Re: Tragedy in Stilfontein: A Consequence of Systemic Failure
We are deeply disturbed by the tragic incident of the Stilfontein illegal miners trapped in the
abandoned mines. Our hearts go out to the families of the miners who lost their lives in the
avoidable disaster.
The incident lays bare the failures of the government to rehabilitate closed mines, leaving desperate
communities to resort to illegal mining. We stand in solidarity with these communities, who are
driven by poverty and unemployment to risk their lives in treacherous conditions.
It is unacceptable that the capitalist mining interest continue to profit from the labor of these
miners, while the government fails to provide alternatives livelihoods and adequate regulation. The
crisis of unemployment and poverty that drives illegal mining is a stark reminder of the systematic
failures of our economy.
Furthermore, the incident highlights the failure of the justice system in South Africa, which has
consistently failed to hold accountable those responsible for the deaths and suffering of miners.
We extend our message of support to all the affected communities and express our solidarity with
organizations working tirelessly to retrieve those trapped underground. We demand urgent action
from the government to address the root cause of illegal mining, provide support to affected
communities and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.
For more information, please contact
- Mooketsi Diba: B.U.M Spokesperson 0732179686
- Khokhoma Motsi: B.U.M Coordinator 0734907623
- Kenny Phaoane: B.U.M Chairperson 0736217616
BOTSHABELO UNEMPLOYED MOVEMENT
1230 SECTION E
BOTSHABELO
9781
mooketsidibs@gmail.com/ tphaoane@yahoo.com
0732179686 /0736217616
