taz.de
South Africa's Mining Decline Fuels Illegal Gold Rush
South Africa's mining industry, once a pillar of its economy and a symbol of white supremacy, has drastically declined since the end of apartheid, leading to widespread unemployment and the rise of a massive, dangerous informal mining sector producing an estimated 21 billion Rand (1.4 billion Euros in 2017) annually in illicit gold.
- What are the direct consequences of the decline of South Africa's formal mining sector on employment and the economy?
- Egoli", Johannesburg in isiZulu, and Pretoria form South Africa's economic heartland, established in the late 19th century by gold and coal mining. This industry, once employing almost 500,000, has shrunk to under 100,000 due to post-apartheid changes, leaving thousands unemployed and thousands of abandoned mines.
- What are the long-term societal and economic implications of the flourishing informal mining sector ("Zama Zama") in South Africa?
- The current situation in South Africa's mining sector highlights the complex interplay of historical exploitation, economic transition, and social inequality. The rise of informal mining, while providing livelihoods, exposes workers to extreme risks and fuels organized crime, demanding comprehensive solutions addressing both economic and social factors.
- How has the historical legacy of apartheid-era mining practices contributed to the current situation of informal mining in South Africa?
- South Africa produced roughly half of the world's mined gold, about 40,000 tons, and the legacy of this mining, including the exploitation of migrant laborers during apartheid, is still felt today. The decline of the formal mining sector has created a large informal mining sector, known as "Zama Zama", that generates an estimated 21 billion Rand annually in illicit gold production.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames illegal mining primarily as a problem of criminality and social disorder. While acknowledging the historical context of apartheid and its impact on the mining industry, the focus remains largely on the negative consequences of illegal mining activities. The headline, if there was one, could heavily influence the reader's perception of the issue.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but words like "Mafiawirtschaft" (mafia economy) and "informellen" (informal) could subtly contribute to a negative portrayal of those involved in illegal mining. Using more neutral terms such as "underground economy" or "unregulated mining sector" might be less judgmental.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative aspects of illegal mining in South Africa, mentioning the dangerous conditions and lack of social safety nets. However, it omits potential positive perspectives, such as any community-based initiatives or government programs aimed at addressing the issue or providing alternative employment opportunities. The article also doesn't discuss potential environmental impacts of illegal mining. While brevity is understandable, these omissions limit a complete understanding of the complex problem.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between legal and illegal mining, neglecting the complexities of the situation and the motivations behind individuals engaging in illegal activities. It doesn't fully explore the systemic issues, such as poverty and lack of opportunities, which drive people to illegal mining.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the decline of the formal mining sector in South Africa, leading to job losses and the rise of informal and illegal mining. This negatively impacts decent work and economic growth, as it creates unsafe working conditions, low wages, and contributes to a large informal economy.