Cape Town – DA federal chair Helen Zille has urged the government to show “ubuntu” and empathy toward thousands of illegal miners, known as zama zamas, trapped or voluntarily staying underground in Stilfontein, North West.
These miners are reportedly without food and water, and authorities have sealed the mine entrances to prevent supplies from reaching them, intending to force the miners out for arrest.
Zille argued that while the miners broke the law, they should not be left to suffer and suggested balancing enforcement with compassion.
“Come on, the minister is talking about human beings here. People facing a perilous life-threatening calamity must be rescued. Arrest and prosecute them for breaking the law but don’t leave them to perish in horrific circumstances.
Come on. The Minister is talking about human beings here. People facing a perilous life-threatening calamity must be rescued. Arrest and prosecute them for breaking the law. But don’t leave them to perish in horrific circumstances. What happened to Ubuntu?
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) November 13, 2024
“Something about the zama zamas [illegal miners] needs to be explained: are they trapped underground? Or are they there voluntarily? If the latter, I can understand why the police do not want to face death by going down to arrest them. If the zamas have a choice to exit, it is theirs to make,” she said.
Something about the Zama-Zamas needs to be explained: Are they trapped underground? Or are they there voluntarily? If the latter, I can understand why the police do not want to face death by going down to arrest them. If the Zamas have a choice to exit, it is theirs to make
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) November 14, 2024
Her comments counter minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s firm stance, who, in a recent statement, reiterated that the government would not assist the miners, framing them as criminals to be “smoked out”.
“Honestly, we’re not sending help to criminals, we’re going to smoke them out. They will come out,” Ntshavheni said, in comments that drew widespread criticism.
This hardline position aligns with Operation Vala Umgodi, a government crackdown on illegal mining since 2023 that has resulted in over 13,000 arrests nationwide, according to reports.
However, the operation has also left many miners underground without basic needs, prompting debates on the need for a more humane approach to illegal mining.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
