Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to explain the events surrounding the Marikana
miners’ strike in 2012, using Marxism’s concept of class consciousness. The labour
disputes witnessed at Marikana in 2012 represent one of the major labour
movements that South Africa has witnessed since the inception of democracy. This
study adopted qualitative research methods to inquire into the events of the
Marikana 2012 labour disputes. Methods used in this study include qualitative
research, descriptive research design, Marxism critical inquiry, purposive sampling
and critical discourse analysis. Moreover, the study investigated employee relations
in the mining sector. In addition, this study also examined the Marikana miner’s
working and living conditions and probed the role of social control agencies,
including, trade unions, bargaining councils and the police, during the protests. This
study proposes a fair distribution of wealth in the mining sector and the removal of
the Migrant Labour System. Additionally, this study recommends transparency in the
mining sector, the transformation of the education system and the restructuring of
trade unions.
