In a harrowing revelation, Jonathan, a former illegal miner, has exposed the disturbing reality of child exploitation within South Africa’s abandoned gold mines. After spending six arduous months underground, Jonathan, now in his late 20s, witnessed firsthand the abuse inflicted upon minors recruited for both labor and sexual exploitation.
Having migrated to South Africa from a neighboring country with the hope of making a living, Jonathan became entangled in an illegal mining operation that thrived in disused sites abandoned by large multinational corporations. To protect his identity from the dangerous criminal organizations that dominate this underground industry, he remains anonymous.
Systematic abuse of vulnerable minors
The plight of these young miners came to light following a tragic incident near Stilfontein, where police blockaded a mine, leading to the deaths of numerous illegal miners. Jonathan describes the harsh conditions underground, including extreme heat, long hours, and scarce food. However, the most traumatic memories involved witnessing the sexual abuse of children who were often as young as 15 or 17.
“I used to see these kids in the mine – teenagers actually, 15, 17-year-olds. Others used to take advantage of them sometimes. It was a little bit scary, and I wasn’t comfortable with it.”
According to Jonathan, older miners exploited these teenagers by promising them gold in exchange for sexual favors. The desperate situation of these children often leaves them vulnerable to such manipulation, as they seek protection from older miners who impose exploitative conditions. Many of these minors are foreign nationals, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead.
Criminal gangs targeting children
Mining researcher and activist Makhotla Sefuli corroborates Jonathan’s account, stating that criminal gangs systematically target children for illegal mining operations across South Africa. Many of these children are trafficked from neighboring countries, lured in by false promises of legitimate employment in the mining sector.
Upon arrival in South Africa, their passports are often confiscated, creating a cycle of abuse that is difficult to escape. Sefuli stated, “It is common knowledge that these young boys are being abused.”
Testimonies from other illegal miners reveal similar accounts of abuse, where older men coerced young boys into sexual acts in exchange for money. This trauma has profound effects on their mental health, leading to behavioral changes and deep-seated trust issues.
The illegal mining trade gained international attention following a police operation at Buffelsfontein gold mine, where authorities sought to combat this lucrative yet devastating industry. The government has estimated that illegal mining resulted in a loss of approximately $3.2 billion in revenue last year.
Authorities have initiated operations like Vala Umgodi, aiming to curb illegal mining activities by restricting resources to these underground miners. However, reports have surfaced of emaciated individuals trapped underground, begging for rescue, while others faced the grim reality of death.
Among the rescued miners, the Department of Social Development confirmed that 31 were children, primarily from Mozambique. Many had experienced severe trauma, having witnessed or endured sexual exploitation during their time underground.
Gugu Xaba, CEO of Save the Children South Africa, emphasized the psychological toll on these children, stating, “They went through trauma, because some of them also saw others being sexually exploited.” She described how adult miners groom children before subjecting them to repeated sexual abuse.
Xaba highlights the ease with which gangs recruit minors, as they are cheaper and more susceptible to manipulation. “Children don’t understand when you say: ‘I’ll pay you 20 rands ($1; £0.80) per day.’ The adults sometimes refuse to work, but children find themselves with no choice,” she adds.
The illegal mining industry in South Africa shows no signs of abating, with thousands of vacant mines available for exploitation. This ongoing crisis leaves countless vulnerable children at risk of exploitation and abuse.