Illegal mining in South Africa: The syndicate behind the zama zamas
The Madlanga Commission reveals that corrupt officials, not just informal miners, drive the country’s illegal mining crisis
On the surface, illegal mining in South Africa appears to be a crime committed by zama zamas, an informal term for illegal miners. Yet, beneath this layer lies a far more insidious reality: powerful officials orchestrating and profiting from these operations. The zama zamas are merely the visible tip of a much larger syndicate iceberg.
The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry has lifted the veil for South Africans who once believed that illegal miners were the primary problem. While zama zamas undeniably contribute to the crisis, just last week, the SAPS arrested four undocumented foreign nationals in Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga, for contravening immigration laws and possessing suspected gold-bearing material and equipment. The deeper issue lies in the corridors of power.
Top officials not only enable these criminal activities but often mastermind them, exploiting vulnerable individuals to do their dirty work while attempting to keep their own hands clean.
This reality was underscored by the arrest of Major-General Feroz Khan (Crime Intelligence) and Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa (Gauteng Hawks head), alongside businessman Tariq Downes. They face charges of corruption, defeating the ends of justice, and contravening legislation regulating precious metals. All three were released on R20,000 bail each after appearing at the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.
The involvement of such high-ranking figures highlights why Africa, despite its vast mineral wealth, continues to lag. Instead of driving national progress, corrupt officials prioritise personal gain, siphoning resources that should fuel development.
