Reflection and recommitment from Marikana anniversary

President Jacob Zuma says that the anniversary of the Marikana deaths should represent a time for reflection on peace and tolerance between the people of South Africa. Image: NNDB

Addressing crowds at the second anniversary of the Marikana people, Zuma said: "We cannot bring back those who lost their lives, but we must ensure that we never repeat this tragic and painful incident that unfolded in August 2012.

"We extend our deep-felt condolences to all families who lost their loved ones in Marikana," Zuma said in a statement.

"As government, we have committed ourselves to revitalise distressed mining communities including Marikana, to ensure improved living conditions for communities that contribute immensely to the economic development of our country.

"That work will continue in earnest led by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Revitalisation of Mining Communities," Zuma said.

The Farlam Commission of Inquiry is still establishing the facts about what happened on that day in August and Zuma pointed out that this process must be respected and that blame should not be apportioned until the findings of the inquiry are published.

"We need to recommit ourselves to ensuring that violence is never again used to solve problems of any kind in our country. We have the laws, institutions and many instruments to deal with disagreements and find solutions.

"Our progressive labour relations framework in particular, includes mechanisms for solving disputes. These should be used to avoid senseless loss of life during labour disputes," he said.