A Zama Zama (illegal miner) has shared a tragic account of the underground accident that cost him both of his legs, saying, “I wish I’d died in that accident.” His emotional statement highlights the extreme risks illegal miners face in South Africa, where dangerous, unregulated mines are commonplace. The man’s life was forever changed after he was injured in a collapse while working in a deep, unstable tunnel, a place where safety measures are non-existent.
The Zama Zama industry in South Africa is driven by poverty and the desire for quick financial gain. Miners work in abandoned mines, extracting valuable minerals like gold, despite the high risk of tunnel collapses, exposure to toxic substances, and other dangers. Unfortunately, because these operations are illegal, miners have no legal protections or worker’s compensation when accidents occur, leaving them vulnerable and without support.
This particular miner’s heartbreaking words reflect not only the physical pain of losing his legs but the psychological toll of surviving such a traumatic event. For many Zama Zamas, the harsh reality of their situation becomes all too clear when faced with life-changing injuries, and the lack of alternative employment options makes it difficult to escape the cycle of dangerous work.
The incident underscores the urgent need for intervention. The government must address both the safety risks of illegal mining and the underlying poverty that drives people to risk their lives in such dangerous conditions. Until safer, more sustainable employment options are created, tragedies like this will continue to affect many more South Africans working in the shadows of the mining industry.
