Johannesburg - ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe has denied that axed ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema’s role in Marikana was discussed at the ruling party’s national executive committee meeting at the weekend.
Addressing the media at the ANC’s Luthuli House headquarters on Sunday, Mantashe said the NEC believed that the socio-economic conditions of the mineworkers at Marikana and other areas were part of what led to the “human tragedy” there a month ago.
This comes after speculation in the past few days that Malema, who has been accused of inciting striking miners with violence, would be arrested soon.
Mantashe said mining was the bedrock of SA’s economy, and yet the abject poverty and squalor surrounding mining areas “remains a matter of deep concern”.
Mantashe attributed the problem to failure by the mining industry to comply with the Mining Charter.
The charter places a responsibility on the government, the private sector and unions to turn around the situation in the sector.
He said the platinum sector in particular, and mining in general, had “paid lip service to the undertakings in the charter” to ensure that the living and working conditions of workers were improved.
Mantashe said the instability at Marikana posed challenges to the growth of the sector and the international image of SA.
He said it was in the interest of workers and the economy to ensure that the industry continued to be productive and efficient.
On Friday, Minister of Justice Jeff Radebe warned at a media briefing addressed by eight ministers that illegal gatherings, the carrying of dangerous weapons and incitement, as well as threats of violence against anyone in the affected areas, would not be tolerated.
Police later raided worker hostels at Lonmin’s strike-hit Marikana platinum mine, seizing weapons and arresting several miners, bringing to 12 the number detained since a crackdown was launched in the early hours of Saturday.
The Star