The curious case of the Zama Zama’s – What should the South African government do?

by Nomonde Simelane

The term Zama Zama describes illegal artisanal miners who occupy both closed and operational mines to mine for various minerals in South Africa, they are known for their use of undeveloped tools and explosives. Operation Vala Umgodi is an initiative aimed at combating the terrorism brought about by this group of miners to communities and has resulted in the entrapment of approximately 4500 Zama Zamas, leaving the government uncertain of how to proceed.

The Zama Zama’s are notorious for their lawlessness and disregard for the livelihoods of community members, which has garnered resistance from these communities who are desperate to live a life free of fear of the artisanal miners. Operation ‘Vala umgodi’ which translates to ‘close the hole’, is a movement that was started to combat the mining-related crimes, which have gone unchecked by the authorities as well as the government.

According to the South African government, hundreds of illegal miners in Sillfontein, North West have resurfaced in recent days, as a result of Operation Vala Umgodi, however, a significant number still remain trapped underground without any essentials such as food and water. The state of the miners is reportedly dire as they continue to grow weaker with each day that passes, some unfortunately having succumbed to starvation and dehydration have died underground, as reported by community members who have witnessed this themselves.

Although authorities are monitoring the entry and exit points, the government along with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have held off on any rescue missions due to the possible danger involved. The lack of affirmative action from the government has caused commotion within the country, as citizens go back and forth about what the government’s next steps should be.

On one side, some citizens have highlighted that it is in fact the government’s responsibility to ensure the safe return of the Zama Zama’s, and once that has been done, only then can the miners face the full wrath of the law. Furthermore, these users bring light to the inhumane nature that these miners are being subjected to, and urge the South African government to act in the interest of the Zama Zama’s before it is too late.

Contrarily, the opposing side, including Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, argue that the Zama Zama’s have not only been terrorising communities for years now but have also entered the country illegally to further commit more crimes once inside. These users empathise with members of communities in mining towns where the Zama Zamas are known to rape and kill vulnerable people.

“South Africans, you want us to send help to criminals? You want us to send help to criminals? Honestly? We are not sending help to we’re going to smoke them out they will come out,” says Khumbudzo.

As the story continues to develop, many eyes in the world are now on mzansi and the government, as many wait in anticipation for the next step. The government’s decision is not to be taken lightly as it will also affect South Africa’s standing in international relations.

Also see: SAFA President Danny Jordaan facing jail time for fraud