SA, Lesotho commits to fight illegal mining, assist Harmony Gold victims
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane have committed to working together to deal with the scourge of illegal mining in South Africa.
Ramaphosa addressed the inaugural Lesotho-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Pretoria on Thursday.
The meeting follows an agreement signed by the two countries in November 2021 to elevate the Joint Bilateral Commission of Co-operation (JBCC), held at a ministerial level, to a BNC that is presided over by the two heads of state.
In May, more than 30 illegal miners, who are believed to be Basotho nationals, were killed following a methane gas explosion at an unused shaft of the Harmony Gold mine in Welkom.
The mine was closed more than three decades ago.
It is believed that at least 27 illegal miners remain trapped underground.
The families of those who died in the incident have been pleading for help from the South African government to assist in exhuming the bodies.
Ramaphosa said the government is working with mining companies to retrieve the bodies.
"We welcome the commitment of the government of Lesotho to cooperate with South Africa to deal with the challenges of illegal mining in our country. Such activity carries a great social and economic cost for both our countries.
“We were deeply saddened by the unfortunate loss of the lives of illegal miners in Harmony Gold Mine in Welkom. Our respective governments are working with the mining company on the best methods and plan to retrieve the bodies of the miners without endangering the rescue personnel," said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the emotive nature of the issue, particularly for the people of Lesotho.
"We will do everything that we can to make sure that this challenge we have been presented with is properly handled. South Africa attaches great importance to its bilateral relations and cooperation with the Kingdom of Lesotho.
“Our relationship is anchored in historic bonds of language, culture, and heritage.
“We recall with gratitude that the Kingdom of Lesotho provided shelter and support to South Africa’s liberation movements during the struggle against apartheid," he added.
Ramaphosa said economic relations between the two countries have grown over the years.
"South African businesses in Lesotho contribute to job creation while Lesotho’s water resources continue to benefit South Africa.
“It is important for the governments of both countries to work together to resolve challenges faced by businesses and put in place mechanisms to ensure that investments are protected," said Ramaphosa.
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