Two illegal miners were rescued on Tuesday from the disused gold mines in Stilfontein, North West province, where hundreds of so-called zama zamas have been trapped underground for months. The rescue operation highlighted the dire conditions faced by these miners, who have been living in hazardous, cramped spaces, cut off from the outside world. The two men were discovered emerging from a deep mine shaft, but it was not just their physical condition that raised alarm—it was a small letter attached to one of them that provided a chilling glimpse into the grim reality underground.
The letter, written on a scrap of paper in isiXhosa, was addressed to those still trapped in the mines. It began with greetings and quickly shifted to a desperate request for supplies. The miners, who had been without proper sustenance for an extended period, asked for tobacco products, specifically a brand called “BB.” They also mentioned a critical shortage of food, indicating that supplies had run out deep within the mine shaft. The letter served as a stark reminder of the isolation and resource scarcity experienced by the zama zamas who make their perilous living in these abandoned mines.
This is not the first time that such letters have been discovered. Earlier reports revealed a similar plea from another miner who had emerged from the same area. In that letter, the miners had listed a variety of essential items they were lacking, including mayonnaise, washing powder, tomato sauce, beef, canned beans, soap, and deodorants. The letter painted a picture of their daily struggle for survival—relishes had run out, rice was gone, and even the basic paraffin needed to cook had been depleted. Their cry for help also included requests for more food, with an emphasis on beef and tinned fish to supplement their meagre rations.
The situation has become increasingly dire as the miners face extreme deprivation while remaining trapped underground. It is not just food and water that are in short supply. Reports indicate that the zama zamas are also desperately lacking in medical supplies, and their living conditions in the mines are contributing to the overall health crisis. Despite the risks posed by the unstable shafts and the hazardous environment, many continue to dig for gold in these illegal operations, driven by poverty and the promise of quick wealth, however illusory that may be.
Compounding the miners’ plight is the ongoing legal battle surrounding the provision of humanitarian aid to the zama zamas. Last week, the High Court in Pretoria ruled that the South African Police Service (SAPS) had violated a court order by blocking the delivery of food, water, and medical supplies to the miners. This order, which allowed community groups and charitable organisations to step in and provide aid, was a lifeline to those trapped underground. Yet, despite this court ruling, tensions between law enforcement and the communities involved in these efforts continue to escalate, further complicating the situation.
The community-based organisation, Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua), has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the zama zamas, pressing for access to food, water, and essential supplies. Their efforts have often been met with resistance from authorities, who are intent on cracking down on illegal mining activities. However, the letters from the miners tell a different story—a story of survival, desperation, and the need for urgent intervention. While the rescue of these two miners brings temporary relief, the ongoing crisis in Stilfontein is a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues surrounding illegal mining in South Africa, and the human cost of the country’s unregulated mining industry.
