President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of an additional 1100 soldiers from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to aid police in the ongoing fight against illegal mining. This move extends the government’s efforts to curb the dangerous and illicit activities plaguing mining regions.
High costs and unfunded mandates
The deployment, which took effect from 1 November to 31 March 2025, will cost taxpayers R140 million, adding to the R111 million spent last year under Operation Prosper. SANDF Chief of Joint Operations, Siphiwe Sangweni, revealed this mission’s financial strain on the military’s budget.
“The expenditure estimated to be incurred amounts to R140,451,853. This cost is currently unfunded in our financial allocation for 2024/25,” Sangweni informed Parliament.
“We expect the National Treasury to provide the necessary funding in line with the President’s authorisation.”
This mission follows previous operations in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North West, where illegal mining remains a big issue.
Meanwhile, during a visit to the Stilfontein mine shaft in the North West, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu addressed local communities about the challenges of dealing with illegal miners, many of whom remain underground.
“We are aware that some community members know what is happening down there. We are appealing to them to distance themselves from those activities; engaging in illegal mining is illegal,” the Minister said.
Mchunu confirmed that 1187 individuals have surfaced from the mines, including 15 suspects arrested at the Magaret Shaft. These suspects, comprising Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, Basotho, and South Africans, face charges of illicit mining, possession of gold dust, and violating immigration laws.
Furthermore, the Operation Vala Umgodi team has seized numerous items, including gold-bearing material, oxygen cylinders, and illicit mining tools, further disrupting illegal operations.
Illegal mining a continuing challenge
Despite these efforts, many illegal miners remain underground, posing ongoing risks. Additionally, Mchunu reiterated the government’s commitment: “We are aware that what is happening there is dangerous. We are doing everything in our power to deal with the situation we are faced with.”
Will these efforts finally bring lasting change to South Africa’s mining regions?
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