As we approach Workers’ Day, a time meant to honour the struggles and sacrifices of workers, we are reminded of the tragedy that unfolded on 16 August 2012 at Marikana.

The DA demands the immediate tabling of a detailed, costed plan for the Marikana monument, including clear timelines and accountability mechanisms from the Departments of Arts and Culture as well as DEDECT, and a formal apology from the North West Provincial Government for years of delay, dishonesty, and disregard.

This was after MEC Madoda Sambatha, who was delegated by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi to respond to a question posed by the DA, during a Question and Answer session in the North West Provincial Legislature, blatantly admitted that the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) failed to secure funding from Treasury, effectively shelving the monument yet again.

Since 2017, repeated public commitments have been made to honour the fallen workers of Marikana:

* In 2017, the North West Government formally committed to constructing a monument at the koppie.

* In 2022, then Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, announced that the Bojanala District Mayor would visit the site to assess the area for a future monument.

* In the February 2024 State of the Province Address, former Acting Premier Nono Maloyi recommitted to constructing the monument.

Yet, in 2025, the MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha, shamelessly told the House that there are no funds, no plan, and no timelines, stating arrogantly that “we can wait until 2029”, now that the matter has been shifted to the Department of Arts and Culture.

Tragically, not only has justice remained elusive for the victims’ families, but the North West Government continues to spit on their memory through broken promises and inaction.

This is not merely a failure of project management; it is a moral disgrace and a deliberate betrayal of the Marikana families and their slain loved ones.

The DA has long warned that this government thrives on empty promises and political theatre, using major tragedies like Marikana for populist soundbites, only to abandon communities once the cameras are off.

This Workers’ Day, while the ANC clap hands for itself at rallies, the families of the 34 slain mineworkers who were gunned down while demanding better living and working conditions will still be waiting for the dignity of a monument, thirteen years after the massacre.

The memory of the Marikana victims is not a political prop. They were workers. Fathers. Breadwinners. South Africans.

They deserve honour, not more lies and empty promises.

Freddy Sonakile

DA Caucus Leader in the North West Provincial Legislature