Marikana: North West Premier Thandi Modise and several Cabinet ministers have arrived at the memorial service to remember those killed in clashes at Lonmin Platinum mine in Marikana.

Thirty-four people were killed and 78 others sustained injuries in clashes with police last week at Marikana. Prior to this, 10 other people — including two police officers — were killed.

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Collins Chabane (who is also the head of the Marikana Inter-Ministerial Committee); Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Richard Baloyi; Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa; Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, together with faith-based leaders, have arrived at the memorial venue ahead of the official service.

The service is being held under a white marque, a short distance from the koppie where miners had gathered before the shooting last Thursday.

The community around the area has come out in large numbers to attend the memorial service. Outside the marquee police maintained a strong presence.

A chopper could be heard flying overhead while buses, which had transported mourners, are parked in the vicinity.

The Marikana memorial is one of several which will take place around the country today.

From Monday until Sunday, all the flags in the country and in missions outside the country will fly at half-mast in recognition of the period of mourning declared by President Jacob Zuma.

Meanwhile, government has established an information support call centre for the families and dependents of those who lost their lives in the Marikana tragedy.

The call centre numbers are: (014) 590-3860/ 3854/ 3856 and fax (014) 597-3924.

Members of the community who require information in relation to the whereabouts of their family members, friends or colleagues, or who may need access to government services, are encouraged to contact the call centre.