ActionSA is deeply concerned by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government’s recent prioritisation of rescuing 150 illegal miners, commonly referred to as zama zamas, trapped in a disused mine in Sabie. While we believe in the sanctity of human life and commend the efforts to save lives, this incident underscores a glaring hypocrisy that must be called out.
Earlier this week, ActionSA Parliamentary Leader, Athol Trollip MP, directly confronted Minister Gwede Mantashe, asking “Nizabakhupha nini?” (When will you retrieve them?) regarding the retrieval of the remains of the three Lily Miners – Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi, and Solomon Nyirenda.
For eight years, the families of these workers have endured unbearable heartache as their loved ones remain trapped underground. Despite repeated calls for intervention, the government has failed to take decisive action to retrieve their remains and bring closure to their families.
This inaction has been a stain on the conscience of our nation and an insult to the principles of justice and human dignity.
The swift mobilisation to rescue zama zamas starkly contrasts with the government’s sluggishness in addressing the Lily Mine Tragedy. This double standard sends a clear message: the lives and dignity of law-abiding, hard-working South Africans are less important than those of illegal miners operating outside the scope of the law. Such an approach is unacceptable and undermines public trust in the government’s commitment to equal treatment and accountability.
Zama zamas are guilty of terrorising our communities and looting this nation of its resources. They have caused widespread harm and devastation in communities where they operate. They have been linked to violent crimes, including murder and rape, instilling fear and insecurity among residents.
Their operations have disrupted local economies, destroyed infrastructure, and compromised community safety. Families live in constant fear, unable to protect their loved ones from the violence and lawlessness perpetuated by these criminal activities. Despite these atrocities, the government’s apparent prioritisation of their rescue over the Lily retrieval is deeply concerning.
Unfortunately, the question must be asked: Are we really letting people come into our country illegally, loot this nation’s resources, murder, rape, and kill the women and children of this Republic, and spread fear amongst communities?
The Lily Mine tragedy is not just a matter of lost lives; it is a symbol of the government’s neglect and the erosion of justice. The continued inaction in retrieving the three miners is reflective of a sheer lack of political will and empathy for the plight of ordinary citizens who seek only what is fair and just.
ActionSA demands that the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and the national leadership take immediate steps to recover the remains of three miners trapped in Lily Mine. Resources and expertise exist; what is missing is the political determination to act. By continuing to ignore the Lily Mine victims in Barberton and rescuing illegal miners in Sabie, it raised serious questions about the government’s priorities and principles.
The families of Yvonne Mnisi, Pretty Nkambule, and Solomon Nyirenda deserve justice, closure, and dignity. It is time for the government to show that it values the lives and contributions of all South Africans equally, without favour or prejudice. Let us honour those who have suffered and ensure that such injustices are never repeated.
ActionSA Deeply Concerned About Government Prioritising Zama Zamas Over Lily Mine Victims
ActionSA is deeply concerned by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government’s recent prioritisation of rescuing 150 illegal miners, commonly referred to as zama zamas, trapped in a disused mine in Sabie. While we believe in the sanctity of human life and commend the efforts to save lives, this incident underscores a glaring hypocrisy that must be called out.
Earlier this week, ActionSA Parliamentary Leader, Athol Trollip MP, directly confronted Minister Gwede Mantashe, asking “Nizabakhupha nini?” (When will you retrieve them?) regarding the retrieval of the remains of the three Lily Miners – Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi, and Solomon Nyirenda.
For eight years, the families of these workers have endured unbearable heartache as their loved ones remain trapped underground. Despite repeated calls for intervention, the government has failed to take decisive action to retrieve their remains and bring closure to their families.
This inaction has been a stain on the conscience of our nation and an insult to the principles of justice and human dignity.
The swift mobilisation to rescue zama zamas starkly contrasts with the government’s sluggishness in addressing the Lily Mine Tragedy. This double standard sends a clear message: the lives and dignity of law-abiding, hard-working South Africans are less important than those of illegal miners operating outside the scope of the law. Such an approach is unacceptable and undermines public trust in the government’s commitment to equal treatment and accountability.
Zama zamas are guilty of terrorising our communities and looting this nation of its resources. They have caused widespread harm and devastation in communities where they operate. They have been linked to violent crimes, including murder and rape, instilling fear and insecurity among residents.
Their operations have disrupted local economies, destroyed infrastructure, and compromised community safety. Families live in constant fear, unable to protect their loved ones from the violence and lawlessness perpetuated by these criminal activities. Despite these atrocities, the government’s apparent prioritisation of their rescue over the Lily retrieval is deeply concerning.
Unfortunately, the question must be asked: Are we really letting people come into our country illegally, loot this nation’s resources, murder, rape, and kill the women and children of this Republic, and spread fear amongst communities?
The Lily Mine tragedy is not just a matter of lost lives; it is a symbol of the government’s neglect and the erosion of justice. The continued inaction in retrieving the three miners is reflective of a sheer lack of political will and empathy for the plight of ordinary citizens who seek only what is fair and just.
ActionSA demands that the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and the national leadership take immediate steps to recover the remains of three miners trapped in Lily Mine. Resources and expertise exist; what is missing is the political determination to act. By continuing to ignore the Lily Mine victims in Barberton and rescuing illegal miners in Sabie, it raised serious questions about the government’s priorities and principles.
The families of Yvonne Mnisi, Pretty Nkambule, and Solomon Nyirenda deserve justice, closure, and dignity. It is time for the government to show that it values the lives and contributions of all South Africans equally, without favour or prejudice. Let us honour those who have suffered and ensure that such injustices are never repeated.