DA calls on Ramaphosa to conduct a commission of inquiry into Stilfontein

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to conduct a commission of inquiry for the disaster unfolding at the Buffelsfontein mine in Stilfontein, in the North West.

This follows the recovery of 78 bodies that were found in the abandoned mine this week.

The DA said that key issues needed to be addressed in the investigation and recommendations made to prevent similar disasters in the future.

The party's mineral and petroleum resources spokesperson, James Lorimer, added that they wanted the commission to investigate the impact of zama zama operations in different industries.

"We set out terms of reference which we think an independent inquiry should look into. These include terms of reference, the role of government agencies, an examination of the actions or failures of government bodies like law enforcement and the department."

Meanwhile, the Good Party said it supported the DA's call for the president to form a commission of inquiry into the Stilfontein mine crisis.

Good's Brett Herron said that government's delay to respond to the crisis was unconstitutional and cost lives.  

"The party calls on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to ensure that law enforcement focuses its attention on the illegal mining kingpins who abuse the desperation of others for illicit financial gains and put our communities at risk. Government has failed to tackle the underlying socio-economic issues that contribute to illegal mining."