Statement

The potential humanitarian crises unfolding at the derelict Stilfontein mine shafts in the North-West are of grave concern to the ANC Veteran’s League. We view the loss of any life as a tragedy and urge the authorities to show leadership in this time of crisis.

This is in response to the unfolding drama in Stilfontein, where a significant number of mineworkers are trapped as the SAP’s Operation Val’ Umgodi intensifies their efforts to address illegal mining.

Our hard-fought Constitution and Bill of Rights states that everyone has an inherent right to life and dignity. We also believe in the rule of law and that everyone has a right to a fair trial and to be heard.

The complex nature of the human drama playing out around the Stilfontein communities is acknowledged. The adverse socio-economic consequences of Illegal mining and the accompanying criminal activity that thrives around these deserted mineshafts not only impact the safety and stability of the surrounding communities but also challenge law enforcement capabilities and strain SAPS and criminal justice resources.

The mining of abandoned shafts is a multi-faceted problem with deep historical roots in settler colonialism, unjust resource allocation and a brutal migrant-labour system. The closure of mines has had a devastating impact on the socio-economic life of mining communities. This has allowed criminal elements to exploit the situation, enabling illegal markets and drawing vulnerable and marginalised people into their criminal networks.

Instead, law enforcement authorities need to seek an immediate collaborative and humane solution to the immediate crisis while continuing to seek out the real criminals who are unlikely to be with the workers stuck at the bottom of these mines.

Further, relevant government departments must seek systemic solutions to address illegal mining, including holding former large-scale mine owners responsible for effectively closing disused mines or

rehabilitating them for safe small-scale mining and finding other employment and income opportunities for mining communities.

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Issued by the ANC Veterans League

For further comment, contact
Cde Snuki Zikalala,
ANC VL President:
082 561 3900