Marikana was a precursor to Stifontein and show the lengths to which the state would go to punish people in protection of corporate interests, particularly in the mining industry
There are thought to be at least 50 000 informal miners working underground in South Africa
Since the start of operations to clear the mine, explosives, firearms, R52.49 million in cash, refined gold and gold-bearing material has been seized
The tragedy of miners trapped underground and the police’s Operation Vala Umgodi is an all-time low for human rights – the government of national unity must act now
The single narrative of these miners as criminals in mainstream and social media ‘makes our recognition of our equal humanity difficult’
The relatives of illegal artisanal miners who are trapped underground in in a flooded mine shaft say that the authorities have failed to help them
Illegal miners want the state to legalise their operations as it is the only way for them to earn a living
Police have cut water and food supplies to the miners, insisting that they will not negotiate with ‘criminals’
Any decision by directors to leave as a bloc has consequences that go beyond issues of liability
There were cheers on Wednesday as Simmer & Jack mine bosses got operations going again at the newly acquired Stilfontein mine in the North West. Simmer chairperson Roger Kebble ordered the switching-on of the mills at the metallurgical plant at the mine. ”It has been far too quiet for far too long,” he said.