Machinery Over Memory: When Mines Disrespect the Dead”

Zamokwakhe Shabalala

By: Zamokwakhe Shabalala

Machinery Over Memory: When Mines Disrespect the Dead”

Ikwezi Mine is continuing illegal prospecting in the Annandela community without consulting residents. Community members have observed trucks carrying heavy machinery near grave sites. When residents approached the mining site, they found that prospecting operations were already in place. The community tried to stop it that day.

Still, the following day, it continued under the watchful eye of Mbube security, which insisted that community members should not interfere with its operations. This did not end there; it was also seen in the Annandela area, where machinery was operating on private land( https://youtu.be/oYjAjjsMBhE ), prompting community members to call the newsroom, as they had been complaining without any response from the government. Currently, community members are not safe, as two leaders have already been shot. Chief Nyembe was shot by unknown people on the road leading to his relative’s funeral. He was shot during the first weekend of July.

Individuals not mentioned above oppose mining in their areas or disagree with their peers regarding mining issues.

All these people that I mentioned above are opposed to the entry of mines in the areas they inhabit, without allowing them to be consulted as landlords regarding land issues