Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
22 January 2025 | 14:00 CAT
2 min read

Public attitudes toward the Stilfontein tragedy highlight the fractures of an exasperated and broken society, coupled with what many describe as broken leadership. This is the view of Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi, whose opinion piece reflects on the growing cruelty and callousness among South Africans, driven by frustration with rampant lawlessness.

Zibi asserts that one of the things that is non-negotiable in South Africa—and anywhere in the world—is human dignity. “Even when we want law and order, when we want justice, we must always do it in a manner that protects or preserves human dignity. There is nothing honourable about somebody starving to death.”

When asked how the government is failing, Zibi did not hold back. “The first time I encountered this problem of illegal mining was in 2009 when I was in Parliament,” he said. “Firstly, government has done nothing to cap it all these years.”

He acknowledged the devastating impact of mass shootings, rapes, and robberies on communities but criticised the state’s approach to the Stilfontein tragedy. “That machine that was brought in so people could come to the surface should have been brought earlier. People should have had the option of getting on it or not,” Zibi explained.

He suggested alternative measures, such as offering suspended sentences for illegal miners willing to confess their involvement. “The criminals that control these operations are dangerous, and the workers—desperate for money—are also victims. We can’t treat them the same way we treat the masterminds of criminal syndicates,” he added.

Zibi warned against desensitisation to loss of life, emphasising, “If we numb ourselves to death and suffering, we will not have a society anymore.”

Speaking on rising anti-foreigner sentiment, a sensitive issue in South Africa, he said: “It’s understandable because South Africans are unemployed, hungry, and desperate. When that happens, people look for the ‘other’ who is taking opportunities or resources away.” While he sympathised with these frustrations, he stressed the importance of fixing the economy.

He emphasised that Government money must be used for the benefit of South Africans because it gets stolen and wasted. “That’s why I do the job I do in Parliament as chairperson of SCOPA. We must grow this economy so that South Africans can get decent, safe work that allows them to earn a living wage. If we do that, xenophobia gets better because there’s hope for the future,” he said.

Zibi highlighted the harmful rhetoric of politicians as a major contributor to societal tension. “They weaponise frustration. They use language that borders on violence. Before civil society acts, politicians need to mind their language. Words matter. You can talk tough, but you do not have to dehumanise,” he said.

As for civil society, he called for action to address misinformation and stereotypes. “We must explain to South Africans that these are human beings with dignity. But secondly, we must take tough action against criminals, whoever they may be. If they happen to not be South African, they must go through the same tough treatment as South Africans so we can have safe communities. It’s not about where you come from,” Zibi said.

Zibi’s reflections offer a sobering reminder of the work required to mend the country’s social fabric and ensure that humanity and justice coexist in the pursuit of law and order.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi, here.