South African Correspondent
In South Africa, dozens of volunteers have entered an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein to assist what could be thousands of illegal miners trapped underground for over a month.
These miners, often referred to as “zama zama” (meaning “take a chance” in Zulu), are primarily undocumented migrants seeking to escape poverty by extracting gold and mineral residues from closed shafts.
Government Response
The South African government has taken a hard stance against these miners, blocking food and water supplies in an effort to force them out. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stated,
“We are going to smoke them out,” emphasizing that the government will not provide assistance to what they classify as criminals.
This approach has sparked significant criticism, with community leaders and relatives of the miners arguing that it constitutes a humanitarian crisis.
Conditions Underground
Reports indicate that the miners have resorted to consuming vinegar and toothpaste to survive, highlighting the dire conditions they face underground. The health of these individuals is deteriorating, and many may be too weak to exit the mine on their own. Tragically, volunteers have already recovered a body from the mine, which has left them traumatized.
Community and Volunteer Efforts
Volunteers, organized into groups, are working tirelessly to rescue those trapped. They have been using ropes and seat belts to pull individuals out, taking about an hour for each rescue. Local residents have expressed their frustration with the government’s lack of action, emphasizing the need for compassion and support for the miners, who are seen as victims of systemic poverty and unemployment.
Conclusion
The situation in the Stilfontein mine reflects broader issues of illegal mining in South Africa, where economic desperation drives individuals to take dangerous risks. The government’s refusal to assist these miners has ignited protests and calls for a more humane approach to the crisis, underscoring the complex interplay between law enforcement, economic hardship, and human rights.
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