This is according to Jabu Mahlangu of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco).

Mahlangu says the number of illegal miners who die at mines is on the rise. He says it is appalling that the government seems to be dragging their feet in addressing the problem. 

Mahlangu says they are saddened by the deaths of 29 illegal miners at Harmony Gold’s Eland mine in Welkom in the Free State, after a gas explosion on Thursday last week. He says the mining ministry should account for that.

“Our view is that the minister must actually take appropriate measures. We are appalled that up to now this continues to happen and there is no decisive action to curb and stop things that can be stopped. Our view has been that they must shut down these mines, and make sure that they are inaccessible, because they are not in operation.”

Mahlangu says the owners of the mines should also be held accountable along with the Minister of Mineral Resources. 

“If you apply for a mining licence and you reach a stage where you can think you can no longer draw resources out of that, then surely you should have made certain arrangements when you were granted the application that at the conclusion of the work you will make sure that the place is safe.” He says as much as the miners should also take some responsibility, it is appropriate for the relevant authorities to be charged.  

OFM News/ Katleho Morapela