A Zama Zama who recently resurfaced from Stilfontein Mine shared a haunting account of the extreme measures some miners take in their fight for survival. Describing the difficult conditions underground, he explained that many miners, overwhelmed by hunger, resorted to eating unconventional food sources. In an effort to stay alive, they would consume parts of the body from those who tragically passed away in the mines, as they were unable to escape in time.
The miners would focus on those who had died recently, avoiding certain parts of the body. The Zama Zama described the situation as both surreal and heartbreaking, revealing the harsh reality that many faced underground, where the loss of life became an all-too-common occurrence. “People were passing away all the time, and we had to find ways to survive,” he said.
One miner, a 38-year-old father of six, shared his own personal story. He had entered the mines with the hope of earning enough money to provide for his children, working as a transporter to help people descend into the shafts. His first experience, however, was far from what he had imagined. Trapped underground during an operation called Vala Umgodi, he explained how he had to summon all his strength to endure the extreme conditions. “I’m thankful to be out and alive,” he said, recalling how staying awake for five days straight was essential to surviving.
The underground environment was fraught with challenges, including the constant danger of the mines and the overwhelming feeling of isolation. Another miner described encountering deceased individuals on his way up, a stark reminder of the perilous nature of the job. Despite the risks, miners were driven by a desperate desire for freedom and the hope of escaping their harsh circumstances.
For months, these men faced unimaginable hardships, eating whatever they could find just to stay alive. Two friends who spent five months underground only resurfaced on Christmas Day, after being trapped since July. One miner had gone down to earn money for his Code 14 license, while the other dreamed of becoming a security guard with a firearm permit. Their stories highlight the lengths to which individuals are willing to go in their search for a better life, despite the overwhelming challenges they face in the world of illegal mining.
