The South African citizens are still shocked and devastated by the incident that took place in North West mine where a dozen of illegal mine operators are trapped.
The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA) has learnt with shock the ongoing, and increasing tragic situation of estimated 4000 Zama-Zamas trapped underground in Stilfontein in the North West.
We are extremely dismayed at the government’s handling of the crisis and shocked at the dehumanisation and criminalisation of these artisanal miners who are victims of the ANC neoliberal austerity which is responsible for the disastrous unemployment and the mining industry who abandoned these workers, communities and shafts improperly closed without any investment in robust and diverse local economies that can support just transition to sustainable post mining communities.We strongly condemn Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s shocking statement regarding the dire circumstances of these workers.
Ntshavheni who is the Minister of Mineral and Fire provoked the citizens with her statement during the media press.
When asked about government intervention, Ntshavheni callously laughed and said, “You want us to send help to criminals? Honestly? We are not sending help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out.
They will come out. Criminals are not to be helped; criminals are to be persecuted.”We are appalled by the Minister’s blatant disregard for human life and contempt for black lives, worthy of Colonial and Apartheid Ministers and not elected representative of the black majority democratic government elevated to power by struggle for human dignity, equality and justice.
Her words reveal a disturbing lack of empathy and a misguided prioritization of punishment over rescue efforts.Unfolding Tragedy Underground.
The Zama-Zamas/artisanal miners are trapped underground because they fear arrest, but after days without access to basic necessities like water, food, and medication, many are no longer able to reach the surface on their own. This humanitarian crisis demands immediate attention.
Big Mining Monopolies and ANC Government Responsible.The artisanal mining crisis is a symptom of a broader economic crisis in the mining sector.
Years of mine closures, retrenchments, and lack of alternative economic opportunities have driven communities into desperation and poverty, forcing them into artisanal mining.
We cannot prettify the horrific conditions of this line of work. The reality however is that the ultimate responsibility for the catastrophic situation unfolding underground and the dire circumstances in the mining communities that force people to risk their lives this way, lie with big mining corporations and the ANC.
There are thousands of ‘derelict and ownerless mines abandoned by their former owners who are abdicating responsibilities to economically develop local economies, communities, and ensure skills development.
GIWUSA Demands- Immediate Rescue Efforts: Deploy necessary resources to rescue the trapped Zama-Zamas/artisanal miners.- Basic Necessities: Provide food, water, and medical attention to those in distress.- Implementation of Social and Labour Plans: Ensure mining companies fulfil their obligations to communities.
Environmental Management Plans: Guarantee responsible mine closure and rehabilitation.- National Strategy on Mine Closures: Develop integrated development plans to diversify the economy and ensure sustainable post-mining communities.
End Criminalization: Address the root causes of artisanal mining and provide alternative economic opportunities.
Nationalization of the mines on the basis of the democratic control and management of workers and mine communities so they can plough the sales of the mineral resources into jo creation, service delivery and education programmes for young people.
The government’s focus should be on rescuing those trapped, addressing the economic crisis, and ensuring sustainable solutions for affected communities.
We stand in solidarity with the affected communities and demand justice and compassion from our government.Issued by:The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA)
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
