South Africa’s government is facing intense criticism for its handling of a mining crisis that left hundreds of miners without food and water, resulting in at least 78 deaths. Rescuers have pulled out 166 survivors, but an estimated 100 others have died from starvation and dehydration.
The Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) describes the situation as “an unfolding massacre” and accuses the government of “state willful negligence.” SAFTU says miners, mostly undocumented workers from Mozambique and other Southern African countries, were left to die due to the government’s inaction. The Democratic Alliance has called for investigations into what transpired at the mine.
The crisis began when vital supplies to those underground were halted by police, despite warnings from trade unions. SAFTU warned that this approach could “end in a tragedy.” South Africa loses over $1 billion annually due to illegal mining, and the government has vowed to crack down on the industry.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/15/africa/south-africa-horrific-clampdown-of-miners-intl/index.html