Social Media Slams Ramaphosa’s Message To Trump “If Only Marikana Mine Workers Received Same Sympathy”

Social media is going after President Cyril Ramaphosa for his message to former US President Donald Trump, who was shot at a rally in Pennsylvania.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa quickly sent a message of support, condemning the act as the ‘antithesis of democracy.’ However, this gesture has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, particularly drawing parallels to the Marikana mine workers’ massacre.

President Ramaphosa’s message was clear and direct. He condemned the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, emphasizing the dangers of political extremism and intolerance.

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“The attempted assassination of former president Donald J. Trump is a stark reminder of the dangers of political extremism and intolerance. Political violence is the antithesis of democracy. I wish former president Trump a speedy recovery,” Ramaphosa stated.

The attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump is a stark reminder of the dangers of political extremism and intolerance. Political violence is the antithesis of democracy. I wish former President Trump a speedy recovery.

We unequivocally denounce this political…

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) July 14, 2024

The response on social media was swift and critical. Users on X, formerly known as Twitter, were quick to remind the president of his association with the Marikana massacre.

One user, Malome, posted, “If only Marikana mine workers received the same sympathy.”

Another user, PovertyKiller_Official, wrote, “Says someone who killed miners in Marikana. Oh wow Cyril, those kids don’t have fathers because of your evil heart.” These comments highlight the enduring impact of the 2012 incident on public perception.

Ben Brett Raphael replied to the President’s message to Trump by highlighting the recent killing of a government department watchdog.

“Never had much to say about the 10+ politically motivated hits [in the] first 4 months of this year…Nothing to say about Zenzele Sithole either??” he posted.

Sithole was the senior investigator for the City of Johannesburg who was shot last week in what was alleged to be a planned hit.

The Marikana massacre, which occurred on 16 August 2012, saw 34 miners killed during a wage strike. At the time, Cyril Ramaphosa was a non-executive director at the Lonmin Platinum Mine, which has since been acquired by Sibanye-Stillwater.

Although the incident happened seven years before Ramaphosa became president, his association with the mine has left a lasting mark on his political legacy.