The South African government is under intense scrutiny after the death toll from an illegal mining siege rose to at least 60, with the bodies of unlicensed miners, known as “zama zamas,” being recovered from a gold mine in Stilfontein. More than 130 survivors have been pulled out, many of whom were severely emaciated and disoriented. However, hundreds of others remain trapped 2 km underground, sparking ongoing rescue efforts.
The siege began in August when authorities attempted to block food and water supplies to force the miners out. A court order in December allowed volunteers to deliver essential aid. While 132 survivors have been rescued, they were promptly arrested and charged with offenses including illegal immigration, trespassing, and illegal mining.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions has condemned the government’s actions, calling it a blatant display of negligence, especially as many of the miners were undocumented workers from neighboring countries like Mozambique. They accuse the government of failing to protect vulnerable workers caught in the underground crisis.
Mining Minister Gwede Mantashe has defended the siege, arguing that it was necessary to combat illegal mining, which causes significant financial losses to the government and the precious metals industry. He has emphasized that many of the miners involved are foreign nationals.
However, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has demanded an independent inquiry, questioning the police’s actions and whether they understood the severity of the situation underground. The DA has accused the government of mishandling the operation and failing to prevent unnecessary deaths.
The rescue operation, which has been ongoing for three days, involves a careful process of extracting survivors and bodies from the mine using a metal cage. According to Mannas Fourie, CEO of a private rescue firm, the process takes 41 to 45 minutes per trip.
Over 1,500 unlicensed miners had reportedly left the mine before the rescue operation began, with many deported to their home countries, particularly Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.
While the government views illegal mining as a serious economic threat, the DA argues that most miners are merely trying to make a living, often under the control of violent gangs that exacerbate the situation.
The tragedy has sparked calls for accountability, as the government faces mounting pressure to address the human cost of its crackdown on illegal mining.