South Africans urged to participate in the national day of mourning

23 August 2012

Government encourages South Africans to observe and participate in memorial activities that have been planned throughout the country. The President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma has declared Thursday, 23 August, as the official day for memorial services to be held to mourn and promote a violence-free society.

Our nation is currently in a period of national mourning, from 20-26 August 2012, to commemorate the lives of all South Africans who have died violently, especially the 44 lives lost in the Marikana incidents in the North West Province.

Provinces will be holding memorial services today as part of a nationwide period of mourning.  The Executive Councils, representatives of political organisations, traditional leaders, business, labour, faith-based organisations, civil society structures as well as members of the public will be attending the services.

Participation in the memorial services and observing the week of mourning helps ease the sense of loss and pain experienced in the country.

For more enquiries contact:
Moepeng Tshwane or Mary Dorasami
Tel: 012 314 2951

Issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)