The General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa) has called for Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni to be fired for what they call callous and murderous remarks regarding illegal miners who are allegedly afraid to resurface in Stilfontein, North West.
TRAGIC
Ntshaveni said yesterday that the government was not going to help the miners resurface as they were criminals who needed to be prosecuted. She said, "We are not sending any help to criminals. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. We didn't send them there. They didn't go down there for the benefit or good intentions of the Republic, so we can't help. Those who want to help them must go and take the food down there. They will come out, and we will arrest them." In a statement, Giwusa said the illegal miners must be rescued. "We are extremely dismayed at the government's handling of the crisis and shocked at the dehumanisation and criminalisation of these artisanal miners who are victims of the ANC neoliberal austerity, which is responsible for the disastrous unemployment. The mining industry also abandoned these workers, communities and improperly closed shafts without any investment in robust and diverse local economies that can support just transition to sustainable post-mining communities," said Giwusa.
— Khumbudzo Ntshavheni (@Khu_Ntshavheni) November 14, 2024
UNACCEPTABLE
The union said they strongly condemn Minister Ntshavheni's statement. Giwusa added that they were appalled by Ntshaveni's blatant disregard for human life and contempt for black lives. "This is worthy of colonial and apartheid ministers and not elected representative of the black majority democratic government elevated to power by the struggle for human dignity, equality and justice. Her words reveal a disturbing lack of empathy and a misguided prioritisation of punishment over rescue efforts." Operation Vala Umgodi task team in North West has called for the zama zamas, who are still underground in the Stilfontein area, to return to the surface. They said in line with safeguarding lives, the SAPS and SANDF have allowed for water and food to be delivered to those underground yesterday so that they can safely resurface. Spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the police and other safety officials will remain in place in the North West until all illegal miners resurface and are arrested.
