South Africa: tension remains high after the massacre

Three days after the death of 34 miners killed by the police, the operator Lonmin threatens to dismiss the strikers did not return to work on Monday.But the majority of miners rejected the ultimatum. A week of national mourning was declared. The standoff continues between the strikers and the direction of the platinum group of Marikana, north of South Africa. Three days after the death of 34 miners killed by the police , the operator Lonmin has ordered workers to resume work on Monday. The British company said that minors have a "last chance to return to work or face a possible firing." An ultimatum that has angered miners, who earn an average of 400 euros per month and require a tripling of their salary. "I do not return to work.Where is the money? "Asks David Sikonyela, 52, minor Lesotho, taking cognizance of the ultimatum. "Are they going to turn as those in the hospital and the morgue?", Carried away his colleague Thapelo Modima, 46 years."Anyway, it's better to be thrown out because here we suffer. Our lives will not change. Lonmin cares about our well-being, so far they have refused to talk to us, they sent the police to kill us. " A total of 42 mine workers have died since the conflict began, eight were killed between 10 and 12 August in inter-union conflicts, and 34 were killed and 78 wounded by police Thursday. A Marikana, discreet religious services were held in the day. "Many people are afraid to be seen in coming together, even to come to church. We pay attention to what our service can not be considered a political rally or union, "told AFP a priest of the Pentecostal Church, under the guise of anonymity. Not far away, in the hospital of the mine, the families still in ignorance of the fate of a relative continued to come to inquire.

Jacob Zuma against criticism

Sunday, South African President Jacob Zuma has announced a week of mourning starting Monday in memory of the 44 victims of the platinum. "The nation is in shock and in grief," said the Head of State. "This week (...) we must unite against violence whatsoever. We must reaffirm our faith in peace, stability and order, and in building a cohesive society rid of crime and violence. " The Chair stated that the commemorative ceremonies held in the country would be held Thursday. A committee headed by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Police will travel Monday to mine Marikana to organize logistical support to the families of victims. President Zuma also announced the composition of the inter-ministerial commission to investigate the tragedy. One way to respond to his political opponents who accuse him of having been passive throughout the crisis. On Saturday, the former leader of the youth league of the ANC Julius Malema, who embodied the radical wing of the party before being expelled, went to the minors and spoke to them, refusing any form of police protection. He accused President Zuma of being responsible for the massacre and called to resign: "Zuma is not interested in minors. He came here last night (Friday) and he met white. He does not even know whether children are safe or not. "