The escalating crisis of illegal mining in South Africa is fueled by high unemployment rates, according to the Bench-Marks Foundation. More than 1,500 illegal miners have been extracted from a shaft at the Stilfontein mine in the North West since November 2024, highlighting the dangerous reality of this widespread issue. The foundation argues that the government's failure to formalize the artisanal mining sector is a key contributing factor, leaving desperate individuals with few alternatives to survive. An anonymous illegal miner interviewed for the story underscores the desperation behind the dangerous practice, stating that these illegal shafts are vital for their livelihood and survival. Meanwhile, authorities in Limpopo province have taken action, arresting over 900 suspected illegal miners between December 2024 and January 2025.
Police surrounded a cage lowered underground to retrieve illegal miners at Stilfontein in the North West, in an image captured on 14 January 2025. The non-governmental organization, Bench-Marks Foundation, has attributed the escalation of illegal mining in the country to what it terms the government's failure to formalize the sector. More than 1,500 other illegal miners have been coming to the surface from a shaft at the mine since November last year.
David van Wyk, Lead Researcher at the foundation, says high unemployment levels are central to the problem. 'The high levels of unemployment in South Africa are central to the problem of why people risk their lives going underground in very dangerous situations to go for gold and other minerals underground to sell on the surface,' he explains. 'The Bench-Mark Foundation together with the Legal Resource Centre and the National Association of Artisanal Mining worked for three to four years in making inputs to that national policy on artisanal mining and we have hope that policy be released by now and implemented.' Meanwhile, an illegal miner who went underground in July last year and has opted to remain anonymous agrees with the foundation. 'These shafts surrounding Khuma will assist us because we depend on them, we pay our children's school fees through this illegal mining in order for them to survive as well. So, those shafts are important for us and I think they must be legalised so that we can survive because when they close them, it is going to be something else.' Meanwhile, more than 900 suspected illegal miners have been arrested in Limpopo between December 2024 and January 2025.
ILLEGAL MINING SOUTH AFRICA UNEMPLOYMENT GOVERNMENT ARRESTS
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Most Googled TV Shows in South Africa and Worldwide in 2024 RevealedGoogle search trends have unveiled the most popular TV shows of 2024, both in South Africa and globally. The top searched show in both countries is a miniseries exploring themes of stalking, trauma, and human relationships. Another show that made both lists is a returning series with a second season that premiered in June 2024.
Read more »
After a strong 2024 TCL has big plans for South AfricaAchieving a 26 percent growth across all MEA in 2024, TCL's presence in South Africa is only set to increase.
Read more »
South Africa's Bafana Bafana: Rising Stars Shine in 2024South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, enjoyed a successful 2024, thanks in part to the emergence of several promising young players. The team secured a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams proving instrumental in their victory over Cape Verde in a penalty shootout. Key midfielders like Yusuf Maart and Teboho Mokoena also impressed, attracting attention from European clubs. Other standout performers included the veteran Keagan Dolly, and rising talents like Phathutshedzo Nange, Miguel Timm, and Thalente Mbatha.
Read more »
South Africa Wins Six Medals at 2024 Paralympics in ParisSouth African para-athletes secured six medals, including two gold, at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Simoné Kruger won gold in the Women's Discus F38, breaking the Paralympic record, while Mpumelelo Mhlongo claimed bronze in the Men's 200m T44 and set a new world record. The team also achieved four Paralympic records and 14 African records.
Read more »
Cheslin Kolbe's 2024: A Year of Triumph and Pride for South AfricaThis article highlights the standout moments of Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe in 2024, showcasing his achievements both on and off the field.
Read more »
South Africa's 2024 Elections: A Historic Shift in PowerSouth Africa's 2024 elections saw the African National Congress (ANC) lose its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid. This historic outcome led to the formation of a coalition government and the rise of Jacob Zuma's MK Party as a significant opposition force.
Read more »