Illegal mining took a brief centre stage at the recent Ekurhuleni metro council meeting when the DA presented a motion aimed at addressing the issue.

The motion was, however, rejected by the speaker, resulting in the DA slamming the EFF/ANC-led coalition government.

According to the DA leader in the city, Tania Campbell, the DA presented the motion in council to apply political pressure on the government to take bold and decisive steps in addressing the illegal mining activities in Ekurhuleni.

She said it results in the loss of lives in communities, damage to infrastructure and damage to the economy.

“Our motion aimed to compel the city to initiate the establishment of a multi-disciplinary task team with all spheres of government to eradicate illegal mining and empower the EMPD visible policing patrols in communities where illegal mining is prevalent,” said Campbell.

“Residents in affected communities are calling for action against zama zamas as they continue to conduct illegal mining activities seemingly unabated and unchallenged.”

She also pointed out that the DA has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office requesting action, and that they ‘will not stop until this matter is given the urgency it deserves’.

“We believe this is a national crisis that needs to be addressed and tackled by all three spheres of government.

“It is appalling that instead of debating and adopting this crucial motion in council, the ANC and EFF cronies disrupted the house, and placed the responsibility of illegal mining at a national level before the speaker rejected the motion.

“It is time to put the residents first! We cannot play political games while people lose their lives, and our infrastructure is destroyed.”

Bedfordview and Edenvale News reached out to the mayoral office for comment, but no response has been received yet.