The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) has slammed government over its handling of the Stilfontein tragedy, saying it could have been prevented.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions is pursuing legal options to hold the government accountable for the deaths
Mndebele added that they acknowledge that “these poor black working-class men were working without proper regulations and state sanction in place”; it was only because the State failed to work with communities to create safe and regulated artisanal mining practices. “The murderous intent of Operation Vala Umgodi was finally brought to an end not through the goodwill of the state, but rather because we were finally able to obtain irrefutable evidence of the deaths and starvation which Operation Vala Umgodi produced,” he added.Mndebele added that the matter was avoidable, saying that the South African Police Service had numerous chances to prevent the crisis but failed to do so.
He added that they would observe to see how the State acted as if it had always cared and was willing to assist the miners. MACUA's comment about the State not caring was also echoed by a community member, who stated that government officials showed no empathy.The African Transformation Movement also laid the blame at the feet of the South African government.
“The ATM expresses deep concern regarding the ongoing illegal mining activities and the associated crises arising from ineffective governance and border control.“The recent rescue operations highlight a disaster that is largely a result of the negligence of the ruling ANC-DA led government, which has failed dismally to manage our borders adequately and address the challenges posed by abandoned mines,” the statement read.
Herman Mashaba North West Actionsa
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