Cry the Beloved Country - once more :: Mmegi Online

JOHANNESBURG - We might never know what was in the minds of mineworkers who advanced on police before the first blast of gunfire was heard at Marikana or how it felt for officers to squeeze the triggers of their R5s, raining down live rounds on other human beings. What we do know now is that they should never have had to encounter each other on that dusty field where mindless horror reigned.

As a period of national mourning begins in South Africa in the wake of last week's dreadful events at Marikana, we have yet to hear someone, anyone, say "We are sorry for what happened. We should have done more to prevent this."There is a whole range of people who could and should say this.

President Jacob Zuma, ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe, Cosatu General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu, Lonmin CEO Ian Farmer, National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) President Senzeni Zokwana, Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) President Joseph Mathunjwa, State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega.

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