Pretoria: President Jacob Zuma has appointed an Inter-ministerial Committee on the Marikana tragedy, which will be led by Minister in the Presidency for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Collins Chabane.
Last week, 34 striking Lonmin Platinum miners were killed in clashes with police. Earlier, 10 others – including two police officers – had been killed.
North West Premier ThandiModise and the Ministers of Mineral Resources, Susan Shabangu; Police, NathiMthethwa, Social Development, BathabileDlamini; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Richard Baloyi; Labour, Mildred Oliphant; Defence and Military Veterans, NosiviweMapisa-Nqakula; Health, Aaron Motsoaledi; State Security, SiyabongaCwele and Home Affairs, NkosazanaDlaminiZuma are also part of the committee.
It will coordinate and lead all support to families and relatives including the identification of family members, counselling and burials, the Presidency said.
Zuma has called on faith-based organisations to work with government to assist affected families.
The committee was expected to hold its first meeting and visit Marikana on Monday.
With regards to the Commission of Inquiry into the deaths of the 34 protestors, which was announced by the President on Friday, the Presidency said it would be separate from the Inter-ministerial Committee, and that it would be a judicial commission of inquiry.
Zuma is expected to announce the composition and terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry soon.