As the country face tough challenge of lack of job opportunities, some other people decided to put their lives at risk.
They are many un-operating mines across the country and Zama-Zamas have invaded the places.
One of the practical example is the mine at North West called Stilfontein where a dozen/bunch of illegal miners lost their lives while operating unlawful.
Minister of Mineral and petroleum resources Gwede Mantashe made plea that no one should blame ruling party/Government for lost lives of illegal miners.
South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said if pathology tests confirm starvation as the cause of death, the government should be held accountable.
Vavi said “This massacre reflects the government’s failure to uphold the most basic tenet of our constitution: the right to life.
“It is unconscionable that the government allowed this situation to deteriorate to such an extent. The cold, nonchalant manner in which government officials treat this needless massacre is testament to how cheap black life is.”
This situation has caused tension between the leaders and some leaders forced Zama-Zamas to surrender by cutting food supply and other necessity.
During his media brief yesterday Mantashe revealed that Government won’t take responsibility as those illegal miners went underground without being forced.
He said “If you go to a dangerous place, such as a neglected mine, and stay there for about three months, starving yourself to death, how does that become the responsibility of the state?
“That tendency must be addressed. Capital-owned mines exploit resources, make money and when there’s a risk it must be offloaded to the state. This cannot be correct.”
Minister insisted that people should not blame the ruling party rather blame those who doesn’t take care of their house (mine owners).
He said “If I am the owner of a mine, making money and generating a profit, I should equally take responsibility.
“The Stilfontein mine, which is part of the Buffelsfontein Gold Company owned by a Chinese company, is owned by an existing company and that company must take responsibility.
“The state intervened to facilitate the rescue operation as an interim measure but that owner must take responsibility for the disaster.”
He highlighted the economic impact of illegal mining, estimating it resulted in a loss to the economy of about R60bn in 2024.
Mantashe said “That is a significant leakage from the value of the economy and therefore we cannot be merciful in dealing with that criminal activity.
“We must address it as a crime and acknowledge that the people underground entered voluntarily into a risky situation.”
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
