SAHRC’s Artisanal Mining PR Stunt: Defending Zama Zamas in the Name of ‘Human Rights’?

On 6 August 2025, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will be conducting a so-called community engagement in Stilfontein, allegedly to prepare for a “National Inquiry” into the policy framework around artisanal mining in South Africa.

But let’s not sugarcoat it: this is not about human rights. This is about normalising illegal mining.

Let’s call it what it really is a PR stunt for Zama Zamas, wrapped in human rights language, with a twist of fake diplomacy and a sprinkle of national betrayal.

Artisanal Mining or Organised Crime?

Since when did the SAHRC become the public relations agency for illegal miners?

These so-called "artisanal miners" are better known by communities as Zama Zamas armed, underground, and dangerous. They operate outside the law, destroy infrastructure, collapse houses, pollute rivers, threaten lives, and destabilise entire communities. But instead of defending citizens, the SAHRC wants to have a polite sit-down with criminals.

Seriously?

You don’t need a “National Inquiry.” You need a National Reality Check.

Where Was the SAHRC During Vala Umgodi?

Operation Vala Umgodi was launched to crack down on illegal mining syndicates who have turned South Africa’s mineral belt into war zones. SAPS, SANDF, and even intelligence units had to intervene due to the growing threat.

Where was the SAHRC when residents were dodging bullets and fleeing their homes?

Where was their voice when illegal mining led to gang violence, collapsed roads, mass shootings, and environmental destruction?

Oh right they were “monitoring the situation”, which is just Human Rights Commission language for doing absolutely nothing useful.

Now that law enforcement is finally making progress, the SAHRC steps in… to undermine it?

In the name of what? Human rights?

What about the human rights of law-abiding South Africans who’ve lived in fear and chaos for years because of Zama Zamas?

Common Sense Has Left the Building

Let’s break it down:

• You have illegal foreigners mining gold without permits.
• They're armed with rifles, explosives, and gang connections.
• They bribe local officials, hijack operations, and run entire illegal economies.
• Communities suffer.
• The government intervenes to restore order.

And then the SAHRC says: “Let’s engage.”

Engage with who? Warlords? Crime bosses? Gunmen underground?

This isn’t artisanal it’s industrialised lawlessness. And the SAHRC’s attempt to legitimise it under the banner of “rights” is not just absurd, it’s insulting.

Integrity in Question

The public has every right to question the integrity, intentions, and priorities of the SAHRC.

Where were their “community engagements” when:

• Schoolchildren were getting raped and no justice was served?
• Load shedding killed patients on life support?
• Flood victims were left without shelter for months?
• Xenophobic violence left townships in flames?

But suddenly, when it’s time to engage with illegal miners, they’re first on the scene, notebooks and hashtags ready.

This is not justice. This is performative madness.

Conclusion: Whose Rights Are You Protecting, Really?

The SAHRC needs to stop confusing human rights activism with criminal enabling.

You cannot defend lawlessness and then expect the public to trust you as a guardian of the Constitution.

This isn’t an inquiry it’s an insult to victims, a betrayal of communities, and a national embarrassment.