The Marikana Massacre day to be made Public Holiday?

It is almost three years now since one of the most tragedic incident took place leaving many hearts shattered. We all remember the Marikana massacre, where 34 mineworkers were killed in Marikana. The 34 striking mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police near Lonmin mine in Marikana, North West. More than 70 others were wounded.

This all happened on  the 16th August 2012 and It was the single most lethal use of force by South African security forces against civilians.  The shootings where described as a massacre in the South African media and where compared to the Sharpeville massacre in 1960.  Controversy emerged after it was discovered that most of the victims were shot in the back and many victims were shot far from police lines.

This case is still at no rest, and those that lost their loved ones since they want answers but its not a surprise. On the brighter side of things though, it seems that the day could be made a public holiday soon.

“It is appropriate to campaign for August 16 to be a public holiday. Those
workers did not die accidentally, they were massacred,” Seoka was quoted as
saying

Sowetan reported on Friday that a formal application will be made by Anglican Bishop Jo Seoka and the Marikana Support Group to make day of Marikana massacre a national holiday.

The application would be made to the department of home affairs. However, the
newspaper did not say when it would be made.