Community members in Stilfontein have started sending food and water to illegal miners, who are still underground in Shaft 11. This comes after a recent North Gauteng High Court order which permitted humanitarian aid to be delivered to the miners, who are reported to be living in dire conditions.

Community representative, Johannes Qankase, says residents are mobilizing donations to provide aid to the illegal miners.

He says they have been collecting food and water from community members.

“Everyone wants to donate, that’s why we are calling for NGOS and NPOS to come forward. Let’s donate, let’s assist because the court order is very clear that we must take food to the people. We must save those lives,” says Qankase.

“As our statement stated from the beginning, that we want to see people resurfacing in a good and well state. For now, everyone is keen to come and support us, but we are still calling out there to other NGOs and NPOs to come assist in this situation,” he adds.

This has been a relief for families of illegal miners.

Family member Nosilile Santho explains: “I’m here because I thank this court to allow us to give the illegal miners food and medication. There’s nothing much that I can say but only God knows what happened to them.”

Meanwhile, more than 20 illegal miners emerged from underground, at Margaret Shaft and Shaft 10.

Those who emerged from shaft 10 say hunger and desperation ultimately compelled them to take the risk of resurfacing.

Illegal miners say, “Our bosses keep the solid food for themselves and give us Mageu instead. They give us Mageu once a day, and the same happens the following day. Mageu is all we receive. Our bosses also struggle with food, as they only have a small amount themselves.”

The Department of Community Safety has acknowledged the court order.

The department says it will ensure compliance, while monitoring developments closely.

VIDEO | Police are expected to later release a statement regarding the miners’ condition: