The headlines scream 'Marikana Massacre'; 'Killing Fields of Rustenburg'. Radio and TV Talk shows and social media all display the anger and expose the psyche of a nation badly wounded. The bloodiest security operation since the end of apartheid has left us shocked...
Marikana
Radio 786 Interview
On Radio786 in Cape Town from 9:30-10:30pm tonight, Ashraf was the interviewer, and to open, David van Wyk of Bench Mark Foundation (church-backed research group) did a terrific job setting out the extent of the crisis, including the social and labour plans which were...
South Africa’s dashed hopes of liberation | by Charlie Kimber
Charlie Kimber travelled to South Africa regularly to report on the fight against apartheid for Socialist Worker. He looks back at that struggle in the wake of the Marikana massacre—and how dreams have turned to disillusionment In the misty early morning of 27 April...
South Africa does not support the death penalty, or does it?
The groundWork team Almost a week after the Marikana Massacre and in the midst of a week of mourning for those who were tragically killed at the Lonmin mine, the groundWork team sends their condolences to the families of the deceased and reflects on what this series...
The massacre of our illusions …and the seeds of something new | by Lenny Gentle
The story of Marikana has so far been painted shallowly as an inter-union spat. In the first few days after the fateful Thursday and the shock and horror of watching people being massacred on TV there have correctly been howls of anger and grief. Of course no one...
On the Politics of Protest in Cape Town
By Jared Sacks A few weeks ago the City of Cape Town was rocked by a spate of road blockades and other significant protests. Certain liberal NGOs have joined the DA in condemning the protests claiming that they are violent and motivated by political party agendas. To...
Marikana shows that we are Living in a Democratic Prison
by Bandile Mdlalose South Africa has the most beautiful Constitution amongst all countries. Its beauty is well documented and respected. But we are living in a Democratic Prison. We must acknowledge the fight of Doctor Nelson Mandela, Steve Biko and the community...
The Thick End of the Wedge: The Editor’s Notebook | by Peter Bruce
SO, Julius Malema strides confidently into the midst of what we are told is a 7,000-strong band of armed and angry miners, and calms them down. "Malema takes charge!" exclaimed the front page headline of one of the better Sunday papers. Before him all power — the...
Bid to limit strikes in aftermath of Marikana | by Monde Maoto
The government and the mining industry have taken the first steps to limit illegal strike action in the platinum sector and to refine wage negotiating processes, both seen to be key factors behind the violence at Lonmin last week. Meanwhile, the stage is set for...

