Marikana

Marikana, North West – Thousands of striking miners armed with weapons. They are requesting triple their salary in a pay increase from Lonmin Mine in Rustenburg. 16/8/12. PHOTOGRAPH: ALON SKUY/THE TIMES

Maimane and Malema turn Marikana tragedy into political cannon fodder

Between Malema’s promises of cash for the Marikana families and Maimane using those very same people as an opportunity to give the ANC the boot, it’s hard to even remember a time where we mourned our dead instead of using them as political tools.

Marikana

Marikana, North West – Thousands of striking miners armed with weapons. They are requesting triple their salary in a pay increase from Lonmin Mine in Rustenburg. 16/8/12. PHOTOGRAPH: ALON SKUY/THE TIMES

Three years ago the South African police service opened fire on striking miners at Lonmin’s Marikana mine. The subsequent deaths, national outcry and inquiries set in motion a chain of political campaigning that came to a point recently where the DA and EFF took full advantage of the miners’ deaths.

On the three-year anniversary of the massacre both Julius Malema and Mmusi Maimane – they’re only politicians after all – took advantage of those who’ve lost friends and family members and made promises of money, redress, justice… same oll’ same oll really.

So, without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the opposition’s newest political tools, courtesy of the 34 dead miners.

Malema’s play:

“Marikana is another name of the EFF. Marikana is EFF, EFF is Marikana.”

He also recommitted the EFF to R10 million compensation for every family member of the massacre and, in true Malema style, said that Lonmin’s CEP Ben Magara is “worse than white people.”

“We had hoped that a black person will understand, only to find that the CEO is black outside and white inside. He represented the company to defend murder.”

“I am not confused, there were 34 mineworkers killed. On August 16 the State and Lonmin colluded to kill mineworkers.”

Maimane’s play:

“The best tribute to the memory of those who fell on the ground before us will be to vote the ANC out of power. The tragedy of Marikana could have been avoided by an accountable, responsive government,” said Maimane.

Maimane, a little bit more pragmatic than Malema, but in the same tread, said that Zuma should pay back the Nkandla money and use it to help the Marikana families. He also insisted that Riyah Phiyega and Nathi Mtethwa – both connected to the massacre at Marikana – be fired.

 “The DA will do all we can in Parliament to compel the government to fulfil its duty and provide compensation to the widows and family members.”

Now look, while these okes are just politicians doing what politicians do, at least they showed up. The ANC was nowhere to be seen at the Marikana memorial ceremony.

Via News24