Mathatisi Sebusi
THE government has been accused of driving Basotho men into illegal mining by failing to provide them with opportunities to live with dignity.
The criticism comes from rights group, Advocates for the Supremacy of the Constitution, commonly known as SECTION 2.
Speaking to the Lesotho Times this week, SECTION 2 Secretary General, Tjatjapa Sekabi, said that had the government implemented policies that prioritised sustainable economic development, job creation, and social welfare, Basotho would not be risking their lives in illegal mining activities in South Africa.
This follows reports that around 4500 illegal miners are trapped in a shaft at Stilfontein Mine in South Africa’s North West province. Many of the miners are reportedly in critical condition, with some succumbing to thirst and starvation.
Mr Sekabi said while SECTION 2 firmly opposes illegal activities, including illegal mining, it was crucial to acknowledge the grim realities that drove Basotho into such desperate situations.
He explained that Basotho engaged in illegal mining due to poverty and high unemployment, leaving them with no choice but to seek survival under life-threatening conditions.
“Poverty, high unemployment rates, and the lack of economic opportunities in Lesotho force many to risk their lives underground. It is time for the government to stop ignoring the cries of Basotho and to begin implementing policies that prioritise sustainable economic development, job creation, and social welfare,” Mr Sekabi said.
He called for the government to act decisively, addressing poverty and unemployment as the root causes of illegal mining.
“Basotho should not have to risk their lives in foreign countries or hide underground like criminals simply to put food on the table. SECTION 2 demands that the government of Lesotho take responsibility and enact policies that will lift our people from the clutches of poverty and provide them with real job opportunities for a better future.”
Mr Sekabi argued that no one willingly descends into an illegal mine to endure hazardous conditions unless driven by extreme circumstances.
“No one in their right mind chooses to live a risky and uncomfortable life underground, where they are exposed to hazardous conditions, without adequate food and water. People are driven by crushing poverty and unemployment in Lesotho.”
He added that poverty not only affects the body but also erodes dignity, strips away hope, and forces people to make dehumanising choices.
“Instead of creating job opportunities in the country, national leaders and politicians are fighting over tenders while the poorest are left in the cold. The current trajectory, where the poorest and most vulnerable are left behind while the political elite squabble over tenders, is unacceptable.”
He urged the government to stop playing games with the future of the nation and to start addressing the structural issues that perpetuate poverty and inequality in Lesotho.
“We cannot allow Basotho to continue living like rats underground and unnoticed while the nation’s leaders fight over money. It is high time politicians and leaders stop fighting over tenders and start addressing the structural issues that perpetuate poverty and inequality in our country,” Mr Sekabi added.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, confirmed in the National Assembly on Monday that the government was aware of the reports that around 4500 illegal miners were trapped in the Stilfontein Mine shaft.
He stated that these miners were engaged in illegal diamond mining and emphasised the need for sustainable solutions to the illegal mining problem through job creation in Lesotho.
He added that creating job opportunities would enable Basotho to return home and contribute to growing the country’s economy.
The minister expressed hope that the South African government would find a solution to the illegal mining crisis to protect lives.
“The Lesotho government does not support this issue of illegal mining, whether it happens in Lesotho, South Africa, or in other countries far from Lesotho. We are hopeful that the South African government will address the problem to protect people and lives.”
A South African cabinet minister had said her government would not bother rescuing the miners as they were “criminals”.
