Mining community members oppose the proposed relocation of the Farlam Commission from Rustenberg to Pretoria as it will reduce them to being merely spectators rather than giving them the opportunity to effectively participate in the process.
As integral stakeholders in the Marikana massacre, the relocation would prevent many of them from attending as the costs involved would be unaffordable as the communities are poor and mainly live in informal and rural settlements.
“While we understand the reasons behind the request to move the Commission to Pretoria by Advocate Dali Mpofu, we urge Judge Farlam to consider our request not to do so,” says Chris Molebatsi, from Marikana community and spokesperson for Bua Mining Communities.
“It would put us in an extremely disadvantaged position and would alienate us completely.”
Molebatsi said that Bua Mining Communities is a collective composed of Ledig, Motlhabe, Marikana, Ikemeleng, Mfidikwe, Chaneng, Tlhabane, Mafenya Tsitsing, Photshaneng, Bapong (Segwaelane), Thekwana, Lefaragatlhe, Baphiring (Luka) communities – all directly affected by the events that occurred at Marikana and all who will be directly affected by the outcome of the enquiry.
“We call on the state to increase funding to the commission so that it can continue to take place in Rustenburg,” says Molebatsi. “There should be a discussion focussing on subsidising or wholly funding the legal costs of Advocate Mpofu and the team, so that all parties involved in the commission are able to participate fully in process.”
Bua Mining Communities will embark on a peaceful protest against the relocation on Wednesday, 8 May 2013 in Rustenburg to highlight their position regarding the proposed relocation.
The Bench Marks Foundation, Bafokeng Land Buyers Association and Action Aid South Africa supports Bua Mining Communities
Comments
Post a Comment