President Jacob Zuma on Sunday called on South Africans to commemorate the shooting of 44 people in Marikana three years ago with unity and dignity.

“Nobody supports the horrendous loss of life that occurred in Marikana,” he said in a statement.

“We remember all who lost their lives including those who were killed before and after the 16th of August. All lives are equal and important.”

Sunday marks three years since 34 striking mineworkers were shot dead in Marikana, North West.

Ten people, including two policemen and two Lonmin security guards, were killed in the previous week.

President Jacob Zuma has called upon South Africans to keep the more than 44 people who were killed in Marikana, Rustenburg in August 2012 in their thoughts and prayers today, and to commemorate their lives in unity and dignity.

More than 44 people were killed in separate incidents when a strike turned violent.

Zuma subsequently appointed retired Judge Ian Farlam to chair the judicial commission of inquiry into the violence. The commission’s final report was handed to Zuma on March 31, who released it to the public on June 25.

Zuma on Sunday said the implementation of the commission’s recommendations were being taken seriously by government.

He received responses from national police commissioner Riah Phiyega and Cabinet minister and was considering these.

The Association of Mining and Construction Union (Amcu) is holding a commemoration on Sunday at the koppie in Marikana where mineworkers were killed.

The union said it was open invitation and anyone could attend the event.

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema and Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane was expected to attend.

Zuma on Sunday called on everyone to keep the families of those killed in their thoughts and prayers.

“As government, we stand with all the people of Marikana and the people of the Eastern Cape from where many of those who died came.

“We also stand with all the people of South Africa as well, who were horrified and shocked by the tragedy that unfolded in Marikana,” he said. News24