Supporting Marikana children a priority

Supporting the children of those killed in strike-related violence in Marikana was a priority, the Marikana Inter-Ministerial Committee said on Friday.

This followed a meeting on Thursday between the IMC, and interested parties from traditional and religious sectors, including the National House of Traditional Leaders and North West House of Traditional Leaders.

"The meeting noted that the education support of the children of the deceased was critical and in co-operation with Lonmin Mining, this would be followed up and feedback provided to the IMC," the IMC said in a statement.

The meeting was held ahead of finalising the report to be submitted to Cabinet on the Marikana tragedy during which 34 people were killed and 78 wounded on August 16. Police shot them while trying to disperse a group of striking protesters near the Lonmin mine in Marikana on August 16.

The IMC said the meeting had acknowledged and appreciated the support provided by various parties.

"The role played by government in assisting all the bereaved families was also acknowledged. This includes the process of identifying the deceased, issuing of death certificates and burial orders, offering counselling and emotional support, as well as assisting with financial and logistical arrangements during the funerals and support with the Unemployment Insurance Fund to all the bereaved families."

Although the meeting agreed that all South Africans had the right to peaceful protests, the parties condemned the killing of people, intimidation, violence, damage to property, and carrying of dangerous weapons.

The meeting encouraged everyone to support the Farlam commission of inquiry and allow it to do its job. Retired judge Ian Farlam is heading the inquiry into the events around the shootings at Marikana.

The commission was postponed to October 22 to allow time to arrange for family members of the deceased to attend the hearings.