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The National Executive Committee held its normal and scheduled meeting on
14-15 September 2012 at Saint George hotel in Pretoria. A lot of time was
dedicated to discussing the Marikana tragedy that happended on the 16th
August near the Lonmin mines where 44 lives were lost. The NEC also
received reports on the Provincial conferences held recently, preparations for the
National Conference and engagements with various sectors of society.

On the Marikana tragedy, the NEC expressed deep regret for the loss of
ore than forty lives and once again extended its condolences to the families
and relatives of all those who lost their lives. The NEC declared its support
for the work done by government to date. There was agreement in the NEC
on giving space and support to the Judicial Commission of Enquiry appointed
by President Zuma. All sectors of society are encouraged to submit whatever
evidence that they might have to the Judicial Commission of Enquiry so
that the truth can be established on the circumstances that led to the tragedy

and its aftermath. The work of the Inter-Ministerial committee was also
commended by the ANC leadership and as well as the support that the
Committee has given and continue to give to the affected families. The
NEC also expressed its gratitude to all those who spent time in the area
providing help to the Marikana community, the clergy, the local
municipality of Rustenburg and Madibeng and as well as the Bojanala District
municipality. district councils and councillors, Traditional Leaders,
Business community and many other stakeholders.

It is the NEC’s view that the socio-economic conditions of the mine
workers at Marikana and other areas are part of what led to the human tragedy
that continues to haunt our nation. 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.

Over the last decade we have sought to address this situation through the
Mining Charter, which places responsibility on government, the private
sector and unions to turn this situation around which unfortunately has
existed for over a hundred years. Tragically, in the platinum sector in
particular and mining in general, employers and companies have paid lip
service to the undertakings in the Charter to ensure that living and
working conditions of workers in the mining sector are improved.

The ANC therefore calls on the platinum sector to join the centralised
bargaining system, because this will go a long way towards finding
lasting solutions in the sector and contribute towards more peaceful resolution
of wage and other disputes.

As a liberation movement, we continue to support the principle of one
industry one union, as this helps to unite workers in particular sectors,
and add to their collective strength in negotiations with employers. In
this regard unity of workers is paramount for them in the fight for the
improvement of their living and working conditions.

The mining sector is of strategic importance to the development and
growth of the South African economy. The current instability at Marikana thus
poses challenges to the growth of the sector and the international image of the
country. The national debate on the transformation of the mining sector
therefore remains critical. It is in the interest of the workers and the
economy to ensure that the industry continues to be productive and
efficient for its long term survival and growth.

The Constitution guarantees freedom of association, the right to strike
and the right to demonstrate unarmed. We reiterate the ANC’s deep concern
about the continued killings, threats, intimidation and incitement to commit
violence that undermines these fundamental constitutional rights and
infringe on the rights of others including the right to life. We remain
concerned about the carrying of dangerous weapons during these
demonstrations, which breeds a climate of lawlessness and fear.

The ANC supports government’s efforts to bring about calm and stability
in the affected communities and call on law enforcement agencies to uphold
the Constitution and to deal decisively with anyone who breaks the law
without  any fear or favor.

We call on the affected workers, unions and companies to sit down and
find a speedy and lasting solution to the challenges affecting the sector.

On the Provincial Conferences, after receiving details reports from the
NEC deployees, the NEC endorsed the conferences of Mpumalanga, Free State and
KwaZulu-Natal provinces and the outcomes thereof as legitimate.

A detailed report on the preparations for the National Conference was
received. The NEC is satisfied that the preparations for the conference
are on course. Logistical arrangements are in their advanced stage in all
areas including accommodation, conference venue and commission facilities,
registration and accreditation points and the support facilities in both
the Central University of Technology and as well as the Free State
University.
Membership audits in all our provinces have been completed and the final
refinement is underway. A special NEC will be convened during the week of
24-28 September, 2012 to sign off the audit, approve the allocation of
delegates to the provinces and open the nominations.

On Socialist international the NEC received the report on the successful
conference of the Socialist International hosted in the African continent
for the first time. The ANC is committed to being more active in the
Socialist International so that we can have a bigger influence on the
ideological outlook of the SI and the direction thereof.

On the engagement with the various sectors of society the NEC agreed
that: -

• The ETC should continue engaging the Chamber of Mines on the policy
proposals on the future of mining as agreed in the policy conference.
• There was appreciation of the value derived from the engagement with
the academics and intellectuals as this will enrich the thinking in the
movement as well as in society broadly.
• A follow-up meeting with Black Business Council has been arranged.