Gia Nicolaides | 23 August 2012
MARIKANA - Hundreds of Marikana miners are singing and praying at a memorial service being held near the scene of the shooting which took place exactly a week ago.
At least 34 protesting miners were shot dead by police last Thursday after several days of violent demonstrations.
Total of 44 people, including police officers, security guards and mine employees were killed in the run up.
The atmosphere is peaceful by highly emotional.
Families of the victims, government officials, striking miners and former ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema are all underneath a marquee praying along religious leaders, who are conducting the memorial service.
Many Lonmin employees are wearing their mining uniform, they say in memory of their colleagues.
The widows of the victims are huddle together crying as church leaders sing songs of worship.
Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane is sitting in the front row along with other minister while Malema sits behind them with some of the grieving community members.
Meanwhile, it was understood the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) planned to hold a separate service where other miners in the North West are expected to join.
Another ceremony was expected to be held in Johannesburg at the city hall as led by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane .
The service was scheduled to get underway at around 1pm.
(Edited by Zethu Zulu)