A voluntary walk to the cemetery? Understanding the migration of Basotho men into the violent and illegal mining in South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper aims to demonstrate the dangers that Basotho men are exposed to in the illegal mining industry in South Africa, as well as to understand the factors responsible for their migration into this industry despite the apparent dangers. It shows that Basotho men have a long history of migrating to the South African mines in search for employment opportunities. The end of the twentieth century saw job opportunities for Basotho in South African mines diminish, mainly due to the closure of some mines. In desperation, Basotho men resorted to working illegally in the closed mines. This is not only illegal, but also risky and continues to see Basotho men lose their lives in large numbers as a result of mine accidents and gang-related conflicts. Despite loss of life at alarming rates, Basotho men are not deterred and continue to join this illegal and dangerous industry. Those already in the illegal mining industry have become so accustomed to their risky way of life that they are unlikely to abandon the industry and go back to Lesotho. There are various factors, economic and social, that explain this ‘irrational’ migration.