South Africa's government is under scrutiny following a tragic incident at an abandoned mine in Stilfontein, where at least 78 bodies have been recovered this week. The clampdown on illegal mining led to hundreds of miners being trapped underground without access to food and water, resulting in a devastating loss of life.
Rescuers have been working tirelessly to save those still trapped underground, with over 166 individuals rescued alive so far. However, more than 100 are feared dead due to starvation and dehydration. The Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has condemned the government's actions, labeling the situation as an 'unfolding massacre.'
SAFTU highlighted that many of the affected miners were undocumented workers from neighboring countries, left to perish in appalling conditions due to what they described as state negligence. The Democratic Alliance (DA) also criticized the government's response, questioning why the situation was allowed to escalate to such a tragic extent.
A video captured by one of the miners revealed the grim reality underground, with bodies wrapped in plastic and emaciated survivors barely clinging to life. SAFTU expressed outrage at the lack of humanity displayed by the authorities, emphasizing that the miners' desperate circumstances did not warrant such a cruel fate.
Despite warnings from SAFTU about the potential for a catastrophe, the government opted to cut off vital supplies to force the miners out and crack down on illegal mining activities. South Africa loses billions annually to illegal mining and has vowed to take a tough stance against this illicit trade, which involves an estimated 100,000 artisanal miners known as 'zama zamas.'
The incident at the Stilfontein mine serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by those engaged in illegal mining, driven by poverty and desperation. As the nation mourns the lives lost in this tragedy, calls for accountability and compassion towards vulnerable workers grow louder.
