The Telegraph
Johannesburg – A coalition composed of at least 27 civil society and faith-based organizations has announced that they will not partake in the festive season celebrations until the miners trapped in the abandoned mines of Stilfontein are safely rescued.
In a joint statement released on Christmas Day, the organizations stated: “We call upon everyone to come together in solidarity with Stilfontein, where human lives are agonizingly lost underground due to starvation, lack of medical care, and deadly accidents in hazardous tunnels.”
The statement further explained: “During this holiday season, we urge faith-based leaders and organizations to show spiritual solidarity with the miners still trapped underground in Stilfontein.”
The Christmas and Hanukkah seasons should be moments of reflection, compassion, and humanity.
“We cannot celebrate while these miners remain in darkness, suffering from hunger and separated from their loved ones,” the statement added.
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The statement went on to reveal: “Their plight highlights the systemic failures in our society – from the mines to the government and legal system that have neglected the preservation of essential human dignity and rights. Follow this link to donate and help save lives.”
“This tragic scenario is reminiscent of the Marikana tragedy, where greed and indifference to life led to one of the darkest chapters in South Africa’s history.”
“We vowed to say ‘never again,’ yet here we find ourselves, witnessing the same callous disregard for the most vulnerable.”
This season calls for unity and compassion, yet the miners remain deserted, dehumanized by the reckless actions of mining companies, the government, and the Operation Vala Umgodi initiative, according to the organizations.
“While the issues of capitalism, inequality, racism, and xenophobia frame the Stilfontein crisis, our immediate priority must be the rescue of the miners,” emphasized the statement.
“Every moment spent debating accountability should not overshadow the urgent need to preserve lives.”
“The recent court ruling denying state support for humanitarian assistance and rescue operations is a moral failure, placing bureaucracy before the lives of the vulnerable.”
“How can we celebrate while others suffer, ignored by those who have the power to help?”
“We must interrogate our values: What kind of society are we building if we allow this to happen?”
“How can we exchange gifts while others endure unimaginable suffering?”
The civil society and faith-based organizations have called for immediate actions, including:
- Immediate rescue operations by the state and mining companies to save the trapped miners.
- Provision of food, water, and essential supplies without delay to support the miners until they are rescued.
- Faith-based leaders and organizations should show solidarity at the rescue site.
- The citizens of South Africa and the international community must advocate for justice and accountability.
“If those in power continue to falter, it is the responsibility of communities united in solidarity to pursue justice and create a society rooted in care and compassion,” the statement concluded.
“We must reject a system that prioritizes profit over people and strive to establish one where every life is valued.”
“Stilfontein stands as a painful reminder that the lessons learned from Marikana have gone unheeded.”
The Marikana massacre occurred on 16 August 2012, when police opened fire on striking mine workers.
At least 34 miners lost their lives due to police actions in Marikana, located in the North West. Additionally, up to 78 miners were seriously injured in the incident.
“We must honor the memory of Marikana by ensuring such tragedies are never repeated,” emphasized the statement.
“The situation of the miners challenges us to build a society where every life is sacred, human rights are protected, and greed does not overshadow our humanity.”
The statement highlighted that the conditions at Stilfontein reveal significant deficiencies in mine decommissioning and in supporting affected communities, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
For several weeks, police have been stationed at the exits of the shafts, ready to arrest illegal miners as they emerge.
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“The government’s neglect is being scapegoated with xenophobic narratives, perpetuating injustice and reminiscent of Apartheid-era tactics of collective punishment,” stated the civil society and faith-based organizations in their detailed declaration.
“Using starvation as a means of coercion, which is condemned by international law, is now evident in the duties of South African authorities.”
“This contradiction weakens South Africa’s moral standing and heightens the urgency of addressing the crisis at Stilfontein.”
“As long as the miners remain trapped underground, the festive season will feel empty – devoid of the humanity and compassion that it should represent.”
“Let us stand united in support of the miners of Stilfontein during this crucial time.”
“Their lives hang in the balance.”
