Posted in AccountabilityConstitutional RightsIdeas & SolutionsLeadershipVideoYouth Labour & Community Development
As the Farlam Commission is uncovering the truth behind the Marikana Tragedy that left 112 casualties, 34 which were fatal, we need to ask ourselves why this happened. The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) asked me to participate in a discussion around the events of the 16th August 2012, specifically looking at the reasons for why this tragedy unfolded.
Reverend Collen Qiqimana, a panellist to the discussion and clergyman in the area, gave us insight into what had happened in the days and weeks leading up to the tragedy. What is evident is that this entire tragedy was avoidable, that the language of violence that has plagued our nation is avoidable. All that is required is that our political, trade union and corporate leadership listen to the people.
The challenge for organisations such as the HSRC, is to ensure that they continually speak truth to power, that they remain relevant and use empirical scientific evidence and research to highlight the socio-economic conditions that prevail. We can only deal with the concerns of our people if our leadership steps down from their pedestals and the cause for social discord is understood through scientific research.
