ANC Youth League Demands Urgent Action Against Illegal Mining
Why the Youth League Is Speaking Out
The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) says illegal mining is hurting families in Limpopo and the North West. Armed groups, known as zama zamas, are digging pits, threatening residents, and destroying farmland. The league warns that the state must step in quickly to protect people and restore the land.
What the ANCYL Wants the Government to Do
Deploy Dedicated Security Forces
The league calls on the Police Minister to send special security units to the affected villages. These forces would work with local leaders to stop armed miners and keep communities safe.
Work With Traditional Authorities
ANCYL Secretary‑General Tsakani Shiviti says the government should partner with the Bapedi Royal House and other traditional leaders. Together they can shut down illegal operations, repair damaged land, and hold those responsible accountable.
Seek Reparations and Enforce Laws
The youth league wants miners and their corporate backers to pay reparations to families who lost homes or livelihoods. It also stresses that new laws, such as the General Mining Laws Amendment Bill, need strong enforcement on the ground—not just paperwork.
Impact on Communities
Displaced Families
More than 600 residents from over 400 working‑class families—mostly women and children—were forced from their homes in early 2026 because of violence and intimidation.
Dangerous Conditions
In areas like Atok, under the Bapedi traditional authority, nightly gunfire has become common. Open pits next to homes in Bapong village near Brits pose serious safety risks, and farmland between Mokopane and Polokwane is being ruined.
Planned Emergency Summit
ANCYL will hold an emergency summit bringing together traditional leaders, community representatives, and government officials. The goal is to create a coordinated plan that includes:
- Immediate security deployment
- Land rehabilitation
- Legal action against illegal miners and their backers
- Long‑term benefits from mineral resources for schools, hospitals, and roads
Conclusion
The ANC Youth League insists that South Africa’s platinum, chrome, and gold should serve the people, not fuel violence. By acting now—through security forces, partnership with traditional leaders, and enforceable laws—the state can protect communities, restore damaged land, and ensure that the country’s mineral wealth builds a safer future for all.
