Johannesburg illegal mining threatens homes

Illegal mining activities in a Johannesburg neighbourhood have raised serious safety concerns, as several houses are now at risk of collapse. The underground operations, carried out by the so‑called Zama Zama miners, are believed to involve around 34,000 workers across South Africa who dig for gold and chromium. The tunnels they create undermine the ground beneath residential areas, leading to structural instability and frequent power outages that further jeopardise the safety of local residents.

Authorities have warned that continued mining without proper regulation could exacerbate the danger, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and safer mining practices. The situation underscores the broader challenges of managing informal mining operations in urban settings, where the pursuit of precious metals can clash with community welfare and infrastructure integrity.