Women strike back after tragedy
THE MULTI-AWARD-winning story that shows the fight for justice for the 37 striking miners who were killed in the Marikana Massacre will appear in cinemas tomorrow. Directed and produced by Aliki Saragas, Strike A Rock features Primrose Sonti and Thumeka Magwangqana, who have taken on mining company Lonmin Plc.
“Apart from underpaying workers, Lonmin Plc has consistently reneged on legal obligations to provide housing and infrastructure to local people affected by the mine,” said Saragas.
“Since the 2012 massacre, the living conditions that caused the strike have worsened – this is what Primrose and Thumeka are fighting against.”
She chose to focus on those women because they were strong, empowered and empowering.
The two women formed a women’s organisation, Sikhala Sonke (We Cry Together), after their friend Paulina was killed by the police. Over time they also began searching for social and economic justice.
“Primrose’s ambition lands her a seat in Parliament with a new, radical opposition party. But to take up the post she must leave Marikana. Thumeka, left behind, faces her fears as she picks up the reins of the resistance as a community leader, and challenges Lonmin Plc in a landmark complaint against it.
“Meanwhile, Primrose’s role as a Member of Parliament creates an uncomfortable distance between she and her friend, and she struggles to maintain a connection with the community,” Saragas said.
The main reason she decided to make the film was because no one was held responsible.
“The realities of the devastation is widely known, but there are voices that have yet to be heard. Voices from the strong women leaders and the community that surrounds the mine have seemingly been erased from the narrative. “This is what drew me so powerfully to the story of Thumeka and Primrose, two grandmothers who were compelled by the tragedy they witnessed to take on leadership roles.” The film takes the viewer on a journey through trauma, history, loss, friendship and the fear of being forgotten forever. “At the same time we are confronted with a very real obstruction of justice and lack of accountability on the side of Lonmin, which seemingly shirks its legal obligations to the community and the government, and neglects to ensure that the required socio-economic development takes place. In this context, the personal becomes the political and that is where the impact of the film lies.” She said the film was a must-watch for all South Africans as it was a tumultuous period in the country’s history. “It’s important we tell our own stories and we highlight the voices that are not often heard or who we have forgotten. “Women’s voices are often not heard, and it’s time we show the world what we’re capable of, no matter where we come from. I hope people will watch the film and be as inspired by the women as I have been every day.”