By Zuko Komisa
The issue of illegal miners has come into the spotlight over the last week following the disturbing news of a gang rape that happened in Krugersdorp.
The area is well-known for having illegal mining activity.
Also Read: GALLERY: Inside ‘Thandeka’s Diary’ star, Busisiwe Mtshali’s baby shower
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to David van Wyk, Bench Marks Foundation chief researcher and Zethu Hlatwayo, Spokesperson for the National Association of Artisanal Miners to unpack the underlying issues surrounding the existence of Zama Zamas.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION HERE:
More than 300 artisanal gold miners in South Africa were reported deceased between 2012 and 2015.
However, the Zama Zamas contend that this number is significantly under-representative.
Also Read: Shudufhadzo Musida appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Global Surgery Foundation
David van Wyk answered the big question on everyone’s mind on why the government hasn’t closed the illegal mines in South Africa.
“Before 1886 there were hundreds if not thousands of artisanal mining operations in across the Highveld by the various pre-colonial organisation. Big mining companies can also give you a big reference to this, and can even give an idea of where the small-scale mining happened. They knew they would find gold in those particular areas. This was before industrial mining started in South Africa started.” said David van Wyk
He also mentioned how various indigenous groups were already mining gold, copper and iron in these different areas.
Zethu Hlatwayo, Spokesperson for the National Association of Artisanal Miners gave a perspective on what the union’s standpoint is with regard to illegal mining.
Earlier this week at least 46 illegal miners were arrested, and one was fatally wounded during an intense multi-disciplinary operation carried out by different law enforcement units simultaneously on eight premises in Krugersdorp and Randfontein.
[UPDATE] 46 suspects were were arrested and one fatally wounded during today’s @SAPoliceService illicit mining take down take down The suspects include foreign nationals from neighbouring countries and their status in the country is now a subject of an investigation.#ZamZamas pic.twitter.com/MrzS0Esss9
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) August 2, 2022
READ NEXT: Ntsiki Mazwai takes a swipe at Somizi, “Being a gay man does not qualify you to be a woman!”



