PRESS RELEASE
WOMEN FOR JUSTICE FOR MARIKANA CONDEMN THE BANNING OF OUR PEACEFUL MARCH
Issued by: Women’s Forum of Nkaneng in Wonderkop, Marikana
21 September 2012
We, the women of Marikana, were planning a peaceful march on Saturday, 22 September, in order to deliver specific demands to the Marikana Police Station. We were going to deliver a memorandum to the police calling for an end to police brutality in Marikana, for the police and army to withdraw from Marikana and for a full investigation into police violence and other unlawful activities over the last six weeks. The Madibeng municipality has illegally banned our march.
Our comrade, Pauline Masutlho, who died on Wednesday, 19 September, as a result of police violence, worked at Madibeng municipality; it is ironic that the same municipality that Pauline worked at would ban a march that seeks to address the violence that led to her death.
We condemn this unlawful banning and call on everyone to stand with us in opposing government crackdown on freedom of expression, association and assembly. We call on you to take action to stop our country from being returned to the time of apartheid.
We will hold a press conference at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, 22 September, at the Marikana Extn. 2 offices in Nkaneng, Marikana. At the press conference, we will explain in more detail the specific support and action we will need from our supporters.
The march will now take place on Saturday, 29 September, in Marikana.
In Marikana: Nomzekelo Sonti 083 968 8316/ Thumeka 084 714 0111
In Johannesburg: Sipho Mthathi 071 635 8668
Marikana Women for Justice condemn ban of peaceful march – press release – FINAL
