Soweto residents want to sue mining companies after a report this week that highlighted the health dangers posed by nearby mine dumps — but most of the companies are long defunct. Instead, responsibility for dealing with the issue is likely to fall into the lap of the government. The report, Waiting to Inhale (see below), represents three years of research by the Bench Marks Foundation, a church-owned non-profit organisation that monitors corporate responsibility. Conducted in four Soweto communities — Doornkop, Meadowlands, Riverlea and Diepkloof — the study found that mining in the area had resulted in respiratory problems, exposure to radioactive mine waste, acid mine drainage, unprotected mine waste sites, and severe threats to underground water supplies. Disused and disowned One resident of Snake Park in Doornkop, Tiny Dlamini, said after the report was released: "The community did not know up until now, they are looking to Bench Marks and Lawyers for Human Rights to help." Dla...
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.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.