Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Over 500 Arrests and Counting in Barberton

Loading player...
The clampdown on illegal mining in Barberton, Mpumalanga, is gaining serious momentum after hundreds of zama zamas were brought up from underground while, another 24 suspects have been arrested, pushing the total to over 500. Most of those arrested face charges including the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, as well as other charges in relation to illegal mining and trespassing. Police are still verifying the exact numbers and working to bring more suspects to the surface. Operation Vala Umgodi continues with backup from mine security and the Department of Minerals and Energy. Phemelo speaks to mining expert David van Wyk and provincial safety spokesperson Moeti Mmusi about the impact and what’s next.
4 Aug 2025 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Legal Matters: eviction, restraint of trade

This week's Legal Matters Nthabiseng Dubazana unpacks key legal issues, including eviction linked to criminal activity, a labour dispute over whether workers were picketing or rehearsing wedding songs, and restraint of trade without a written agreement.
22 Jul 2PM 36 min

SASSA under fire as beneficiaries brave freezing cold for grants

More than 50 people, including pensioners, mothers with children and people with disabilities, spent the night outside SASSA's Bellville office in freezing temperatures just to secure a place in the queue. ActionSA says the scenes expose a failing system and is calling for urgent improvements, while SASSA has responded to…
22 Jul 2PM 22 min

SA women's hockey team shines on the field but battles funding off it

South African hockey player Onthatile "Thati" Zulu has lifted the lid on the financial strain facing the national women's team, revealing that players often have to fund their own World Cup preparations through sponsorships, crowdfunding and personal contributions. Her open letter has reignited the debate around funding for under-supported sports…
22 Jul 2PM 16 min

Parliament questions Treasury over R13.5bn municipal funding freeze

Parliament has grilled National Treasury over its decision to withhold R13.5 billion in funding from struggling municipalities over financial mismanagement and unpaid debts. While 27 councils have had their funding restored and more are expected to receive payments, dozens remain without crucial funds as Treasury insists they meet strict financial…
21 Jul 2PM 13 min

CRL Rights Commission cracks down after 43 initiation deaths this winter

The CRL Rights Commission is stepping up efforts to tackle the ongoing crisis at initiation schools after 43 initiates lost their lives during this year's winter initiation season. The latest figures also reveal dozens of hospitalisations, abductions, illegal schools and criminal cases, prompting the commission to launch a special committee…
21 Jul 2PM 16 min
All episodes