Socio-economic issues drive people to abandoned shafts: Expert

Governments must review its approach to artisanal mining: Expert

Human Rights lawyer, Sheldon Margadie, says the court judgment on the Stilfontein mine impasse highlights the need for the government to review its approach to artisanal mining.

He says socio-economic issues such as unemployment and poverty often drive people to abandoned mine shafts.

The High Court in Pretoria dismissed the application seeking emergency humanitarian relief for illegal miners who remain underground in Stilfontein, in the North West.

The application was brought by the Society for the Protection of Our Constitution.

The non-profit organisation was challenging the government’s handling of the impasse at the shaft and also wanted the court to compel them to assist the illegal miners.

Authorities cut off the supply of food and water in a bid to force the miners to resurface.

The organisation argued that the government’s strategy disregards the miner’s right to life and stripped them of their human dignity.

They allege that authorities trapped the miners and closed all exit points.

The court found that the society’s application was premised upon facts, which have been shown to be incorrect.

JUDGMENT DATED 25 NOVEMBER 2024 – B3991_24 – SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF OUR CONSTITUTION vs MINISTER OF COGTA & OTHERS

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has welcomed the ruling.

National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says the police have always maintained that they have never violated any constitutional right to life and dignity.

 

Last night, at least 14 illegal miners emerged from the abandoned shaft last night, among them was a 14-year-old.

Some of the miners allege that they are being held hostage underground and barred from resurfacing.

They say they were taken to Stilfontein and promised garden service jobs.

 

Scores of miners remain underground as retrieval operations continue.

The North West Community Safety Portfolio Committee indicated that more funds are needed to pay the rescue teams.

The committee’s chairperson, Freddie Sonakile, said the situation may have to be declared a disaster for funds to be accessed.