MACUA adds voice to growing calls for formalisation of artisanal mining in SA
MACUA, alongside traditional and religious leaders, held a cleansing ceremony at the site on Saturday to honour the lives of illegal miners who died during the crackdown last year.
An aerial view shows an open mine shaft where artisanal miners get access to the mine in Stilfontein on 17 November 2024. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) has added its voice to growing calls for the formalisation of artisanal mining in South Africa.
The organisation said that recognising and regulating small-scale, predominantly informal miners could help prevent future tragedies like those that occurred during Operation Vala Umgodi in Stilfontein, North West.
MACUA, alongside traditional and religious leaders, held a cleansing ceremony at the site on Saturday to honour the lives of illegal miners who died during the crackdown last year.
READ: SAPS focusing efforts to track down alleged Stilfontein kingpin
MACUA spokesperson, Sabelo Mnguni, said that the sector, though informal, played a critical role in the economy.
"What we need to learn or to know is firstly to understand the history of mining in South Africa and understand how artisanal mining is taking place, then maybe we will start understanding. It does play a role in the main economy."