In a controversial decision that has sparked outrage across the country, the South African Police Service (SAPS) announced on Monday, November 18, that it will provide antiretroviral (ARV) medicine to illegal miners who refuse to resurface from the Stilfontein mining shaft in the North West province.
This development comes in the wake of an interim injunction granted by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, which stated that the mining tunnel may not be obstructed by any person or entity, including government and private parties.
On the ground, rescue teams and officials received a message from the illegal miners, written in isiZulu, pleading for ARVs. This request has ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media, with many South Africans expressing their discontent over the perceived special treatment afforded to these miners.
One Twitter user, Tshepi, voiced her frustration, stating, “So you can take ARVs without a prescription. Interesting! Being a criminal in RSA truly has rewards. Now you don’t have to queue in hospitals like law-abiding citizens.”
This sentiment was echoed by another user, Cecilia, who pointed out the stark inequality in healthcare access: “Elders have to go to clinics to get the ARVs, but criminals who don’t want to come out because they don’t want to be arrested are getting ARVs delivered to them. I hate this country.”
Critics have drawn comparisons between the current situation and the tragic case of the ‘Lily Mine Three,’ whose bodies have been trapped underground since February 2016. One user, known as ‘Mr.RightNow,’ remarked, “The government failed to take immediate action to rescue Lily Three but now they are showing effort to rescue the Zama Zamas by providing them with ARVs and food underground.”
Others have expressed disbelief that illegal miners would dare to make such demands. K2 noted, “In a normal nation with rules and morality, the criminals within that mine would not have dared to pose demands like asking for food and ARVs.”
This highlights a growing sentiment that the illegal miners are overstepping their bounds by requesting assistance while operating outside the law.
The discussion around the provision of ARVs has also raised questions about the true intentions behind the miners' requests. User Naledi claimed, “The ARVs are not going to the mine to treat HIV. We all learned long ago that ARVs form part of the ingredients to make nyaope. No one is sick down there; they’re just running out of drugs.”
This assertion reflects a broader concern about drug use among illegal miners and the complexities surrounding their health needs.
LadyM1306 added to the conversation by pointing out the perception of South Africans as xenophobes, contrasting this with the government’s actions.
“South Africans are regarded as xenophobes, but officials are happy to provide ARVs to criminals who refuse to comply with the law,” they stated. This perspective underscores the frustration many feel about the government prioritising the needs of illegal miners over its citizens.
Bekithemba Zulu summarised the sentiments of many, stating, “On a serious note though, South Africans have tolerated way beyond reasonable. Zama zamas are in the country illegally, trapped in a mine illegally, and for some odd reason, demand ARVs from the government that they are stealing minerals from and undermining its authority.”
As the debate continues, the SAPS faces mounting pressure to justify its decision to provide medical assistance to illegal miners while many South Africans struggle to access healthcare services.
