Gwede Mantashe: No sympathy for trapped illegal miners! Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe has made it clear that he has no sympathy for illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas, who find themselves trapped underground.
During a Parliamentary briefing on Operation Vala Umgodi, Mantashe dismissed claims that the government neglected to rescue trapped miners at the Buffelsfontein gold mine in Stilfontein, North West. He also refuted allegations that 98 illegal miners died due to government delays in the rescue operation.
Mantashe Defends Government’s Actions
Speaking to a joint sitting of Parliament’s police and mineral resources committees on Tuesday, Mantashe addressed what he called misinformation regarding the January rescue mission at Buffelsfontein.
He insisted that government was already in the process of conducting the rescue before a court order obtained by NGOs compelled them to act.
“It is untrue that government had to be forced by an order of court to rescue the trapped miners. Plans were already in motion,” Mantashe stated.
He emphasized that government cannot be blamed for the deaths of those who willingly entered a hazardous, abandoned mine.
“If you take a risk voluntarily and enter a dangerous place, the consequences cannot be someone else’s responsibility. You took that risk voluntarily.”
Operation Vala Umgodi Producing Results
Mantashe expressed satisfaction with Operation Vala Umgodi, a government initiative aimed at eradicating illegal mining activities across the country.
The multi-agency task force, which includes the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Hawks, and the Department of Mineral Resources, has been actively shutting down illegal mining operations and making arrests.
“The operation is starting to show results,” Mantashe said, praising the efforts of law enforcement in tackling the illegal mining crisis.
Tracking the Mine Owners
Despite concerns that Buffelsfontein gold mine was abandoned, Mantashe revealed that the mine owners had been traced to China.
He stated that while some illegal mining activities may be linked to existing mining companies, he had no concrete evidence to prove that major corporations were hiring zama zamas to extract minerals from minor deposits.
Government Holds Mine Owners Responsible for Rescue Costs
Mantashe also stressed that mine owners must be held accountable for the R3.5 million spent on the rescue mission.
“The owners of the mine will be responsible for the costs incurred during the rescue mission,” he said.
The minister’s comments come at a time when illegal mining continues to pose a serious threat to South Africa’s economy, security, and environment.
The Ongoing Battle Against Illegal Mining
Illegal mining remains a major challenge in South Africa, with zama zamas operating in abandoned and active mines. Their activities often lead to fatal accidents, gang violence, and environmental damage.
While advocacy groups argue that illegal miners are often desperate individuals seeking economic survival, Mantashe’s firm stance highlights the government’s tough approach to dealing with the crisis.
As Operation Vala Umgodi continues, authorities are expected to intensify their efforts to curb illegal mining, prosecute offenders, and hold mine owners accountable.
However, the debate around illegal mining—and whether zama zamas should be viewed as criminals or victims of poverty—is far from over.