In a statement commemorating the anniversary of the shooting of 34 miners during a strike on 16 August 2012, the party said lessons could be learned from the shooting about the importance of conflict resolution in the workplace, so that there is no repeat of similar incidents.

"We must never forget that a genuine campaign for workers' rights, including decent working and living conditions, was at the heart of the Marikana conflict," said ANC spokesperson, Zizi Kodwa.

"It is for that reason that the ANC calls on all stakeholders to use this occasion to work together and refocus their energies towards bringing lasting stability in the area. This can only be achieved by meaningfully redressing structural inequalities that still persist in the workplace, especially in the mining industry."

It urged the government to partner with mines to revitalise mining towns, and for Lonmin Platinum to fast-track its transformation and social responsibility programmes.

"The ANC will continue to work with the Marikana community to build social cohesion; working together we can transform Marikana into a beacon of hope, in honour of those we lost," said Kodwa.

In addition to the 34 people killed on 16 August, 10 people, including two policemen, were killed in the run-up to the shooting.

- News24.com