Campaign to raise funds for trapped Stilfontein illegal miners gains momentum
The efforts come after law enforcement cut off food, water and medical supplies to the disused shaft in a bid to clamp down on illegal mining in the area.
Fourteen illegal miners resurfaced from shaft 10 in Stilfontein on 25 November 2024. Picture: EWN/Katlego Jiyane
STILFONTEIN - A campaign to raise funds for illegal miners occupying an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein has hit the quarter mark as NGOs and lobby groups rally behind zama zamas. Earlier this week, a back-a-buddy campaign was launched with a R200,000 target to raise funds for emergency relief for the illegal miners.
The efforts come after law enforcement cut off food, water and medical supplies to the disused shaft in a bid to clamp down on illegal mining in the area.
The move sparked outrage among some human rights groups who have accused government of violating the zama zamas right to life.
READ: Police Minister Mchunu found in contempt of court order regarding aid for illegal Stilfontein miners
More than two months after police and the army intensified Operation Vala Umgodi, illegal miners underground at the Buffelsfontein gold mine are relying on good samaritans to send humanitarian aid.
This includes packs of water and instant porridge.
While police have warned this will prolong the operation to extract the illegal miners from the shaft, NGOs and lobby groups don’t believe this is getting in the way of government’s plans to shutdown illegal mining networks.
READ: 9th body of illegal miner retrieved in Stilfontein
In four days, R50,000 has been raised for the illegal miners.
So far, the campaign has 58 unique donors, with the highest single donor adding R10,000 to the fund.
Other anonymous donors have donated in US dollars.
The Mining Affected Communities United in Action and the General Workers Union of South Africa are expected to continue allocating resources for the illegal miners.