Johannesburg – A collective of at least 27 civil society and faith-based organizations has announced their decision to abstain from celebrating the festive season until the miners trapped in the abandoned mines of Stilfontein are rescued.
In a joint statement released on Christmas Day, the organizations stated: “We call upon everyone to come together in solidarity with Stilfontein, as lives are being lost in the most painful way, below ground, due to starvation, insufficient medical care, and deadly accidents in dangerous tunnels.”
The statement further elaborated: “During this festive period, we appeal to faith-based leaders and organizations to exhibit spiritual solidarity with the miners who remain trapped underground in Stilfontein.
The Christmas and Hanukkah seasons provide opportunities for reflection, compassion, and goodwill.
“We cannot celebrate while these miners remain in darkness, suffering from hunger and cut off from their families,” the statement added.
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The statement also disclosed: “Their plight highlights significant failures within our society – the mines, the government, and the legal system neglecting to uphold basic human dignity and rights. Click this link to contribute towards their cause and help save lives.
“This tragic situation echoes the horrors of Marikana, where greed and apathy resulted in one of South Africa’s darkest chapters.
“We swore to say ‘never again’ yet here we are, witnessing the same indifferent neglect towards the most vulnerable among us.”
This season calls for unity and care, yet the miners are left forsaken, dehumanized by the reckless actions of mining companies, the government, and the Operation Vala Umgodi initiative, the organizations remarked.
“While issues of capitalism, inequality, racism, and xenophobia frame the Stilfontein crisis, our immediate attention should be on rescuing the miners,” the statement underscored.
“Every moment spent debating accountability should not overshadow the urgent requirement to save lives.
“The recent ruling denying governmental support for humanitarian aid and rescue operations signifies a moral failure, placing bureaucracy above the lives of vulnerable individuals.
“How can we celebrate while others are suffering, overlooked by those who have the power to help?
“We must question ourselves: 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 called for urgent actions including:
- Immediate rescue operations by the state and mining companies to save the miners trapped underground.
- Provision of food, water, and essential supplies without delay to sustain 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 global community should demand justice and accountability.
“If those in positions of power continue to fail, it falls upon communities united in solidarity to seek justice and foster a society rooted in care and compassion,” the statement concluded.
“We must reject a system that favors profit over people and instead cultivate one where every life is valued.
“Stilfontein stands as a painful reminder that the lessons of Marikana have gone unheeded.
The Marikana massacre took place on 16 August 2012, when police opened fire on striking mineworkers.
At least 34 mineworkers were killed by police in Marikana, situated in the North West. Additionally, up to 78 other mineworkers were severely injured in the incident.
“We must honor the memory of Marikana by ensuring history does not repeat itself,” the statement emphasized.
“The situation of the miners compels us to shape a society where life is sacred, human rights are protected, and greed does not taint our humanity.”
The statement reiterated that the circumstances at Stilfontein expose systemic inadequacies in mine decommissioning and support for affected communities, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
For several weeks, police have been stationed at the exits of the shafts, waiting to arrest the illegal miners as they emerge.
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“The state’s lack of oversight is being scapegoated with xenophobic narratives, perpetuating injustice and resembling Apartheid-era methods of collective punishment,” articulated the civil society and faith-based organizations in their detailed statement.
“Using starvation as a method of coercion, condemned by international law, is now evident in the actions of South African authorities.
“This contradiction undermines South Africa’s moral stance and amplifies the need to address the crisis at Stilfontein.
“As long as the miners remain underground, the festive season will feel empty – lacking the humanity and compassion it is meant to embody.
“Let us unite in support of the miners of Stilfontein during this crucial time.
“Their lives are in jeopardy.”
