Marikana Massacre: Families Still Awaiting Compensation for Trauma 10 Years After the 34 Deaths

• Families and loved ones of the Marikana massacre victims say they are yet to be compensated for psychological trauma
• This month marks 10 years since the tragedy and the Socio-Economic Rights Institute (Seri) believes that the families were insufficiently paid
• Solicitor-General Fhedzisani Pandelani said outstanding matters would be resolved by the end of the month

JOHANNESBURG - A decade after the Marikana massacre, loved ones of the victims say they are yet to receive compensation for psychological trauma. On the 10th mineworkers’ death anniversary, little progress has been made to assist their families in dealing with the tragedy.

The Socio-Economic Rights Institute (Seri) believes that the R74 million distributed to the mineworkers’ families was insufficient. The organisation’s Asenati Tukela told EWN that compensation had not been offered despite commitments to fix the issues.

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The group also claims that President Cyril Ramaphosa is yet to apologise for his involvement in the killings.

Solicitor-General Fhedzisani Pandelani spoke on the deaths of the 34 striking mineworkers who were shot and killed on Wednesday, 10 August. He said outstanding matters related to the massacre would be resolved by the end of the month.

Pandelani said 28 matters are remaining. However, none of them related to loss of support due to death. He said it is regrettable that the matters went on for the past 10 years due to several factors. Pandelani said there was never any policy applicable within the state which would compel it to embark on early settlement matters, according to News24.

South Africans react to the Marikana massacre:

@Izwe_Lethu_2020 said:

“Cyril Ramaphosa is the worst president of all time.”

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@ntsika_jr commented:

“We will never forget.”

Marikana massacre: Bench Marks Foundation calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported the Bench Marks Foundation says it’s been 10 years since the Marikana massacre, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has not apologised for his involvement.

The organisation is calling for Ramaphosa to resign from the presidency and be arrested. The foundation’s chairperson, Bishop Jo Seoka, said Ramaphosa has failed to apologise and show remorse for the deaths and injuries.

Source: Briefly News