Federal Chair of the Democratic Alliance, Helen Zille, has called for empathy in addressing the plight of thousands of illegal miners trapped in disused mines in Stilfontein, North West.
The issue has sparked intense debate across South Africa after Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, stated that the government would not attempt to rescue the miners.
Instead, she said, the authorities would “smoke them out” and not assist criminals.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Cape Town, Ntshavheni firmly rejected providing any aid to the miners, emphasising that the government would not assist criminals.
Ntshavheni’s comments have sparked mixed reactions, with some backing her tough stance, while others, like Zille, have criticised the lack of empathy for families in North West seeking help for their trapped loved ones.
In a response on X to a post by Newzroom Afrika, Zille stressed the need for compassion.
Zille emphasised that the minister is addressing human beings facing a perilous, life-threatening situation and must be rescued.
While she acknowledged the need to arrest and prosecute them for breaking the law, she argued that they should not be left to perish in such horrific circumstances, questioning the principle of “Ubuntu”.
Families of the trapped miners, many of whom have not resurfaced for months, fear arrest due to the ongoing police operation, Vala Umgodi.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), with support from the SANDF, has blocked off access points where community members previously provided food and water to the miners, enabling them to continue their illegal operations.
A community member who ventured underground this week reported that some miners have died, and others are severely ill.
This representative estimates that around 4,500 miners remain trapped, and fearful of arrest if they attempt to resurface.
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has also weighed in on the issue.
In a statement on Thursday, AMCU president Joseph Mathunjwa criticised the government’s failure to manage the mining sector, suggesting that illegal miners are a product of state incompetence.
He argued that those seeking work in illegal mining cannot be blamed for trying to make a living in a sector riddled with neglect.
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