The Christian Democratic Party has called for the sacking of Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu for not knowing about the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu).

Shabangu's claim that she did not know of Amcu's existence was inexcusable, CDP spokesman Richard Botha said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Either Shabangu lied to Parliament or she is totally ignorant of what is going on in her portfolio," he said.

In a debate in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Shabangu told MPs that she had only been made aware of the existence of Amcu after the Lonmin mine shootings in Marikana.

Police opened fire on a group of protesting workers gathered on a hill near the mine on Thursday, killing 34 of them and wounding 78. Another 260 were arrested on charges of public violence and remain in custody.

In the week leading up to the shooting, 10 people -- including two police officers and two security guards -- were killed.

The protests were believed to be linked to rivalry between the National Union of Mineworkers and Amcu over recognition agreements at the mine. Workers also wanted higher wages.

Botha said ministers should be held accountable.

"Along with the Limpopo textbook saga, the country must hold accountable those ministers who knew about problems, but did nothing."