Marikana Massacre: Lonmin Workers Challenge Government and Capitalist Order
What happened
On August 16, 2012, police in South Africa shot dead 34 workers and wounded 78 during a confrontation with striking Lonmin workers at Marikana. Reports state this massacre tore down illusions about the ANC government and the capitalist state, setting in motion a new period of revolution and counterrevolution in the country. A year later, a mining bosses’ offensive against worker rights was gathering pace.
From afriquesenlutte.org
Why it matters
The violent challenge by Lonmin workers to the government and capitalist order established a volatile environment within South Africa's mining industry. This period of upheaval created a backdrop for subsequent labor and regulatory risks in the sector.
From afriquesenlutte.org
Who's involved
- LonminMining company whose workers were involved in the 2012 strike and subsequent confrontation.
- South AfricaGeopolitical state where the mining company operates and the confrontation took place.
- Cyril RamaphosaServed as a director and shareholder on the Lonmin board during the relevant period.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- North West ProvinceSpeculative
The North West Province could face persistent labor and regulatory risk, affecting investment climate.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
South Africa
country in southern Africa
-
Lonmin
mining company (1909-2019)