The DA mourns the passing of 17 people following Gas leak — the Time to act against Zama Zamas is now

by Ald Tania Campbell — DA Leader in the City of Ekurhuleni

Date: 06 July 2023

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the City of Ekurhuleni is saddened by the passing of at least 17 residents of the Angelo Informal Settlement following a gas leak in the area and sends our condolences to the families.

The incident was allegedly caused by illegal mining activities by Zama Zamas in the area. Illegal mining has become rampant in the City of Ekurhuleni with the Department of Community Safety and the South African Police Services allowing these illegal activities to continue unabated, and as the DA, we believe these law enforcement agencies are to blame for this tragedy, as it’s due to their failures to address illegal mining in the province that this community must now mourn the loss of their loved ones!

For far too long, the DA has been calling for action and for the implementation of a strategic plan to deal with illegal mining. The DA has brought petitions to parliament as well as urgent motions, but the failing ANC continue to ignore the frustrations and concerns of residents and communities plagued by illegal mining.

I will therefore be writing to the Presidency demanding immediate action and intervention in illegal Zama Zama activities in the City of Ekurhuleni, which has numerous crucial mining belts across the city.

We cannot continue to allow illegal mining to damage infrastructure, put community’s lives at risk and rob South Africans of their future. The DA says enough is enough and will be taking this matter up at all three spheres of government to compel the failing ANC to take action.

Ald Tania Campbell

DA Leader in Ekurhuleni