protests
protests
SAHRC to Push for Appeal in Tatane Case
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will receive the judgement in the case of Ficksburg protester Andries Tatane and will consider urging the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to appeal the court ruling.
SAHRC’s Kayum Ahmed, points out that the Commission will be in the position to determine whether or not to appeal to the NPA to make the process forward, after receiving the judgement.
Ahmed’s comment after the Ficksburg Regional Court acquitted all seven policemen accused of murdering Tatane.
To read the article titled, “HRC could push for appeal in Tatane case,” click here.Source:SABC NewsGovt Calls for Peaceful Protests
Government spokesperson, Phumla Williams, has urged Western Cape farmworkers to be peaceful and remain calm when they take part in the strikes.
In a press statement, Williams points out that, "While employees have the right to engage their employers on matters relating to wage and working conditions, they are encouraged to refrain from violence and intimidation of other workers and the public in general."
The call follows an announcement by Congress of South African Trade Unions provincial secretary, Tony Ehrenreich, that farmworkers will be taking to the streets this week following failed pay negotiations with Agri SA and government.
To read the article titled, “Government calls for 'peaceful' farm strikes,” click here.Source:Times LiveNGO Backs Planned January Protests
Malawi’s Council for Non-Governmental Organisations in Malawi (CONGOMA) has joined the Consumers’ Association of Malawi (CAMA) to mobilise people to stage a mass consumer protest in January 2013.
CONGOMA board chairperson, Voice Mhone, says that the council is concerned about the continued devaluation of the kwacha which, he says, due to the floatation of the currency, is currently estimated to be at 101 percent from the 49 percent announced in May this year.
Mhone maintains that although his organisation advocated the devaluation of the kwacha, the council is not playing double standards, arguing the effects of the floatation of the kwacha have become unbearable to Malawians while government ‘adamantly keeps going on money-spinning errands’.
To read the article titled, “Civil society group backs January protests by consumers association,” click here.Source:The StandardSAHRC Criticises SAPS Over Protests
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says the South African Police Service must improve training for officers in the management of public gatherings.
SAHRC’s Danny Titus, made this and other recommendations at the announcement of findings into the death of Ficksburg protester, Andries Tatane.
The SAHRC found that police used excessive force on Tatane resulting in his injuries and subsequent death.
To read the article titled, “SAHRC: Police must improve officers' training,” click here.Source:News24Committee Demands the Release of Miners
The National Strike Committee, a committee claiming to represent striking miners in three provinces, says it will march to demand the release of their colleagues in custody.
The committee chairperson, Elias Jiba, points out that, "We will march to the Union Buildings next month to demand, among other things, the release of all unjustly arrested strikers."
Jiba says the organisation was outraged by the arrests of its leaders at Lonmin's mine in Marikana and at the Bokoni Platinum mine in Limpopo.
To read the article titled, “Release arrested miners: Committee,” click here.Source:The CitizenPolice Questioned Over Marikana Shooting
Veteran human rights lawyer, Advocate George Bizos, has asked in his opening statement to the Marikana Commission of Inquiry for an explanation as to why a vast majority of striking Lonmin miners were shot in the back by police on 16 August 2012.
Speaking in relation to forensic evidence received in regard to the 34 miners who were killed by police in a dispersal attempt, Bizos asked how are the police are going to explain that the vast majority of wounds were in the back.
It is unheard of in the ‘whole world’, that when you have 3 000 people, you turn R-4 and R-5 rifles on them, adding that police may have been influenced by ‘irrational statements made by a higher authority’.
To read the article titled, “Bizos: why were 34 Marikana workers shot in the back?,” click here.Source:The CitizenNGOs Say Strikes Not About Wages
The Bench Mark Foundation says the unprotected strikes in the mining industry are about more than just wages.
In a press statement, the foundation’s executive director, John Capel, points out that, "The fact that so many miners are striking all over South Africa, indicates the level of unhappiness and unease within the sector."
Capel states that contrary to what is being reported, it is not purely about wages, but about the totality of people's lives where they do not feel respected and live under conditions that do not give them dignity.
To read the article titled, “Strikes about more than wages - NGO,” click here.Source:Fin24Call for Investigation Into Councillor’s Death
The Solidarity Campaign says Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, must investigate the killing of African National Congress councillor Pauline Masutlhe in Marikana, allegedly by a rubber bullet.
In a press statement, its spokesperson, Mark Heywood, points out that, “We call on the minister of police to immediately initiate an urgent investigation into Pauline Masutlhe’s death, and for the immediate identification and suspension of the police officers involved in her murder.”
Heywood states that given what is known of the time and place of this attack, this should not be difficult, adding that witnesses are available and willing to provide evidence if their safety can be guaranteed.
To read the article titled, “New death at Marikana Mine - NGO,” click here.Source:Sowetan LiveSocio-Economic Conditions Blamed for Marikana
The African National Congress (ANC) says that the socio-economic conditions of mine workers at Lonmin's Marikana mine, in North West, are part of what led to their violent protest.
ANC secretary general, Gwede Mantashe, points out that, “Mining remains the bedrock of the South African economy, and yet the abject poverty and squalor surrounding mining areas remains a matter of deep concern."
Speaking after the party’s national executive committee meeting in Pretoria, Mantashe states that the party dedicated a lot of time to discussing the Marikana tragedy, adding that the ANC is calling on the platinum sector to join the centralised bargaining system.
To read the article titled, “Socio-economic conditions led to Marikana: Mantashe,” click here.Source:The CitizenRamphele Criticises SA Over Marikana Killings
President Jacob Zuma, his ministers, union leaders, mining company Lonmin and the police all failed South Africa during the Marikana killings, according to anti-apartheid activist, Mamphela Ramphele.
Ramphele, who resigned as a board member from mining group Anglo American earlier this year, says there is no guarantee that a similar incident would not occur elsewhere in the country.
In addition, she argues that also, once these leaders try to intervene, their actions are destructive.
To read the article titled, “Ramphele: Leaders failed SA,” click here.Source:News24
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