Johannesburg - The capacity of the new venue in Centurion for the Farlam Commission of Inquiry into last year's mine violence in Marikana was called into question on Tuesday.
Miners refused to use an overflow room next to the venue.
The new venue, within the offices of the Tshwane municipality, is smaller in size and capacity compared to the previous venue, the Civic Centre in Rustenburg, North West.
Around 30 miners arrived just before 11am while the commission was getting seated.
A staff member informed commission chairman retired judge Ian Farlam that the miners were waiting outside.
“They are saying that they will not watch the proceedings on the screen in the other room while their lawyer is speaking in here.”
Farlam said there was no problem and the group could enter the venue.
“I think if there is enough space, surely they can come in. Those who want to enter can do so.”
Another staff member said he was concerned about the capacity of the room.
“We will probably have to bring extra chairs into the room,” he said.
The commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during unrest near Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana last year.
On August 16, police shot dead 34 miners. In the preceding week, 10 people, including two police officers and security guards, were killed.
Sapa