(File: AP Photo)

Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
18 January 2025 |10:30 CAT
2 min read

Rescue operations at the Buffelsfontein mine in Stilfontein have officially concluded, with 78 bodies recovered and 246 miners rescued alive. The death toll, including earlier discoveries, has risen to a devastating 87. Some remains could not be retrieved due to hazardous conditions underground, but authorities have pledged to continue efforts in the days ahead to recover them.

Speaking about the tragedy on Radio Islam, Sabelo Mnguni, national administrator of Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), acknowledged the rescue team’s efforts, saying, “We welcomed and appreciated the effort that was done by the Mine Rescue Services team. They were very effective and dedicated to what they were doing.”

Mnguni emphasised the importance of accountability, noting that tragedies like this are rooted in systemic failures. “Such situations are created by the lack of proper mine closure by mining companies and the state’s failure to follow up with mining companies to ensure they do proper mine closure,” he said.

He highlighted the role of legislation in mining operations, particularly the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), which mandates community development, proper mine decommissioning, and rehabilitation. “The lesson in Stilfontein is that the continuous neglect of mine closure creates an environment where we find ourselves dealing with illegal mining,” he added.

Discussing the plight of zama zamas—artisanal miners who operate in abandoned mines—Mnguni pointed out that these miners are often victims of systemic neglect. “The reality is that the state and these corporations have to ensure that mining communities and their children don’t see underground as their only future,” he said. He called for the provision of socioeconomic opportunities to break this cycle of dependency.

Mnguni criticised the lack of support for artisanal miners, referencing a stalled pilot project aimed at formalising artisanal mining. He explained that the state created a policy, but when you look at it, it continues to economically exclude those who are disadvantaged. He also highlighted the need for a shift in perspective about illegality in mining. “If a commercial mine violates environmental and mining conditions, isn’t that illegal? But illegality seems to only exist at the lower class, the working class,” he argued.

The Buffelsfontein mine tragedy underscores the urgent need for accountability, better enforcement of regulations, and efforts to uplift mining-affected communities. Mnguni hopes to see the sector being decriminalised and legalised.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and MACUA’s Sabelo Mnguni, here.