Johannesburg -
The Bench Marks Foundation on Tuesday welcomed a judicial commission into the shooting at Lonmin's Marikana mine that left 34 striking workers dead.
The organisation was prepared to provide its research findings to the judicial commission tasked to probe the shooting, its chief executive John Capel said in a statement.
“It is of utmost importance that the root causes be addressed.”
Capel said the terms of reference for the inquiry needed to be broadened to include all platinum companies.
“The Marikana tragedy cannot be understood without looking at the negative economic, social and environmental impacts of platinum mining for both workers and local communities in the area,” he said.
“All the platinum-producing companies in the area have failed to provide both their workers and the surrounding communities with opportunities to live a decent life.”
The foundation provides governments, mining companies and mining communities with information and guidance on issues relating to human rights and protection of the environment.
It was launched by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in 2001.
Capel said it was essential for the commission to speak to affected workers to ensure their concerns were being heard.
“We find it tragic that it has taken this horrific incident to get some investigation into the issues pertaining to mining in the area, but we are pleased that at least some action is occurring,” Capel said.
“We will wish to provide information using our research findings to inform the commission, since we have been warning of the various issues including human rights failings and violations relating to the platinum mining industry since our first research report in 2007.” - Sapa