ActionSA is deeply concerned about the ongoing delays in delivering justice and closure for the victims of the Lily Mine tragedy, more than eight years after the mine collapse.
Despite numerous promises and commitments, there has been no tangible progress for the families of the three missing employees or the broader community affected by this tragic event. The recent statement from the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Petroleum does little to inspire confidence, as previous assurances have repeatedly failed to materialise.
We question the sincerity of these “renewed efforts”, as they echo many broken promises that have left families in limbo for far too long. While the Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum (DMPR) has welcomed Vantage Goldfield’s request for additional time to secure funding to reopen the mine, this only prolongs the agony of the families who have been waiting for nearly a decade.
Furthermore, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is in breach of a court order to criminally charge those responsible, yet there has been no action or accountability. We demand answers from the committee and ask: What is being done about the NPA’s failure to comply with a legal directive? This is blatant disregard for the rule of law and is unacceptable, and the families deserve justice.
We also note the committee’s shifting stance on the issue of expropriating the mine. Initially, the resolution was to expropriate the mine with reasonable representation. However, the committee has now taken a different approach, raising serious concerns about the credibility of these processes and further eroding the trust of the affected families.
ActionSA stands with the victims and their families and calls for immediate action as follows:
– The NPA must fulfil its legal obligations and criminally charge those responsible.
– The Portfolio Committee must ensure that all steps are taken to recover the missing employees and hold the responsible parties accountable.
– The government must honour its commitments and provide closure to the families, rather than allowing this tragic situation to continue without resolution.
The time for talk is over. We demand action, justice, and closure for the Lily Mine Victims and their families.
ActionSA Raises Concerns Over Delays in Justice for Lily Mine Victims
ActionSA is deeply concerned about the ongoing delays in delivering justice and closure for the victims of the Lily Mine tragedy, more than eight years after the mine collapse.
Despite numerous promises and commitments, there has been no tangible progress for the families of the three missing employees or the broader community affected by this tragic event. The recent statement from the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Petroleum does little to inspire confidence, as previous assurances have repeatedly failed to materialise.
We question the sincerity of these “renewed efforts”, as they echo many broken promises that have left families in limbo for far too long. While the Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum (DMPR) has welcomed Vantage Goldfield’s request for additional time to secure funding to reopen the mine, this only prolongs the agony of the families who have been waiting for nearly a decade.
Furthermore, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is in breach of a court order to criminally charge those responsible, yet there has been no action or accountability. We demand answers from the committee and ask: What is being done about the NPA’s failure to comply with a legal directive? This is blatant disregard for the rule of law and is unacceptable, and the families deserve justice.
We also note the committee’s shifting stance on the issue of expropriating the mine. Initially, the resolution was to expropriate the mine with reasonable representation. However, the committee has now taken a different approach, raising serious concerns about the credibility of these processes and further eroding the trust of the affected families.
ActionSA stands with the victims and their families and calls for immediate action as follows:
– The NPA must fulfil its legal obligations and criminally charge those responsible.
– The Portfolio Committee must ensure that all steps are taken to recover the missing employees and hold the responsible parties accountable.
– The government must honour its commitments and provide closure to the families, rather than allowing this tragic situation to continue without resolution.
The time for talk is over. We demand action, justice, and closure for the Lily Mine Victims and their families.