"[We] wish all bereaved families comfort as they are once more reminded of this fateful day," premier Supra Mahumapelo said in a statement.

The North West provincial government on Saturday said it honoured the spirits of the 44 people who were killed during strike-related unrest in Marikana near Rustenburg two years ago.

"[We] wish all bereaved families comfort as they are once more reminded of this fateful day," premier Supra Mahumapelo said in a statement.

"We pay our respects to the women of Marikana and all areas who continue to carry the burden of raising and supporting their households without the support of their departed partners."

Saturday marked two years since the police opened fire on striking mineworkers, killing 34 of them.

Ten other people, including two police officers and two security were killed in strike-related violence in the preceding week.

Mahumapelo said the day should be used to extend a genuine hand of friendship and commitment to reconciliation.

Meanwhile, a commemoration rally was held in honour of the miners in Wonderkop near Rustenburg.

Opposition parties attended the rally but it could not be confirmed whether any government officials would be attending the event.