Operation Vala Umgodi, a joint initiative by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has ignited a fierce debate across the nation. The operation, which aims to curb illegal mining activities, has prohibited communities in and near abandoned mining shafts in Orkney from sending food, water, and other necessities to the trapped illegal miners, known as zama zamas. As a result, thousands of these miners remain underground without essential supplies, raising questions about whether they should be provided aid or left to emerge on their own.
The government’s stance on this issue is unequivocal. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni made it clear that no assistance would be provided to the illegal miners. “South Africans, you want us to send help to criminals? Honestly? We are not sending help to criminals. We’re going to smoke them out; they will come out,” Ntshavheni stated.
This hardline approach has sparked a range of reactions on social media. One user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed frustration, saying, “Zama zamas enter the country illegally, mine minerals illegally, carry illegal guns, bombs and knives, gang rape women and children, mug and murder people, and enter old mine shafts voluntarily. Then when they are stuck, we must show them humanity? F*** that.”
Another user commented, “For 4,500 zama zamas trapped in the belly of the earth in Krugersdorp, help is not coming.” Some individuals have criticized the government’s stance, calling it hypocritical given South Africa’s vocal support for human rights issues globally, such as the rights of Palestinians.
Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela weighed in on the issue, stating, “I understand her (Ntshavheni) to be saying the government will not send help down the shafts but will wait at the entrances to arrest the zama zamas. She further says if someone wants to help, they are free to go down.” Madonsela also questioned whether civil society should target mining companies that leave these places unrehabilitated and press them to assist in resolving the crime and safety issues that have emerged.
The situation remains dire, with an estimated 4,000 illegal miners still trapped underground in Stilfontein, North West. Reports indicate that several may have already died. Community members have volunteered to go underground in an attempt to rescue the trapped miners, as police say the conditions are too dangerous for them to enter.
North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed that police are working with community members to bring the illegal miners back to the surface. However, he emphasized that once the miners are safely above ground, they will face arrest. “We are working with them. We indicated last week that they must come forth and assist us to ensure these people come out. A volunteer went down, we were also there and part of everything that was happening,” Mokgwabone said.
“The volunteer estimated around 4,000 illegal miners still trapped underground, and it is apparent that some of them are not in good condition health-wise. We were also told that some have died. We cannot dispute the information. We are taking what he gave us. The main purpose for us to be here is to make sure we assist them to come out, but on the basis of their health condition, it is apparent that they must get something to give them strength to make sure we’re at least able to pull them up,” Mokgwabone added.
As the debate rages on, the humanitarian and legal implications of Operation Vala Umgodi continue to unfold. The government’s firm stance against aiding the illegal miners has highlighted the complexities of addressing illegal mining while balancing human rights and law enforcement.