Marikana - Expelled Congress of SA Trade Union (Cosatu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi attended the Marikana tragedy commemoration for the first time on Tuesday.
Vavi was Cosatu general secretary when Lonmin workers downed tools and demanded to be paid R12 500 per month. The workers rejected Cosatu-affiliated union, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and instead opted to elect a committee to lead them.
Vavi received rousing applause from the crowd when he was called to speak at the commemoration marking the day in 2012 when police opened fire on striking mineworkers, killing 34 and injuring more than 70 others.
Vavi said there was a need for an independent union that would not be in pockets of employers or political parties.
“We need a union that will fight for the rights of workers,” he said.
Vavi was expelled from Cosatu in March last year, for bringing for bring the federation into disrepute.
During the lead up to the shooting on 16 August 2012, there were reports of intimidation and assault between members of rival unions – the NUM and Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu).
Ten people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed as violence escalated in the area.
Then on August 16, police shot dead 34 striking mineworkers at a koppie near Nkaneng. More than 70 others were injured.
African News Agency