UASA Media Release: 01 August 2023
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA calls on government and the security cluster to step in and do more to protect fellow South Africans against the scourge of the zama zamas (illegal miners) in Gauteng and other provinces.
With experts linking the recent underground explosion in the Johannesburg CBD that claimed a life, the explosion in Bramfisherville, Soweto, where another life was lost, and the closure of one lane of Miles Stoker Road in Roodepoort because of a huge sinkhole, to illegal mining it is clear that residents’ lives are in danger.
UASA joins the chorus demanding stricter laws to deal with the issues of illegal mining. Despite many such callouts, absolutely nothing has been done.
Illegal miners, selling their ill-gotten goods through the black market, sabotage our economy, robbing it of income while no taxes are being paid or proper protocol followed.
We remind government and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) yet again of their duty to protect South Africans against these crimes and economic sabotage.
Criminals who stand in the way of economic growth and pose harm to the citizens must be prosecuted.
UASA encourages workers to report any illegal mining activities and irregularities to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. We demand that the authorities act on the reports without hesitation. The safety of South Africans living in the affected areas must be a top priority.
No South African should be subjected to the risk of illegal explosions, sinkholes and collapsing infrastructure. The gangster kingpins of illegal mining must be stopped in their tracks.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.