Delving deep for a few cents or more
On a daily basis, these people face breaking the law to provide for their families. They know the risks, and accept that criminal charges are a very real possibility.
In their search for black gold, illegal mine workers at a coal mine in oSizweni are delving deeper and deeper into the realm of criminal activity.
Over the past two weeks, the Newcastle Advertiser has highlighted the human aspect of a mining operation which has provided bread, milk and life to families for more than three decades.
On a daily basis, these people face breaking the law to provide for their families. They know the risks, and accept that criminal charges are a very real possibility.
The mining operation contravenes a number of acts and legislation governing mining in South Africa. Foremost of these, is the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996, an act put into place to ensure the safety of miners in the country.
Paragraph five of chapter two of this act reads:
‘(2) To the extent that it is reasonably practicable, every manager must – (a) identify the relevant hazards and assess the related risks to which persons who are not employees may be exposed; and (b) ensure that persons who are not employees, but who may be directly affected by the activities at the mine, are not exposed to any hazards to their health and safety.’
A sub-note reads: ‘Negligent failure resulting in endangerment to a person at a mine is an offence.’
By this small section of the act alone, the government has enough grounds to shut the mine down immediately.
This mine not only contravenes this act, but dozens more controlling the mining and sale of natural resources.
The Advertiser has also highlighted the plight of Mzamo High School. The school is situated directly in the middle of the mine, with tunnels running underneath the school.
Some 1 300 pupils and more than 30 teachers face a very real threat of the building collapsing at any moment.
The mine has also been used as a duping ground for bodies and the area is notoriously dangerous at night. Advertiser journalists have been warned to never approach the mine alone or after dark.
Despite the danger, life continues as normal both for residents and mine workers.
“This practice is a serious problem in oSizweni, considering that these illegal miners are digging beneath one of the community schools and in so doing they put the safety of pupils and staff members at risk,” said Sahlulele Luzipo, chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Mineral Resources during a meeting on October 17.
Mr Luzipo has called for stakeholders to bring forward measures to ‘effectively deal with the illegal operation’ and what resources would be needed to do so.
