Operation to stop illegal mining

Petrus Moshe

The begging of November was really sad for the Zama Zamas in Klerksdorp, North western
in Orkney and Stilfontein. The department of Immigrants, Police, and South African Defense
Force have launched a searching campaign whereby over one thousand Zama zamas
handed themselves over to the police from underground.

The campaign has been declared and launched officially by the President after barbaric
actions and killings directed as a result of illegal mining around the country, especially here
in the North West province.

In fact, the Zamas Zamas have historical connection with the discovery of mining in South
Africa particularly for Gold and Diamond during 1870, here in Klerksdorp, amongst
Stilfontein, Okney and Hartbeesfontein. This immigration of mine workers as cheaper labor
was to stimulate an economic activity for the colonialists.

Today, many mines are closed here. Hence, they are still here.
However, today the same people whom are our brothers are not treated fairly well.
It is not surprising that on the 05/11/2024 the Stilfontein Regional Court was full in capacity
after more than 500 illegal miners appeared in Court. They are coming from countries such
as Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique and Malawi.

This operation of valu umgodi whereby the Zama Zama are treated like animals and close
like this, it is inhuman. I believe criminality is being associated the enforcement must take
place, but not generalized not all Zama zamas are bad and committing crime.