The Hidden Struggle of South Africa's Illegal Miners in Abandoned Gold Mines**

Illegal miners in South Africa, known as 'zama zamas,' risk life and limb digging for gold underground. Despite dangers, these men pursue a lucrative trade in a desperate bid to support their families as governmental actions tighten against the illegal mining industry.**

Amid the depths of South Africa's abandoned gold mines, hundreds of illegal miners, known as 'zama zamas', dwell in a makeshift underground community filled with dangers and opportunities. One of these miners, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, shared his journey from being retrenched by a large mining company to embracing the perilous life beneath the earth’s surface.

At the age of 52, Ndumiso feels he has no choice but to work as an illegal miner. "It’s a harsh life, but it is the only way I can provide for my family," he explains. Living deep underground for months at a time, Ndumiso, like many others, seeks gold to sell on the black market, finding himself trapped in a Faustian bargain—risking his life for potential profit.

He describes the chilling realities of being underground, where he often sleeps on sandbags after long days of labor. “In one level of the shaft there are bodies and skeletons. We refer to it as the zama-zama graveyard,” he recounted, revealing the ruthlessness of this lifestyle. Despite the dangers that include gang violence and accidents, Ndumiso has managed to flourish financially compared to his previous legal mining job, where he earned a mere $220 a month.

His family, now living in a house he bought for 130,000 rand (around $7,000), has benefitted from his underground labors; he has successfully sent his three children to fee-paying schools, with one currently in university. “I chose this path rather than becoming involved in street crime. Here, at least, I can try to secure our future,” he said.

The ongoing government crackdown on illegal mining operations adds to the existing tension. Recently, Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni stressed the necessity of eradicating these criminal enterprises, declaring the mine a “crime scene.” The situation escalated when security forces limited food and water access, prompting a court case by The Society for the Protection of Our Constitution aimed at allowing essential supplies to reach the miners.

The challenges faced by zama zamas are exacerbated by the broader socio-economic climate, as unemployment in South Africa hovers above 30%. This has pushed many, both locals and immigrants from neighboring countries, into illegal mining. There are approximately 6,000 abandoned mines in South Africa, with an estimated 36,000 illegal miners currently operating in Gauteng province alone.

Still, Ndumiso remains resolute. He has managed to save and earn between $15,500 and $22,000 annually—a significant leap from his past earnings. He often finds himself torn between the rewards of his dangerous work and the perils of gang violence, which can lead to brutal ends for miners found without protection.

And while he savors the occasional reprieve above ground, where he can enjoy home-cooked meals, he also faces a grim reality. The underground market, rife with illicit goods and services including a red light district run by gangs, underscores the extent to which this shadowy network has flourished.

The intricate labyrinth of tunnels serves not only as places of labor but as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those like Ndumiso. While the government eyes rigorous enforcement to root out illegal mining operations, experts argue that such actions may worsen the economic crisis, suggesting regulation over criminalization of miners instead.

For Ndumiso and thousands like him, the cycle of life underground will continue until more sustainable solutions emerge. What drives these men is stark: a desire to escape poverty, provide for their families, and find some semblance of economic stability in an otherwise fractured system.