Ramaphosa clams up on Marikana compensation

CAPE TOWN — Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday refused to answer questions about compensation for the families of slain Marikana miners, saying he was facing a civil suit for his part in the matter as a director of Lonmin.

Mr Ramaphosa has faced criticism that his prompting of a resolution to the miners’ strike in August 2012 played a role in the police opening fire on the miners.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has accused Mr Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) of murder.

During questions to the deputy president yesterday, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane asked: “With reference to the statement by President Jacob Zuma on September 29 regarding civil claims stemming from the Marikana massacre, what progress has been made in the establishment of an alternative dispute resolution process?”

Mr Ramaphosa said the matter was receiving attention at the highest level, but “there is a summons against me in my personal capacity and as a consequence, and following legal advice, it would not be appropriate to get involved as I will soon be a litigant in the matter”.

Mr Maimane then asked if Mr Ramaphosa would support the government, setting up a compensation fund for the families of the slain miners. Mr Ramaphosa declined to comment, triggering a row. Mr Maimane asked for the question to be put to Mr Zuma.

National Assembly speaker Baleka Mbete said Mr Ramaphosa had answered but Mr Maimane was not satisfied.

DA chief whip John Steenhuisen said this meant the deputy president could read out a nursery rhyme in reply to a question.

ANC MP Lemias Mashile asked Mr Ramaphosa to comment on the changes to visa regulations.

Mr Ramaphosa said the onerous aspects had been eased.