Johannesburg – At least 27 civil society and faith-based organisations have announced that they will not celebrate the festive season until the miners stuck underground at disused mines in Stilfontein have been rescued.
In a joint statement released on Christmas Day, the organisations said: “We continue to call on everyone to join in solidarity with Stilfontein, as human lives are being lost rapidly in the most painful way, deep underground, from starvation, lack of medication and falling down treacherous tunnels to their demise”.
The statement added: “Trapped underground this festive season, we call on faith-based leaders and organisations to show spiritual solidarity with the miners trapped underground in Stilfontein.
Christmas and Hanukkah are a time of reflection, kindness, and humanity.
“We cannot celebrate while these miners remain in darkness, starving and separated from their loved ones,” the statement said.
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The statement continued: “Their plight reflects the deep failures of our society – the mines, the state, and the courts failing to uphold basic human dignity and rights. Follow this link to donate to them now and save lives.
“This tragedy echoes the horrors of Marikana, where greed and disregard for life created one of South Africa’s darkest chapters.
“We vowed ‘never again’ yet here we are, witnessing the same reckless indifference toward the most vulnerable among us.”
This time of year calls for solidarity and care, yet the miners remain abandoned, dehumanised by the reckless actions of mining companies, the state, and Operation Vala Umgodi, the organisations said.
“While issues of capitalism, inequality, racism, and xenophobia contextualise the Stilfontein tragedy, the immediate priority is rescuing the miners,” the statement said.
“Every second debating responsibility must not overshadow the urgency of saving lives.
“The recent court ruling denying state assistance for humanitarian aid and rescue resources is a moral failure, prioritising bureaucracy over the lives of marginalised individuals.
“How can we celebrate while others suffer, ignored by those with the power to help?
“We must ask 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 organistions called for urgent action in the following:
- Immediate rescue efforts by the state and mining companies to save the trapped miners.
- Food, water, and materials must be delivered without delay to sustain the miners until their rescue.
- Faith-based leaders and organisations must show solidarity at the site.
- The people of South Africa and the world must demand justice and accountability.
“If those in power continue to fail, it is up to communities united in solidarity to seek justice and build a society founded on care and compassion,” the statement said.
“We must reject a system prioritising profit over people and create one where every life is valued.
“Stilfontein painfully reminds us that the lessons of Marikana remain unlearned.
The Marikana massacre occurred on 16 August 2012, when police opened fire on striking mineworkers.
At least 34 mineworkers were shot dead by the police in Marikana, in the North West. Up to 78 other mineworkers were seriously wounded in the shooting.
“We must honour Marikana’s memory by ensuring such tragedies never happen again,” the statement said.
“The miners’ plight challenges us to build a society where life is sacred, human rights are protected, and greed never eclipses humanity.”
The statement said the disaster at Stilfontein exposes systemic failures in decommissioning mines and supporting affected communities, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
For several weeks, the police have been stationed at the exit points of the shafts waiting to arrest the illegal miners as they exit.
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“The state’s lack of oversight is being scapegoated with xenophobic rhetoric, perpetuating injustice and Apartheid-era syndromes of collective punishment,” said the civil society and faith-based organisations in their lengthy statement.
“Starvation as a method of coercion, condemned by international law, is now mirrored by South African authorities.
“This contradiction undermines South Africa’s moral standing and highlights the urgency of alleviating the crisis at Stilfontein.
“As long as the miners remain underground, the festive season is hollow – stripped of the humanity and kindness it represents.
“Let us stand in solidarity with the miners of Stilfontein at this critical time.
“Their lives depend on it.”
