South African Tragedy A Lesson In Sustainability

The tragic events at the Marikana mine are a lesson in Sustainability.

Sustainability requires socio-economic and political harmony, without which the physical environment is vulnerable.

Now an irresponsible 'leader' is urging miners to continue to strike and prepare "to die" for the cause.

The very same Julius Malema is unlikely to put himself in harm's way but the sons, brothers and fathers of many, shocked by the tragedy, were glued to his incitement speech as they sat listening to Malema in his Che Gievara like outfit.

Unlike Malema, they will put themselves in harms way and the platinum industry in South Africa now faces a very serious situation.

Less short term greed on the part of the Lonmin shareholders would have been far more beneficial to their long term business interests.

Worse still, that Cyril Ramaphosa was not able to use his influence as a substantial shareholder and help avert such a tragedy is dismaying.

Hopefully the compassionate yet much maligned President Jacob Zuma will be able to use his charisma and his past peace-making experiences to avert more tragedy.

Another useful perspective:

http://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2012-08-20-analysis-cry-the-beloved-country-once-more