Marikana action to end violence

"Government action in Marikana is directed at ensuring that citizens exercise their rights peacefully and within the ambit of the law, as would be required in any democratic country in the world," President Jacob Zuma said in a statement. "Government cannot allow a situation where people march in the streets carrying dangerous weapons."http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-19658052

The government would never take away the constitutional rights of South Africans, but it could not allow people to incite violence or intimidate others, he said. Workers had the right to engage their employers on wages and working conditions, and the state was not taking sides in the dispute.

http://uk.ask.com/wiki/Marikana_miners'_strike

It was only intervening to end the violence and intimidation. conditions for workers on the platinum belt remained unacceptable.

• There were still hostels where 166 people had to share four toilets.
• Zuma extended his condolences to the family of National Union of Mineworkers shop steward Dumisani Mthinti.
• Mthinti, who was found, hacked to death in Marikana last week, was the 45th person to be killed in violence related to the Lonmin mine strike.

"The department of economic development recognises the conditions of work in the mining sector as well as the persisting challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment in our province. Zuma appealed to all stakeholders, particularly mining houses and workers' representatives, to reach a speedy resolution. The department would continue to consult stakeholders and reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive economic growth and decent jobs.

http://www.france24.com/en/20120906-south-africa-mining-unions-sign-deal-return-work-marikana-strike-platinum