In brief
Summary: Deep within disused gold mines in South Africa, thousands like Ndumiso risk their lives as illegal miners, known as 'zama zamas.' Despite perilous conditions and gang control, this underground economy provides higher earnings than traditional mining jobs. As government crackdowns escalate, these miners face a grim reality, battling to survive in a ruthless yet profitable environment.
Inside a derelict gold mine in South Africa, a small subterranean community has developed, complete with its own economy. Among its residents is Ndumiso, a 52-year-old illegal miner who became a 'zama zama' after losing his job at a formal mining firm. For the past eight years, he has delved into the depths of the earth to extract gold, occasionally surfacing to sell his finds for a notable profit—far exceeding his previous legal mining wages.Living with the constant threat of violence in the underground world, Ndumiso described it as "ruthless," where dangers like cave-ins and rival gangs loom large. He has witnessed the construction of a makeshift town featuring markets and even a red-light district. Despite the risks, Ndumiso has managed to improve his family's living conditions by purchasing a home in Johannesburg and investing in his children's education.The South African government's attempt to clamp down on illegal mining operations has led to heightened tensions. A recent standoff in Stilfontein saw authorities blocking supplies to miners, provoking a public outcry for access. This complex issue involves addressing broader criminal networks and the stark realities of economic desperation faced by those trapped in informal mining activities.As illegal mining continues to spiral out of control—fuelled by high unemployment rates and systemic issues—critics argue the need for more effective regulation rather than blanket punitive measures. Some experts call for decriminalization of the 'zama zamas' to create a more organized approach to what is effectively a community-driven economy.Ndumiso's operations depend not only on risky endeavors underground but also intricate supply chains within the mines, where basic provisions like food and tools are traded. He noted gruesome realities, such as the "zama-zama graveyard" filled with the remains of those who perished in the perilous workings below. Yet resilient figures like Ndumiso persist, as the alternative—a life of poverty in a land with an unemployment rate surpassing 30%—seems bleak.Despite risks and moral dilemmas, Ndumiso, like many 'zama zamas,' battles to survive in this dual existence, navigating the dangerous corridors of the underworld while aspiring for a better life above ground.
