The Department of Home Affairs has intensified its efforts to monitor the country’s borders to prevent the reentry of deported illegal miners, commonly known as “Zama Zamas.” This move comes as part of a broader strategy to curb the activities of these informal miners, who have posed challenges to both national security and the mining industry.
Illegal mining has long been a contentious issue in South Africa, with “Zama Zamas” often operating in dangerous conditions, causing environmental degradation, and undermining the formal mining sector. In a bid to address these concerns, the Department of Home Affairs has ramped up its border surveillance measures to ensure that deported “Zama Zamas” do not find their way back into the country.
This heightened vigilance includes deploying additional resources and personnel to strategic border points, enhancing technology-driven border control systems, and collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies. By monitoring the movement of individuals with a history of illegal mining, the department aims to disrupt the operations of these miners and safeguard the country’s interests.
The initiative has been met with a mix of support and skepticism. Advocates of stricter border controls believe that such measures will contribute to reducing the impact of illegal mining, protecting local communities, and preserving the environment. However, critics argue that more comprehensive solutions are needed, including addressing the root causes that drive individuals to engage in illegal mining in the first place.
The Department of Home Affairs acknowledges that curbing the activities of “Zama Zamas” requires a multi-faceted approach, combining border monitoring with social and economic interventions. Efforts to provide alternative livelihoods and formal employment opportunities for individuals previously involved in illegal mining are being explored to address the underlying issues fueling this practice.
As the Department of Home Affairs intensifies its border monitoring, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in preventing the return of deported “Zama Zamas.” The success of this strategy will undoubtedly have a significant impact not only on the illegal mining trade but also on the overall security and stability of South Africa’s mining regions.
Home Affairs monitors SA borders to ensure deported zama zamas don’t return https://t.co/qilOrIayEQ pic.twitter.com/e7FMriBTOm
— Eyewitness News (@ewnupdates) August 27, 2023
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