Zuma Announces National Week Of Mourning

Flags will fly at half-mast at all flag stations in South Africa and missions outside the country from 20 to 26 August.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday to mourn and promote a violence-free society.
“The nation is in shock and in pain. We must this week reflect on the sanctity of human life and the right to life as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic,” Zuma said in a statement. “…We must unite against violence from whatever quarter.”

An inter-ministerial committee on the Marikana tragedy has been appointed to help co-ordinate support at Marikana, the presidency announced on Sunday.

Minister in the presidency, Collins Chabane, will lead the committee that includes North West Premier, Thandi Modise, and nine cabinet ministers from mineral resources, police, social development, co-operative governance and traditional affairs, labour, defence, health, state security and home affairs.

The committee will visit Marikana tomorrow to co-ordinate and lead all support to families and relatives, including the identification of family members, counselling and burials.

President Zuma is expected to establish a judicial commission of inquiry this week.  Daily Maverick