Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the South African Minister in the Presidency, has come under fire after making controversial remarks about illegal miners trapped underground in Stilfontein, North West. In a statement that has sparked widespread outrage, Ntshavheni declared that the government would not intervene to assist the miners, instead vowing to “smoke them out.”
“The government will not be sending help to criminals,” she said. “We are going to smoke them out. They will come out. Criminals must face prosecution, not aid.”
Her comments have ignited a storm of reactions, with many accusing her of lacking compassion for the families of the miners, who are believed to be trapped in abandoned mine shafts following a police operation that severed their supply lines. The miners, often referred to as “zama zamas,” have been left without food and water, raising concerns about their safety and wellbeing.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) condemned the Minister’s remarks, with acting deputy general secretary Phillip Mankge calling them “inhumane and reckless.” Mankge stressed that the government should prioritize rescuing the miners rather than treating them solely as criminals.
Meanwhile, the community in Stilfontein has taken matters into their own hands, with local residents mobilizing to provide resources and manpower for the rescue efforts. Thousands of people are believed to be trapped underground, and community members have staged protests, holding signs such as “Black Lives Matter” and “Free Our Brothers,” urging the government to take action.
The incident has brought the issue of illegal mining to the forefront, raising questions about the balance between law enforcement and humanitarian concerns. While illegal mining remains a significant problem in South Africa, critics argue that the government’s approach should also focus on the welfare of the miners and the broader socio-economic conditions that lead many to risk their lives in hazardous mining operations.
