don't come here and patronise me, I did not ask for any favours."
Mpofu said he pointed out to Ramaphosa several other lawyers were waiting for President Jacob Zuma to sign their appointment as senior counsel.
Ramaphosa said there would be no conflict of interest if he intervened to assist Mpofu, or other lawyers.
The commission is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Earlier, Mpofu submitted that Ramaphosa was caught up in "incestuous relations" with roleplayers at Marikana in August 2012.
"You had relations with [former police minister] Mr Nathi Mthethwa, you were both in the ANC national executive of the ANC, as well as with [ANC secretary general] Gwede Mantashe," said Mpofu.
"You were a non-executive director of Lonmin. If you look at that web of relationships you will accept that you were caught in a cesspool of incestuous relationships in relation to the [Marikana] players."
Ramaphosa objected.
"Mr chairman, I do take exception to a question that seems to suggest that my relation with my organisation, the African National Congress, is incestuous," he said.
"Similarly, Mr Chairman, I also take exception to a suggestion that my relationship with the secretary general of the ANC, and all the other colleagues, is incestuous."
Mpofu responded: "Yeah, that might well be."
Farlam said "incestuous" was an "unhappy word" which should be withdrawn.
"You should spell out what the nature of the conflict was. Put to the witness clearly what the conflict was. Don't use objectionable adjectives," Farlam said.
Mpofu responded: "I will try and restrain myself."
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/ks/jje
Date : 12 Aug 2014 13:46
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
RAMAPHOSA 'SOLD OUT': MPOFU
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa should have addressed the causes of the August 2012 Marikana unrest before attempting to curb its consequences, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Tuesday.
"You have been negotiating conflicts for a long time, you know that you can't resolve a problem at the branches ignoring the root cause," said Dali Mpofu, for wounded and arrested Marikana miners.
"Surely, you don't expect anyone to believe that you, of all people, would ignore the root cause."
Ramaphosa said his attention was on addressing further deaths and stabilising the situation at Lonmin's mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West.
"You were simply assimilated into the way of thinking of the Lonmin management. You didn't play your role, using your skills to change their thinking," Mpofu said.
"To that extent, you sold out. What is worse is that you did this for financial gain at the expense of the lives of people whose lives you were meant to transform. It's like selling out for 30 pieces of silver."
Ramaphosa was a Lonmin non-executive director and a shareholder at the time of the Marikana shootings. He left his position at Lonmin in January last year, shortly after becoming deputy president of the African National Congress.
He said financial gain did not influence his intervention.
"I must tell you that Shanduka invested R300 million into this company and that money was lost as early as 2011. It was a catastrophic financial loss for Shanduka," said Ramaphosa.
"Financial gain was not part of it. We didn't even expect any of the investment. We do not even think of beginning to recoup it. It is written off."
Mpofu said Ramaphosa had stayed in the business because he did not want to suffer further losses or thought he would recoup his investments.
The commission is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
On Tuesday, Mpofu said Ramaphosa used his political clout to influence then mineral resources minister Susan Shabangu to change her classification of the Marikana events.
"You know that you achieved that purely because of the political power that you wield and your partners at Lonmin were sending you to do so. You said they sent you speak to the minister because they knew you could.
"You knew that you wielded a considerable amount of political power which you wanted to use and transform to political pressure with the fast, instant outcome that it achieved."
Ramaphosa responded: "I just had access to her."
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/ks/aa
Date : 12 Aug 2014 16:03
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa should have addressed the causes of the August 2012 Marikana unrest before attempting to curb its consequences, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Tuesday.
"You have been negotiating conflicts for a long time, you know that you can't resolve a problem at the branches ignoring the root cause," said Dali Mpofu, for wounded and arrested Marikana miners.
"Surely, you don't expect anyone to believe that you, of all people, would ignore the root cause."
Ramaphosa said his attention was on addressing further deaths and stabilising the situation at Lonmin's mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West.
"You were simply assimilated into the way of thinking of the Lonmin management. You didn't play your role, using your skills to change their thinking," Mpofu said.
"To that extent, you sold out. What is worse is that you did this for financial gain at the expense of the lives of people whose lives you were meant to transform. It's like selling out for 30 pieces of silver."
Ramaphosa was a Lonmin non-executive director and a shareholder at the time of the Marikana shootings. He left his position at Lonmin in January last year, shortly after becoming deputy president of the African National Congress.
He said financial gain did not influence his intervention.
"I must tell you that Shanduka invested R300 million into this company and that money was lost as early as 2011. It was a catastrophic financial loss for Shanduka," said Ramaphosa.
"Financial gain was not part of it. We didn't even expect any of the investment. We do not even think of beginning to recoup it. It is written off."
Mpofu said Ramaphosa had stayed in the business because he did not want to suffer further losses or thought he would recoup his investments.
The commission is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
On Tuesday, Mpofu said Ramaphosa used his political clout to influence then mineral resources minister Susan Shabangu to change her classification of the Marikana events.
"You know that you achieved that purely because of the political power that you wield and your partners at Lonmin were sending you to do so. You said they sent you speak to the minister because they knew you could.
"You knew that you wielded a considerable amount of political power which you wanted to use and transform to political pressure with the fast, instant outcome that it achieved."
Ramaphosa responded: "I just had access to her."
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/ks/aa
Date : 12 Aug 2014 16:03
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
RAMAPHOSA HECKLED AT MARIKANA INQUIRY
Several protesters yelled at Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa again on Tuesday afternoon as he gave evidence at the Farlam Commission of Inquiry.
"Murderer", "Buffalo head", "Killer", "Sellout", shouted a group of men in the auditorium of the Tshwane Council chambers where the inquiry holds public hearings.
Police officers rushed to the entrance as commission chairman retired judge Ian Farlam instructed the protesters to leave the room.
The men left the room still shouting. Ramaphosa stared as the group shouted.
The commission is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Ramaphosa was a non-executive director and shareholder of Lonmin at the time.
On Monday, bodyguards rushed to the auditorium as the protesters heckled Ramaphosa for the first time.
Farlam briefly adjourned the proceedings after the session was brought to a standstill.
The group banged on tables and clapped hands shouting "Ramaphosa must resign" and "blood on his hands".
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/aa/lp
Date : 12 Aug 2014 16:17
Several protesters yelled at Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa again on Tuesday afternoon as he gave evidence at the Farlam Commission of Inquiry.
"Murderer", "Buffalo head", "Killer", "Sellout", shouted a group of men in the auditorium of the Tshwane Council chambers where the inquiry holds public hearings.
Police officers rushed to the entrance as commission chairman retired judge Ian Farlam instructed the protesters to leave the room.
The men left the room still shouting. Ramaphosa stared as the group shouted.
The commission is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Ramaphosa was a non-executive director and shareholder of Lonmin at the time.
On Monday, bodyguards rushed to the auditorium as the protesters heckled Ramaphosa for the first time.
Farlam briefly adjourned the proceedings after the session was brought to a standstill.
The group banged on tables and clapped hands shouting "Ramaphosa must resign" and "blood on his hands".
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/aa/lp
Date : 12 Aug 2014 16:17
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
MARIKANA FAMILIES DEMAND ANSWERS
The Farlam Commission of Inquiry will on Thursday continue to hear the presentations by lawyers and families of the 44 people who died during the August 2012 Marikana unrest.
On Wednesday, the families demanded answers over the deaths of their loved ones.
"We want to know, what steps our government took in this strike? We are here everyday for this problem of the killing of our relatives by the police. We want the truth," said Lanford Gqotjelwa, whose cousin Thembelakhe Mati was killed on August 13.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lomin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and the two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Betty Gadlela, from Swaziland, said her husband Stelega was "a man of peace".
Another widow, Nandipa Gunuza, said her husband Bonginkosi Yona died when their son was only seven days old.
Outbursts of weeping echoed in the Tshwane council chambers, where the commission holds the public hearings.
Some women collapsed and the inquiry was briefly adjourned. Three women were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Source : Sapa /dm/lp/mr
Date : 14 Aug 2014 02:03
The Farlam Commission of Inquiry will on Thursday continue to hear the presentations by lawyers and families of the 44 people who died during the August 2012 Marikana unrest.
On Wednesday, the families demanded answers over the deaths of their loved ones.
"We want to know, what steps our government took in this strike? We are here everyday for this problem of the killing of our relatives by the police. We want the truth," said Lanford Gqotjelwa, whose cousin Thembelakhe Mati was killed on August 13.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lomin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and the two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Betty Gadlela, from Swaziland, said her husband Stelega was "a man of peace".
Another widow, Nandipa Gunuza, said her husband Bonginkosi Yona died when their son was only seven days old.
Outbursts of weeping echoed in the Tshwane council chambers, where the commission holds the public hearings.
Some women collapsed and the inquiry was briefly adjourned. Three women were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Source : Sapa /dm/lp/mr
Date : 14 Aug 2014 02:03
supersunbird
Honorary Master
Sigh! Your innocent little lambs did nothing wrong and were just attacked out of the blue by the evil police?
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
MARIKANA FAMILIES CRITICISE LONMIN
Families of miners who died at Marikana in August 2012 criticised Lonmin at the Farlam Commission of Inquiry on Thursday for its role in the wage dispute and violence.
"I have a complaint against Lonmin. It called the police who killed our husbands. Our children will grow up not knowing their fathers," said Nolundi Thukuza, whose husband Mphangeli was killed in the violence.
"Lonmin doesn't care to know how we live and what we eat. We have become widows at such an early age. We do not know what to do."
Mphangeli's family said he joined Lonmin in 2000 and had lost his toes during an accident at the mine. He is survived by two wives and seven children.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lomin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and the two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
On Thursday, the commission heard presentations by lawyers and families of the 44 deceased.
Phumeza Mabiya, 20, whose husband Mafolisi Mabiya also died at Marikana, said: "What happened to us in 2012 is very hurting. I became a widow at 18 years. I was one month pregnant at the time. That child will ask me about its father," said Phumeza.
"I blame Lonmin and the police. At my age, I have to look after Mafolisi's family because his mother doesn't receive a social grant."
Zameka Nungu laid the death of her husband Jackson Lehupa and the other miners at Lonmin's door.
"If Lonmin could not afford to pay them, they should have fired them. We have stayed with our husbands back home. Those police officers who shot our husbands are living well with their wives," she said.
"We cry at night, not knowing who will comfort us. Our children keep asking when their fathers will be arriving home. I used to trust the police but now when I see a police officer, I see an enemy."
Hester Mabebe, whose brother Eric Thapelo Mabebe was killed on August 12, 2012, said her family was under severe financial and emotional stress.
"He was killed by his fellow workers. They chopped him repeatedly. Now we want those who killed him to go to jail. It has been two years and we are waiting," she said.
"I am scared of Eric's co-workers. I was scared of them even when they came to his funeral. We want the law to take its course. Eric was only going to work that day because he wanted money. This was his only job."
The inquiry has previously heard that Mabebe was killed by fellow miners at Lonmin's K4 shaft because he was going to work, and not striking.
A post mortem revealed that Mabebe had been stabbed multiple times and that his skull had been fractured.
Controversial police witness, identified only as Mr X, has previously told the inquiry that he participated in Maberbe's murder.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/aa/ks
Date : 14 Aug 2014 11:41
Families of miners who died at Marikana in August 2012 criticised Lonmin at the Farlam Commission of Inquiry on Thursday for its role in the wage dispute and violence.
"I have a complaint against Lonmin. It called the police who killed our husbands. Our children will grow up not knowing their fathers," said Nolundi Thukuza, whose husband Mphangeli was killed in the violence.
"Lonmin doesn't care to know how we live and what we eat. We have become widows at such an early age. We do not know what to do."
Mphangeli's family said he joined Lonmin in 2000 and had lost his toes during an accident at the mine. He is survived by two wives and seven children.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lomin's platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West, in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and the two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
On Thursday, the commission heard presentations by lawyers and families of the 44 deceased.
Phumeza Mabiya, 20, whose husband Mafolisi Mabiya also died at Marikana, said: "What happened to us in 2012 is very hurting. I became a widow at 18 years. I was one month pregnant at the time. That child will ask me about its father," said Phumeza.
"I blame Lonmin and the police. At my age, I have to look after Mafolisi's family because his mother doesn't receive a social grant."
Zameka Nungu laid the death of her husband Jackson Lehupa and the other miners at Lonmin's door.
"If Lonmin could not afford to pay them, they should have fired them. We have stayed with our husbands back home. Those police officers who shot our husbands are living well with their wives," she said.
"We cry at night, not knowing who will comfort us. Our children keep asking when their fathers will be arriving home. I used to trust the police but now when I see a police officer, I see an enemy."
Hester Mabebe, whose brother Eric Thapelo Mabebe was killed on August 12, 2012, said her family was under severe financial and emotional stress.
"He was killed by his fellow workers. They chopped him repeatedly. Now we want those who killed him to go to jail. It has been two years and we are waiting," she said.
"I am scared of Eric's co-workers. I was scared of them even when they came to his funeral. We want the law to take its course. Eric was only going to work that day because he wanted money. This was his only job."
The inquiry has previously heard that Mabebe was killed by fellow miners at Lonmin's K4 shaft because he was going to work, and not striking.
A post mortem revealed that Mabebe had been stabbed multiple times and that his skull had been fractured.
Controversial police witness, identified only as Mr X, has previously told the inquiry that he participated in Maberbe's murder.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/aa/ks
Date : 14 Aug 2014 11:41
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
TWO YEARS ON, SOUTH AFRICA'S MARIKANA WIDOWS WAIT FOR ANSWERS
by Susan NJANJI
Two years after South Africa police shot dead 34 striking miners at Marikana, the men's widows still wait for answers about how and why their husbands died.
They have sat for months on end, watching the inquest, hoping for answers.
But as the two-year anniversary of the tragedy approaches on August 16, they are still wondering.
The massacre, after violent clashes with the police at the Lonmin platinum mine, north of Johannesburg during a work stoppage, has widely been compared to apartheid-era atrocities.
Testimony from a steam of witnesses has left little more than a muddled account of what happened on a rocky and dusty stretch of Highveld.
Who gave the order to shoot? Did leading politicians steer the police's actions? Did the miners themselves intend violence?
"We just want to know the truth, how our husbands were killed and why," Nolundi Tukuza, 39, widowed mother of five told AFP.
Amid public fury, President Jacob Zuma set up the inquiry, which began work on October 1 and was sceduled to run for only four months.
Twenty-two months later Tukuza and many others feel like they are not being told the whole story, that the government and the police are protecting their own.
The commission itself has accused the police of hiding documents, tampering with evidence and of outright lies.
"It's not clear yet that we will get the answers because at times it appears things are being shielded," said Tukuza, her sentences punctuated by sobs.
Many of the widows are still too distraught to take the stand to give their own testimonies.
Their evidence was rather read out to the commission by lawyers.
Although the widows get regular counselling, they struggle thinking about the moment their husbands perished.
During this week's proceedings one woman passed out and medics had to be called in to resuscitate her before she was taken to hospital.
Several others were briefly admitted.
It took a lot of persuasion for the widows to speak to the media and answers were brief.
"I was widowed at the age of 18," said Phumeza Mabiya, 20, avoiding eye contact as she battled to hold back tears.
Her husband Mafolisi was killed when she was just one month pregnant. She named their daughter Precious.
"It's certainly taken longer than anyone of us anticipated," said the commission's chief lawyer Geoff Budlender.
"But if it hadn't been as thorough as it has been, we would have more difficulties to find the truth. This is the price of finding the truth," he told AFP.
The commission's chair and retired judge Ian Farlam told AFP: "The main point it took long time is that as the case developed, it became apparent there was an enormous amount of witnesses and evidence to go through."
The commission is certain it will conclude its hearings by the end of September.
The widows' lawyer James Nichol said "its sad" that the hearing has lasted this long.
The widows have travelled to the hearings from the southeastern province of Eastern Cape from where many mine workers are drawn.
Some have left behind small children who have to attend school, while they stay in a Pretoria hotel where government puts them up.
Financially, they are battling to make ends meet.
While they get a $30 rand government grant per child, each month they say that is not enough. There are also extended family members that need to be taken care of.
"If you ask each of these families to tip their purses and you add up what they have between them, I bet you of the 34 families, you would not get more than 1,000 rand ($100)," said their lawyer Nichol.
"They go home, they cant afford to feed their children."
"We are begging government and Lonmin to take care of us and our children," said Zameka Nungu-Lehupa, mother of six.
Some still live in fear.
Forty-three year old Aisha Fundi's husband was a Lonmin security guard who was among ten others killed in the days bookending August 16.
He was brutally killed by workers and his body parts reportedly used for voodoo rituals.
Now Fundi has moved from Marikana to rent a house in the nearby city of Rustenburg.
"People are playing politics with our feelings. I just want closure," said Fundi, a teacher who has taken unpaid leave so that she attend each of the commission's sessions.
Mines Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi this week promised the government will do all it can to ease the pain inflicted on the families of the slain.
"We will do whatever we can in the long term to contribute towards the alleviation of the pain," said the minister.
Source : Sapa-AFP /mr/fg
Date : 15 Aug 2014 06:17
by Susan NJANJI
Two years after South Africa police shot dead 34 striking miners at Marikana, the men's widows still wait for answers about how and why their husbands died.
They have sat for months on end, watching the inquest, hoping for answers.
But as the two-year anniversary of the tragedy approaches on August 16, they are still wondering.
The massacre, after violent clashes with the police at the Lonmin platinum mine, north of Johannesburg during a work stoppage, has widely been compared to apartheid-era atrocities.
Testimony from a steam of witnesses has left little more than a muddled account of what happened on a rocky and dusty stretch of Highveld.
Who gave the order to shoot? Did leading politicians steer the police's actions? Did the miners themselves intend violence?
"We just want to know the truth, how our husbands were killed and why," Nolundi Tukuza, 39, widowed mother of five told AFP.
Amid public fury, President Jacob Zuma set up the inquiry, which began work on October 1 and was sceduled to run for only four months.
Twenty-two months later Tukuza and many others feel like they are not being told the whole story, that the government and the police are protecting their own.
The commission itself has accused the police of hiding documents, tampering with evidence and of outright lies.
"It's not clear yet that we will get the answers because at times it appears things are being shielded," said Tukuza, her sentences punctuated by sobs.
Many of the widows are still too distraught to take the stand to give their own testimonies.
Their evidence was rather read out to the commission by lawyers.
Although the widows get regular counselling, they struggle thinking about the moment their husbands perished.
During this week's proceedings one woman passed out and medics had to be called in to resuscitate her before she was taken to hospital.
Several others were briefly admitted.
It took a lot of persuasion for the widows to speak to the media and answers were brief.
"I was widowed at the age of 18," said Phumeza Mabiya, 20, avoiding eye contact as she battled to hold back tears.
Her husband Mafolisi was killed when she was just one month pregnant. She named their daughter Precious.
"It's certainly taken longer than anyone of us anticipated," said the commission's chief lawyer Geoff Budlender.
"But if it hadn't been as thorough as it has been, we would have more difficulties to find the truth. This is the price of finding the truth," he told AFP.
The commission's chair and retired judge Ian Farlam told AFP: "The main point it took long time is that as the case developed, it became apparent there was an enormous amount of witnesses and evidence to go through."
The commission is certain it will conclude its hearings by the end of September.
The widows' lawyer James Nichol said "its sad" that the hearing has lasted this long.
The widows have travelled to the hearings from the southeastern province of Eastern Cape from where many mine workers are drawn.
Some have left behind small children who have to attend school, while they stay in a Pretoria hotel where government puts them up.
Financially, they are battling to make ends meet.
While they get a $30 rand government grant per child, each month they say that is not enough. There are also extended family members that need to be taken care of.
"If you ask each of these families to tip their purses and you add up what they have between them, I bet you of the 34 families, you would not get more than 1,000 rand ($100)," said their lawyer Nichol.
"They go home, they cant afford to feed their children."
"We are begging government and Lonmin to take care of us and our children," said Zameka Nungu-Lehupa, mother of six.
Some still live in fear.
Forty-three year old Aisha Fundi's husband was a Lonmin security guard who was among ten others killed in the days bookending August 16.
He was brutally killed by workers and his body parts reportedly used for voodoo rituals.
Now Fundi has moved from Marikana to rent a house in the nearby city of Rustenburg.
"People are playing politics with our feelings. I just want closure," said Fundi, a teacher who has taken unpaid leave so that she attend each of the commission's sessions.
Mines Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi this week promised the government will do all it can to ease the pain inflicted on the families of the slain.
"We will do whatever we can in the long term to contribute towards the alleviation of the pain," said the minister.
Source : Sapa-AFP /mr/fg
Date : 15 Aug 2014 06:17
biometrics
Honorary Master
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Don't know if this has been posted yet but the documentary Miners Shot Down is free to watch today:
http://youtu.be/fPfz4MGIWtY
http://youtu.be/fPfz4MGIWtY
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
It's the second anniversary today... and still no closer to resolution.
http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/b8b854...mmemoration-for-Marikana-shootings-to-be-held
http://www.sabc.co.za/news/a/b8b854...mmemoration-for-Marikana-shootings-to-be-held
The rot started many years before Marikana and these criminals were encouraged by earlier strikes where violence, intimidation, looting, assaults and destruction of personal & public property have been ignored by the police while the rights of law abiding citizens and workers were trampled on.
Nobody (especially Primedia/EWN) cares about the ten people murdered by the mob earlier on while there is much weeping, wailing & gnashing of teeth over the thirty four dead attackers who were doped up to the eyeballs with bullet proof muti purchased from various witch doctors who told them that they could attack and kill the police with impunity.
What happened at Marikana was the right response and should be repeated on every occasion that a striker/attacker throws a rock or petrol bomb or raises a panga against another person.
Every time that violence produces a successful outcome it breeds further violence and all the little warlords now see it as an accepted means of attaining their ends but Zuma and the ANC do not understand that it could easily be used against them too.
daveza
Honorary Master
And now they are marching to commemorate criminals and murderers.
Strange country this.
Strange country this.
LazyLion
King of de Jungle
ZOKWANA WASN'T LISTENING: MARIKANA SURVIVOR
Former NUM president Senzeni Zokwana was not prepared to listen when he spoke to protesting Marikana miners on August 15, 2012, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Monday.
"He arrived at the koppie [hill] in a police vehicle. They came near and stood in front of us. He said he wanted to address [the protesters] through a loudspeaker from inside the vehicle," Lonmin mineworker Shadrack Zandisile Mtshamba said at the commission's hearings in Pretoria.
"He said we needed to go back to work. The workers said they would not return to work before getting a response from the employer. He didn't want to listen and the workers also adopted the same attitude."
Zokwana, now agriculture, forestry, and fisheries minister, was in a police Nyala vehicle when he addressed the protesters at a hill in Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West.
The protesters insisted Zokwana should leave the vehicle and speak to them. The then National Union of Mineworkers president refused and was taken away by the police.
Moments later, Joseph Mathunjwa, leader of the rival Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, arrived at the hill. He was also in a Nyala.
"The workers requested him to come out of the Nyala. He explained to us that the police had told him not to exit the vehicle. He said we should return to work and he would talk to Lonmin management," said Mtshamba.
Since the sun was setting, Mtshamba said Mathunjwa was asked to return to the hill the following day.
Like the majority of protesters, he left the hill at night and returned in the morning on August 16, 2012.
"The place was full, compared to previous days. Everybody wanted to hear what Mathunjwa was going to tell us. We hoped that things would be getting better," he said.
"We were expecting a raise in the wages. On that day, we saw numerous police officers also converging at the mountain. They had different kinds of weapons," he said.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/ar/th
Date : 18 Aug 2014 11:54
Former NUM president Senzeni Zokwana was not prepared to listen when he spoke to protesting Marikana miners on August 15, 2012, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Monday.
"He arrived at the koppie [hill] in a police vehicle. They came near and stood in front of us. He said he wanted to address [the protesters] through a loudspeaker from inside the vehicle," Lonmin mineworker Shadrack Zandisile Mtshamba said at the commission's hearings in Pretoria.
"He said we needed to go back to work. The workers said they would not return to work before getting a response from the employer. He didn't want to listen and the workers also adopted the same attitude."
Zokwana, now agriculture, forestry, and fisheries minister, was in a police Nyala vehicle when he addressed the protesters at a hill in Marikana, near Rustenburg in the North West.
The protesters insisted Zokwana should leave the vehicle and speak to them. The then National Union of Mineworkers president refused and was taken away by the police.
Moments later, Joseph Mathunjwa, leader of the rival Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union, arrived at the hill. He was also in a Nyala.
"The workers requested him to come out of the Nyala. He explained to us that the police had told him not to exit the vehicle. He said we should return to work and he would talk to Lonmin management," said Mtshamba.
Since the sun was setting, Mtshamba said Mathunjwa was asked to return to the hill the following day.
Like the majority of protesters, he left the hill at night and returned in the morning on August 16, 2012.
"The place was full, compared to previous days. Everybody wanted to hear what Mathunjwa was going to tell us. We hoped that things would be getting better," he said.
"We were expecting a raise in the wages. On that day, we saw numerous police officers also converging at the mountain. They had different kinds of weapons," he said.
The commission, chaired by retired judge Ian Farlam, is investigating the deaths of 44 people during strike-related violence at Lonmin's platinum mining operations at Marikana in August 2012.
Thirty-four people, mostly striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police, over 70 were wounded, and over 250 arrested on August 16, 2012. Police were apparently trying to disarm and disperse them.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed.
Source : Sapa /jm/jk/ar/th
Date : 18 Aug 2014 11:54