Business in Stilfontein, North West, was thriving due to the activities of zama zamas, but the recent closure of an abandoned mine has left the community struggling. According to local resident Mahadio Mohapi, many people, especially vendors, were making good money from the zama zama miners, but now they are facing severe economic hardship. The closure has led to a dramatic rise in prices, with a loaf of bread now costing between R200 and R250.
Mahadio expressed frustration about the worsening poverty in the area, noting that many residents had relied on the business brought by the illegal miners to support their families. She emphasized that without any alternative job opportunities, the community is now left without a source of income. The closure, a result of Operation Vala Umgodi, has made survival even more difficult for locals.
Many residents feel that the government’s crackdown on zama zamas has negatively impacted their livelihoods. Mahadio suggested that the government should consider legalizing zama zama operations, as it would provide a regulated way for people to continue their work and support their families while addressing the mining issue more responsibly.
Activist Petrus Moshe echoed the sentiment, criticizing the approach taken by the government during the operation. He described the situation as heartbreaking, particularly when people lost their lives in the process. Moshe believes that instead of the harsh measures, the government should have focused on arrests rather than the violent consequences faced by many in the community.
