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News

‘Panado or no panado, zama zamas also have right to medication’

todayNovember 21, 2024 114

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Rescue operations are still underway in Stilfontein, North West, where illegal miners continue to refuse to come back to the surface at an abandoned mineshaft.

A number of illegal miners remain underground, with some said to be sick.

The miners, who have underground for months now are believed to be trying to evade arrest.

It is understood that the rescue experts are planning to build a cage or elevator to get them out. They have sent down cameras in efforts to determine how many miners are underground.

This comes hot on the heels of the miners’ request for ARVs from the authorities.

They sent out a note amid frustration to have them out of the belly of the earth, sparking fears of a pending disaster as the virus of in the system of those infected can begin to multiply, weaken their immune system and make the person more susceptible to sickness.

While the police promised to deliver on the illegal miners’ request, Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, shut that down.

According to him, health officials can’t just send ARVs to the miners without prescription as per the country’s legislative requirements.

However, speaking to YNews, Sama’s Dr Angelique du Plessis said when a life is at risk, this requirement falls off.

She says doctors have an obligation to treat the miners regardless of whether they are in the country illegally or not.

Dr du Plessis says medics will have to have an extraordinary reason to defy the oath they took.

Governance expert, Professor Sam Koma, agrees that the situation is becoming more complicated as it speaks to legalities and basic human rights.

He says the Stilfontein headache is a matter of criminality versus access to public health.

 

The High Court in Pretoria has reserved judgment in the urgent application brought by non-governmental organisation, Society for the Protection of Our Constitution, which is representing the miners.

The organisation approached the court, after authorities blocked the delivery of essential items, including food and water, to the miners.

The civil group is seeking emergency humanitarian relief for the zama zama’s, saying their treatment is a violation of their right to life and dignity.

Attorney Yasmin Omar says it is hypocritical that government stood in support of Palestine, who had aid blocked to them, while the same thing is happening in its own yard.

However, the state’s lawyer, Bonginkosi Lukhekele, argued that she is comparing apples to oranges as aid has been provided to the miners, and they have also been given the opportunity to come back to the surface.

He also asked the court to not bar police from executing their mandate of preventing and combatting crime in the country.

Judgment is expected to be delivered on Monday as hope remains for the safe return of the illegal miners to the surface.

Written by: Nonhlanhla Harris

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