Joseph Mathunjwa, president of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), has condemned the government’s proposed national dialogue, calling it long overdue and insufficient in addressing the economic and social crises stemming from the 2012 Marikana massacre.
Mathunjwa spoke at a somber commemoration marking 13 years since police gunned down 34 striking mineworkers at Lonmin Platinum Mine in Marikana. He criticized authorities for failing to hold a meaningful national dialogue immediately after the massacre to address economic inequality, illicit financial flows, and the lack of transformation in the mining sector.
“The national dialogue was supposed to have been convened soon after the Marikana massacre to discuss the economic crisis in our country—the looting of our resources by foreign investors, illicit financial flows, and the ineffective Mining Charter,” Mathunjwa said. “We should have had a national dialogue to stop politicians from having business interests in the mining sector.”
Lack of Development and Unresolved Justice
Mathunjwa also highlighted the persistent neglect of mining communities, pointing to the squalid living conditions near platinum mines. “Look at the squalor behind us. These are the mines that produce platinum, yet workers live in poverty,” he said.
While some legal settlements have been reached for victims’ families and injured survivors, Mathunjwa accused the state of delaying justice. He revealed that lawsuits against the government and police remain unresolved, with President Cyril Ramaphosa—who was a Lonmin director at the time of the massacre—raising legal technicalities to dismiss claims. However, the Johannesburg High Court rejected these attempts, allowing the case to proceed.
“The state refused to engage on settlements for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma, only compensating for loss of support,” Mathunjwa said.
Families Still Grieving
Relatives of the slain miners expressed ongoing anguish. One widow stated, “Nothing has changed. I still feel the same pain as before, and it grows worse with time. I haven’t healed.” While acknowledging some support from mining companies, she criticized the government for only providing limited compensation.
AMCU’s Fight for Better Wages
Meanwhile, AMCU announced it is now demanding a minimum monthly wage of R25,000 for its lowest-paid members, building on its 2012 struggle that secured a R12,500 wage.
As the Marikana massacre’s legacy continues to haunt South Africa, calls for accountability, economic justice, and meaningful reform remain unanswered.
