Various organizations want faith-based leaders to show solidarity with the miners trapped underground in Stilfontein.
This is after letters from miners still underground in Stilfontein’s shaft 10, said 9 people died as a result of starvation.
Organisations pleading with leaders are the South African Jews for a Free Palestine, ECPS, Potch for Palestine, Kopanang Africa against Xenophobia, South African BDS Coalition, Lawyers for Human Rights, Visual Intifada, Co Create Communications, GIWUSA, Save Our Sacred Lands and MACUA.
Sabelo Mnguni, Spokesperson of MACUA, said “as Christmas and Hanukkah approach, a time of reflection, kindness, and humanity, we cannot celebrate while these miners remain in darkness, starving and separated from their loved ones. Their plight reflects the deep failures of our society—the mines, the state, and
the courts failing to uphold basic human dignity and rights.
This tragedy echoes the horrors of Marikana, where greed and disregard for life created one of South Africa’s darkest chapters.”
This appeal to faith based leaders comes days after the High Court ruled against MACUA’s application to force the State to feed the miners trapped underground.
MACUA said” 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?”
Organizations have called for urgent rescue efforts by the state and mining companies to save the trapped miners. They are also calling for food, water, and materials to be delivered without delay to sustain the miners until their rescue.
Letter: MACUA