Notably, the commemorations of instances where black, poor people are killed en masse are usually only recognised by other black people and, in a country as diverse as South Africa, we have to ask why.
On 16 August 2021, it will be nine years since the 34 mine workers of Marikana who embarked on a three-week strike were killed by the South African Police Service. On 13 August, three mine workers were killed. The miners were striking for a living wage of a mere R12,500, something that many of us could not imagine living on.
Last year, I covered the eighth-anniversary commemorations hosted by the Socio-Economic Rights Institute, where the children of the slain miners spoke, expressing a sadness and anger still fresh from the loss of their fathers. The daughter of Jackson Lehupa said: “How are we going to live without a father, six siblings without a father? I even considered leaving school and finding a job to help my mother.”
These children were robbed of their ability to dream bigger for themselves and their families. They also are left with the trauma of knowing that their parents were killed by an unaccountable state. Of what use are commemorations by a few civil society organisations and what is the ongoing work and engagement that needs to happen to ensure that there aren’t members of society who feel unmoved when fellow citizens are killed without consequence. We are all responsible for each other and as such any member of our society who dies under unjust circumstances cannot be ignored.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
CORONAVIRUS GLOBAL UPDATE: Centers for Disease Control limits boosters; South Africa registers 14,271 new casesSouth Africa registered 14,271 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the cumulative total to 2,568,511. A further 473 Covid-19-related deaths were reported, taking total official deaths to 76,247. A total of 9,185,756 people have been vaccinated.
Read more »
Disney+ launching in South Africa in winter 2022 | ChannelDisney's subscription video streaming service Disney+ will finally launch in South Africa around June 2022.
Read more »
It's about time for South Africa catches up with the wonders of technologyLong-existing technologies could solve so many of SA's problems, but we'd rather make things difficult for ourselves than embrace change.
Read more »
Princess Charlene of Monaco to undergo four-hour operation in South Africa | ChannelPrincess Charlene of Monaco will undergo an operation in her home country of South Africa, officials said on Friday.
Read more »
South Africa named world’s 7th best skinny dipping hot spotSouth Africa was named the world’s 7th best skinnydipping hot spot, according to new research from Outforia. nudetourism nudistbeach
Read more »
Monaco princess to have surgery in South AfricaIn recent weeks, lifestyle magazines across Europe have speculated feverishly that the royal couple could be headed for divorce.
Read more »