By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Today marks 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.
Their names are: Sitelega Meric Gadlela, Thembinkosi Gwelani, Patrick Akhona Jijase, Semi Jokanisi, John Kutlwano Legingoane, Jackson Lehupa, Janeveke Raphael Liau, Mafolisi Mabiya, Julius Tokoti Mangcotywa, Thembelakhe Mati, Anele Mdizeni, Bongani Mdze, Makhosandile Mkhonjwa, Telang Mohai, Khanare Elias Monesa, Thabiso Mosebetsane, Thobile Mpumza, Babalo Mtshazi, Michael Ngweyi, Ntandazo Nokhamba, Mgcineni “Mambush” Noki, Bongani Nqongophele, Mongezeleli Ntenetya, Andries Ntsenyeho, Molefi Osiel Ntsoele, Henry Mvuyisi Pato, Motisaoitsile Van Wyk Sagalala, Fezile David Saphendu, Pumzile Sokanyile, Mzukisi Sompeta, Thabiso Johannes Thelejane, Mphangeli Tukuza, Nkosiyabo Xalabile, Cebisile Yawa, Bonginkosi Yona, Thobisile Zibambele.
It is important to know and say their names because all these men were loved and had loved ones with whom they shared dreams and aspirations, which were tragically curtailed.
Livestream Video Below:
Video Courtesy of SABC.