Workers from Mines Rescue Services retrieve a cage as it resurfaces from a depth of over two kilometres while conducting a final assessment for signs of life. [Picture: Ihsaan Haffejee]
By: Muskaan Ayesha
In the mining town of Stilfontein, located in South Africa’s North West Province, a humanitarian crisis has unfolded, exposing the challenges surrounding illegal mining operations.
At the heart of this tragedy are the mineworkers, colloquially known as “zama zamas”, who face exploitation, unsafe conditions, and systemic neglect.
Over the December holiday period, zama zamas were trapped underground, with many facing malnourishment, dehydration, and being exposed to toxic environments. Instead of receiving the urgent medical care they needed, survivors were reportedly detained.
Activist July Eccles highlighted this issue, stating: “We were begging and pleading with the government… saying people are dying, and we were met with a very callous response”.
Survivors Denied Medical Care Amid Health Crisis
The crisis took a tragic turn when one rescued miner, Koali Rankomo, succumbed to gastroenteritis and dehydration. This incident, reported by IOL, emphasises the grim health conditions faced by survivors.
Eccles also noted that over 200 survivors remain in custody, with some denied access to hospitals for treatment. She remarked: “Police are refusing to allow them to go to hospital… they urgently need to be treated”.
This situation raises concerns about systemic failures. The label “illegal” often used to describe these miners contributes to their marginalisation, shifting attention away from the socio-economic factors driving their involvement in artisanal mining.
Xenophobic attitudes make their isolation worse, leaving zama zamas trapped in cycles of exploitation and neglect.
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Community Heroes Step Up
Despite government inaction, local community members like Mandla Charles and Lita Shasha stepped up to rescue trapped miners and help those who were incredibly sick. However, reliance on community action highlights our inadequate support systems during crises.
Activists are advocating for change, including the legalization and regulation of artisanal mining.
A formal framework could protect miners’ rights, rehabilitate unsafe mining sites, and provide sustainable livelihoods for affected communities. These measures would not only address immediate safety concerns but also create long-term solutions to prevent future tragedies.