By Thapelo Molefe
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu met with provincial leaders, local authorities, and families of illegal miners in Stilfontein on Friday to address the escalating crisis around abandoned gold mines.
The meeting was fraught with frustration as community members demanded swift and decisive action from the minister.
Mchunu detailed national efforts to combat illegal mining, highlighting upcoming presentations by Minerals and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe to the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster.
“These presentations will focus on three key issues,” Mchunu said.
“Firstly, artisanal mining mechanisms tailored for South Africans in areas where abandoned mines could benefit local communities. Secondly, guidelines for mining companies on how to properly close mines. Lastly, an approach to prevent illegal mining by ensuring compliance with these prescripts.”
Mchunu acknowledged the harsh economic realities pushing locals into illegal mining but voiced concern over the growing presence of undocumented migrants in the sector.
“People told us they turned to these mines because they were forced by circumstances, poverty and unemployment. Yet, the majority underground are from other countries,” he said.
“We must ask, how is this solving poverty or joblessness in our communities?”
Community members expressed disappointment at the lack of tangible outcomes from previous meetings, accusing the government of inaction.
“It’s been two weeks, Minister, and people are still underground. Lives are not saved, and we are here having meetings,” lamented one community member during the session.
“Our objective is clear: save lives first. Arrest criminals later.”
A local community leader, Thembile Botman, called out the government’s failure to integrate human rights considerations into their plans.
“You failed to consult on solutions that address poverty and unemployment,” Botman said.
“And you failed to protect the right to life and human dignity. That’s why we’re stuck.”
Spokesperson for the Northwest South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), Mzukisi Jam, demanded clarity on the government’s progress since the last engagement.
“We expected to hear updates and solutions, not a repetition of history,” Jam said.
“You promised to extract those underground miners two weeks ago, but nothing has happened. Why are we still waiting?”
In a concluding address, Mchunu emphasised the importance of continued efforts in Operation Val’umgodi.
“The ground has been cleared to make way for the operations,” he said, referring to the work that has been done in preparation for the rescue efforts.
Mchunu highlighted the progress, stating that despite challenges, “the rescuers are saying they are ready, and we need to get people out.”
However, he also acknowledged concerns from community members, especially regarding the safety risks of the operation.
“The rescuers are reluctant to recommend that the operation can be done, but they are ready. The danger lies in the uncertainty about who is down there, and the rumors of armed individuals add to the risk,” Mchunu explained.
He also addressed the issues surrounding the task team, stressing the importance of unity and functionality.
“We need to see people getting out. This is not just about speaking; we need action. We need to make sure the methods are safe and that they are operating,” he said.
Furthermore, Mchunu acknowledged the concerns about the access to food and water for those involved in the operation.
A community member raised the point, asking, “What about access to water and food for those involved in the rescue operation?”
Mchunu responded: “I have your point. It will be discussed in the task team’s next meeting, and it will be operationalised.”
He concluded by calling for continued collaboration between the community, the task team, and the government.
“We all need to pull together on this. It’s not just a government issue, but a community one. Let’s focus on the goal: saving lives,” he emphasised.
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