Zintle Mahlati
Rustenburg - Hundreds of Wonderkop residents in Marikana have started gathering to honour miners killed by police on August 16 2012.
Labour union the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) will hold a commemoration event at the koppie, which has become a symbol in the North West mining town as it was where about 3 000 mineworkers stayed during the platinum mine strike four years ago.
Family members, residents and mineworkers with most of them wearing Amcu T-shirts have started praying, singing and dancing.
A group of men, wearing traditional blankets and holding sticks, were seen singing and slowly moving from the koppie towards the stage.
There is a heavy police presence in the area with a number of police nyalas stationed close to the koppie.
The 2012 platinum mine strike has been seen by some as a turning point in the country's history.
The strike was propelled by workers' demands for a R12 500 salary.
Of those killed, 34 were miners and 10 more people died in the preceding days.
Family representatives said on Monday that the event was open to all.
Labour Bureau