stilfonteinlatest news & developments
Its failure to protect artisanal miners in Stilfontein shows that it is toothless and needs an overhaul to address structural weaknesses. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

The Human Rights Commission is not fulfilling its mandate

Its failure to protect artisanal miners in Stilfontein shows that it is toothless and needs an overhaul to address structural weaknesses

6 min read
According to Minister Ntshavheni, the miners were stuck in the depths of the earth, which was their own doing, and the state would not be involved in any rescue of “criminals”.

Stilfontein miners have human rights just like you, Minister Ntshavheni

Marikana was a precursor to Stifontein and show the lengths to which the state would go to punish people in protection of corporate interests, particularly in the mining industry

  • Eyaaz
5 min read
There are thought to be at least 50 000 informal miners working underground in South Africa. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Zama zamas on the agenda at alternative mining indaba

There are thought to be at least 50 000 informal miners working underground in South Africa

  • Umamah Bakharia
4 min read
The crisis at a disused gold mine in Stilfontein, North West, which has dragged on for months, has tested the ability of the government to curb illegal mining through Operation Vala Umgodi.. (File photo AP)

Survivors, corpses pulled from Stilfontein mine in ongoing operation

Since the start of operations to clear the mine, explosives, firearms, R52.49 million in cash, refined gold and gold-bearing material has been seized

  • Des Erasmus
2 min read
The tragedy of miners trapped underground and the police’s Operation Vala Umgodi is an all-time low for human rights – the government of national unity must act now

Stilfontein miners: ‘It was not an illness that killed them. It was starvation’

The tragedy of miners trapped underground and the police’s Operation Vala Umgodi is an all-time low for human rights – the government of national unity must act now

  • Eyaaz
7 min read
Digging deep: Residents of the township of Khuma, near the Buffelsfontein mine in Stilfontein, North West, where zama zamas are trapped underground, say they are suffering economically after a police operation shut down illegal mining activity. Photo: Lunga Mzangwe

Stilfontein: Zama zamas are humans entitled to the right to life

The single narrative of these miners as criminals in mainstream and social media ‘makes our recognition of our equal humanity difficult’

  • Eyaaz
8 min read
Time running out: Relatives are desperately trying to rescue the scores of illegal artisanal miners who became trapped when a mine shaft in Krugersdorp was flooded. Photo: Fani Mahuntsi/Getty Images

‘I’m fighting for my sons’ lives,’ says father of trapped illegal miners in Krugersdorp

The relatives of illegal artisanal miners who are trapped underground in in a flooded mine shaft say that the authorities have failed to help them

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read
Digging deep: Residents of the township of Khuma, near the Buffelsfontein mine in Stilfontein, North West, where zama zamas are trapped underground, say they are suffering economically after a police operation shut down illegal mining activity. Photos: Lunga Mzangwe

Local economy reels from police blockade of Stilfontein mine

Illegal miners want the state to legalise their operations as it is the only way for them to earn a living

  • Eyaaz
9 min read
Police have cut water and food supplies to the miners, insisting that they will not negotiate with ‘criminals

Police make community rescuers at Stilfontein sign indemnity forms before helping trapped miners

Police have cut water and food supplies to the miners, insisting that they will not negotiate with ‘criminals’

  • Eyaaz
7 min read