Claimants are also seeking an apology and reconciliation from President Cyril Ramaphosa
02 June 2022 - 17:08
byphathu luvhengo
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Current and former miners are claiming compensation of nearly R1bn. File photo: DANIEL BORN
An attorney for miners wounded and arrested during the “Marikana massacre” in August 2012 is hoping their civil suit for almost R1bn in compensation ends with an apology from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
They are also seeking an unconditional apology from Ramaphosa, and an undertaking that he will participate in a reconciliatory process with them.
Speaking outside the Johannesburg high court before proceedings started on Thursday, Andries Nkome, the miners’ legal representative said he hoped the court would rule in favour of the miners.
The civil case for damages against Ramaphosa, Sibanye-Stillwater and the government was initially brought to court last year, but was postponed when it emerged that presiding judge Colin Lamont owned R225,000 worth of shares in Sibanye-Stillwater. Lamont later recused himself.
Sibanye-Stillwater bought Lonmin, the former owner of the Marikana mine where the shootings took place, in June 2019. Ramaphosa was a director of Lonmin at the time.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Marikana miners start R1b compensation court battle
Claimants are also seeking an apology and reconciliation from President Cyril Ramaphosa
An attorney for miners wounded and arrested during the “Marikana massacre” in August 2012 is hoping their civil suit for almost R1bn in compensation ends with an apology from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
They are also seeking an unconditional apology from Ramaphosa, and an undertaking that he will participate in a reconciliatory process with them.
Speaking outside the Johannesburg high court before proceedings started on Thursday, Andries Nkome, the miners’ legal representative said he hoped the court would rule in favour of the miners.
The civil case for damages against Ramaphosa, Sibanye-Stillwater and the government was initially brought to court last year, but was postponed when it emerged that presiding judge Colin Lamont owned R225,000 worth of shares in Sibanye-Stillwater. Lamont later recused himself.
Sibanye-Stillwater bought Lonmin, the former owner of the Marikana mine where the shootings took place, in June 2019. Ramaphosa was a director of Lonmin at the time.
The proceedings held virtually are continuing.
TimesLIVE
Amplats wage deal with unions piles pressure on Sibanye
LAEL BETHLEHEM: Why the sun has not set on the mining sector
TALIFHANI KHUBANA: Shared value — a new paradigm for SA mining
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Business will have to get the job done as reform disappoints, says Sibanye
Sibanye-Stillwater earnings slump as strike bites
TALIFHANI KHUBANA: Shared value — a new paradigm for SA mining
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.