Govt sets up call centre for Marikana tragedy

Members of the community who require information in relation to the whereabouts of their family members, friends or colleagues, or who may need access to government services, are encouraged to contact the call centre.

The call centre will be manned by officials from the Departments of Home Affairs, Health, Social Development and South African Police Service.

The officials will also assist with locating family members who might still be missing.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee - appointed by President Jacob Zuma to coordinate and lead all support efforts to families and relatives, including counselling and burials - is currently based in Rustenburg.

Other services that are being provided to the Marikana community include psycho-social support to members of the bereaved families and the injured through a dedicated team of social workers, who are stationed in the area. They will also provide alternative care for orphaned children.

Today, several memorial services will be held around the country, including in Marikana, to pay homage to those killed in Marikana.

In recognition of President Zuma's declaration of the period of national mourning, the US Mission to South Africa will fly the American flag at half-staff at its diplomatic facilities from 23-26 August.

"We are saddened by the tragic loss of life and express our condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in these incidents. The US Mission to South Africa joins the people and government of South Africa in mourning the lives lost to violence last week," said the US Ambassador to South Africa, Donald H Gips.

From Monday until Sunday, all the flags in the country and in missions outside the country will fly at half-mast.

Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet, while addressing the 6th Public Sector Innovation Conference in East London on Wednesday, asked delegates to observe a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives in Marikana.

"May their souls rest in peace," said Kiviet.