The impoverished residents of Mpumalanga’s Sabie have slammed the government for pouring millions into this week’s rescue operation to save illegal miners trapped in an abandoned shaft – an effort they say starkly contrasts with the neglect of their own struggles.
With rescue costs reportedly reaching up to R1-million per day, as seen in the Stilfontein
saga in North West, Sabie locals argue that such funds would be better spent on job creation and poverty alleviation.
Sabie, celebrated for its lush forestry and thriving tourism, conceals a harsh reality on its outskirts. While government resources were mobilised to save miners entangled in syndicates enriching faceless kingpins, locals toiled on, battling poverty, unemployment and exclusion from the wealth of the town.
“Service delivery is not a priority here. Our people live on meagre salaries and are struggling to raise their kids while rich politicians only come to pose for cameras,” said community activist Sbusiso Mlondolozi.
The rescue mission at the Old Sabie Mine became a bitter reminder of inequality. The site symbolises government efficiency for some but a glaring neglect of others.
“We only get to watch on TV as the full might of the government rushes to rescue people stealing the wealth of this town,” said resident Nellie Fakude.
“Our people have been protesting for years, demanding to be rescued from poverty and unemployment, but no, they’d rather spend millions saving illegal miners.”
Despite living less than 40km from economic hubs like Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest, Sabie’s locals remain locked out of opportunities in forestry and tourism. Meanwhile, syndicates reportedly exploit desperate individuals, forcing them into hazardous work. This week’s rescue, which saved miners with broken limbs and recovered three bodies, revealed the human cost of these operations.
Independent political analyst Gakwi Mashego blamed the government for perpetuating poverty and exploitation.
“Growing calls for micro-mining licences to allow locals to mine their natural resources have fallen on deaf ears. It is disingenuous for a government that cannot create employment to fault those trying to create work.”
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu acknowledged the calls for change during his visit to the site.
“I can hear the calls that we need to legalise [this type of mining] but let the [trapped miners] get out first,” he said.
