Presidency dismisses that Marikana judgment could be politically damaging to Ramaphosa

6th July 2022 By: Sane Dhlamini - Creamer Media Senior Contributing Editor and Researcher

Presidency dismisses that Marikana judgment could be politically damaging to Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has dismissed that if President Cyril Ramaphosa and Sibanye-Stillwater are made to pay for what transpired at Marikana in August 2012, following allegations of collusion, it could be politically damaging to the President.

A recent court judgment cleared Ramaphosa of any legal duty in the 2012 Marikana massacre where ten people, including six mineworkers, two Lonmin security officers and two policemen, were killed.

Speaking to a local radio station on Wednesday Magwenya said the judgment was clear that the claim that Ramaphosa orchestrated the massacre, was farfetched.

“The allegations around collusion can be tested and it does not mean necessarily that the President has a case to answer in so far as the tragic events of that particular day. We would deal with the outcome when it happens but as things stand, we don’t see how that will arise based on the judgment, " said Magwenya.

When asked about the death of the young people that died at a tavern in East London, Magwenya said government must admit that there had been a lack of enforcement of regulations by the Liquor Board and of by-laws by local government.

Magwenya admitted that there had to be some kind of reflection from government.

He said government was appealing to communities to play their part in ensuring that no children were exposed to alcohol and that places like Enyobeni Tavern would not exist and thrive in a healthy community and if it did, it should be dealt with where there are clear violations.

The President is expected to attend the funeral today.