Massacre Hijacked

Lonmin Mine is now known worldwide.
Last week the world was exposed to South Africa's violent side once more, as the reporters from various countries worldwide witness, photographed and filmed as the Police shot dead 34 striking miners..and injured scores more. I am not going to go into a debate whether the shooting was correct or incorrect. There was evidence that the police were fired at first and they responded with live ammunition. Whether this was heavy handed, is up for much debate.

No matter who was to blame the fact is, sadly people were killed and many seem to forget how two policemen were killed the previous day by the very same miners.

Another innocent victim was a poor innocent rabbit that was savagely killed for no reason by the strikers. Apparently the miners were preparing for war, as a Traditional Healer was performing rituals on the miners to ensure their protection against police firearms. Seriously. The Healer warned them not to kill the rabbit, but in their infinite wisdom and need to be savage, they killed the poor animal. Many blame the killing of the rabbit for the high death toll. The strikers were armed, as is evident, so they were looking for confrontation. The blame really lies with plain stupidity and aggression.

My biggest issue was that there was a need for leadership. Their are two workers Unions fighting for power. Again the waters are muddied and the ignorant are used as pawns. Political figures quickly turned this into a chance to gain popularity and spread their cause, the first being that ever so brilliant, Julius Malema. Again he attacked Jacob Zuma and the ANC, using this as a way to score points with the people. However, anybody who was fooled by his presence, is stupid right the way through. He saw a platform am and took it. He does not care about the people..he cares about his failed political career. ANC members also attended the memorials and chose to make this a high profile event, although they did not respond directly to Malema.

This was a tragic week for South Africa, but the lack of respect displayed by politicians, is probably the saddest part of it all..