Minister of mineral resources and energy Gwede Mantashe has issued a stern warning to Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua), urging them to not overlook the criminal aspects of illegal mining while prioritising the rescue of miners underground.
This comes as the government embarks on a rescue operation at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein, where 109 bodies were discovered in shafts 10 and 11.
Macua has consistently advocated for the right to life of the trapped miners and for government assistance in providing relief.
Mantashe said the NGO should be careful not to promote criminality.
“One of the things that surprises me in South Africa is when South Africans place human rights at the centre of criminal activities. That worries me, because it suggests that we are preaching tolerance for criminality,” Mantashe said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
“Macua should be careful not to promote criminality and to say we must protect criminality against justice and fairness.”
'We must address it as a crime': Mantashe on Stilfontein illegal miners
Government embarks on rescue but warns Macua to not promote criminality
Image: SUPPLIED
Minister of mineral resources and energy Gwede Mantashe has issued a stern warning to Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua), urging them to not overlook the criminal aspects of illegal mining while prioritising the rescue of miners underground.
This comes as the government embarks on a rescue operation at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in Stilfontein, where 109 bodies were discovered in shafts 10 and 11.
Macua has consistently advocated for the right to life of the trapped miners and for government assistance in providing relief.
Mantashe said the NGO should be careful not to promote criminality.
“One of the things that surprises me in South Africa is when South Africans place human rights at the centre of criminal activities. That worries me, because it suggests that we are preaching tolerance for criminality,” Mantashe said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika.
“Macua should be careful not to promote criminality and to say we must protect criminality against justice and fairness.”
EDITORIAL | R12m Band-Aid for temporary relief of systemic issue will come back to bite
He highlighted the significant economic impact of illegal mining, estimating that it resulted in a loss of around R60bn in 2024.
“That is a significant leakage from the value of the economy, and therefore we cannot be merciful in dealing with that criminal activity. We must address it as a crime and acknowledge that the people underground entered voluntarily into a risky situation.”
More than 1,500 illegal miners have resurfaced, with some still trapped underground.
It had emerged in court papers that the government had been at odds with Buffelsfontein Gold Mine over who should bear the R12m rescue costs. Mantashe said the government would assist in funding the operation.
“They [Buffelsfontein Gold Mine] take responsibility, but we had to raise funds from various sources, including my department. We had to talk to a lot of people to fund the operation.”
TimesLIVE
READ MORE:
Illegal miner’s family clings to hope
Government's R12m Stilfontein rescue kicks into gear
Stilfontein rescue could take 16 days — if weather plays its part
Government to begin a rescue operation at Stilfontein, court hears
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos