Illegal miners, commonly known as *zama zamas*, in Stilfontein, North West, have made an urgent plea to the authorities for Antiretroviral (ARV) medication. This call comes as a response to their desperate situation underground, where they remain trapped in abandoned mine shafts. The request was submitted to authorities on November 18, 2024, and has prompted a response from the South African Police Service (SAPS), who have agreed to provide the necessary medication to the miners.
The miners’ plight gained further attention when the North Gauteng High Court intervened. On November 16, the court issued an interim order, which ruled that the shafts could not be blocked by any institution, including government bodies. This order has given the miners some hope, as it ensures that any necessary provisions, such as ARVs, would be supplied in a manner that prioritizes their safety and health.
**ARV Medication Critical for Survival**
Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, acknowledged the court’s ruling and emphasized the importance of providing the required medical treatment. She clarified that if ARVs are part of the miners’ requests, their delivery will be coordinated carefully to meet their urgent needs. The decision to send the medication is seen as a crucial step to ensure the miners’ well-being while they remain underground.
While many view the zama zamas as criminals, the community of Khuma, where Stilfontein is located, sees them differently. Local resident Manana Mosostho shared her perspective, explaining that many miners resort to illegal mining out of desperation, as there are few job opportunities in the area. “I have a neighbor who is currently underground. He is a foreigner but one of us, and he resorted to illegal mining to provide for his family,” said Mosostho. She added that the government’s failure to create alternative employment has led many to turn to this dangerous and unlawful activity.
**A Community in Crisis**
The closure of unused mine shafts has led to growing frustration in the Khuma community. Many residents believe that cutting off this source of income will only drive them deeper into poverty. “If they close these shafts, then what must happen to us? Crime will increase, and people will be forced to find other ways to survive,” said Mosostho. Indeed, since the government started closing the mine shafts, there has been a noticeable spike in crime, including housebreakings, in the area.
Residents argue that illegal mining, though unlawful, was a means of survival in a community plagued by unemployment. They feel abandoned by the government and fear that without alternative avenues for income, crime will continue to rise.
**Rescue Efforts Underway**
On November 19, 2024, a rescue operation was launched to retrieve the hundreds of miners still trapped underground. Authorities are working to safely bring them to the surface, but the situation remains dire. While the miners await rescue, the community continues to grapple with the economic and social consequences of illegal mining activities.
The ongoing crisis in Stilfontein highlights the broader issues of unemployment, poverty, and the lack of government support for vulnerable communities. As the zama zamas plead for life-saving ARVs, their story raises important questions about the role of the state in addressing the needs of its citizens, particularly those who are forced to survive on the margins of society.