Mashaba hits back at critics who say ActionSA politicised the 2016 Lily Mine tragedy

JOHANNESBURG - Action SA leader Herman Mashaba has hit back at criticism that his party has politicised the 2016 Lily Mine tragedy that claimed three lives.

Mashaba made the comments on the sidelines of the annual commemoration of the tragedy in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday.

It’s been nine years since an implosion caused the collapse of a section of the mine, burying a container with Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi and Solomon Nyirenda.

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The remains of the three mineworkers have never been recovered.

Since the accident, Mashaba has led the charge to bring the affected families closure and to ensure accountability.

He says there’s no truth to claims he is using the tragedy to score cheap political points.

“I don’t think anyone who is sober can make such allegations. He’s always been making claims that Action SA is politicising this matter. I want Minister Gwede Mantashe to know that I’m unapologetic and I’m actually quite proud that God gave the privilege to play the role in politics.”