Here is what we know:

– Over 1200 informal miners, known as “Zama Zama,” are currently trapped in a disused mine in Stilfontein, South Africa.
– More than 100 miners have lost their lives in the mine.
– The miners have been trapped underground for many weeks now.
– ⁠reports of serious cannibalism were reported
– ⁠ANC did not care or looked worried .
– ⁠families were destroyed
– ⁠gross human rights abuse by the Cyril Ramaphosa Led GNU.

The tragic incident in Stilfontein, South Africa, where a group of self-employed miners, known as “Zama Zama,” lost their lives in a disused mine, has once again exposed the deep-seated inequalities and injustices that plague the country. These informal miners, who risk life and limb to eke out a living, are a testament to the failed promises of democracy and the lingering shadows of apartheid.

In South Africa, human rights seem to be a luxury reserved for the privileged few. The country’s Constitution enshrines the rights to life, dignity, and equality, but these rights are consistently denied to the poor and vulnerable. The Zama Zama miners, who toil in dangerous conditions without access to basic safety equipment or protections, are a stark reminder of this shameful inequality.

The government’s failure to address the plight of these informal miners is a betrayal of its constitutional obligations to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens. Instead, the state seems more concerned with protecting the interests of the wealthy and powerful.

This is not just an economic issue; it is a human rights crisis. The South African government’s inability to ensure that all citizens enjoy equal access to human rights is a damning indictment of its failure to uphold the principles of democracy and equality.

The Marikana massacre, in which 34 striking miners were killed by police in 2012, was a watershed moment in South Africa’s post-apartheid history. It exposed the deep-seated tensions and inequalities that continue to simmer beneath the surface. The Stilfontein incident is a painful reminder that, despite the promises of democracy and freedom, the country still has a long way to go in addressing its apartheid legacy.

The South African government must take concrete steps to address the systemic inequalities and injustices that perpetuate poverty, unemployment, and human rights abuses. This includes providing support and protections for informal miners, investing in education and healthcare, and promoting economic empowerment and land reform.

Until then, the deaths of the Zama Zama miners will remain a stark reminder of the country’s unfinished business and the need for a more just and equitable society.

Disclaimer: These are the opinions of The Zambezi Institute, a non-profit NGO based in New York, US.