Zamazama, “illegal” artisanal miners, misrepresented by the South African Press and Government

Abstract

Contrary to views of South African government officials and the media, illegal miners (zamazama) in South Africa are better described as ‘artisanal’ miners and entrepreneurs who create significant numbers of jobs and economic value for many local communities. For the most part, they are not ignorant desperados, nor especially violent. They have unusual non-standard mining skills and knowledge that is distinctly different from industrial miners. They exploit gold resources that major mines cannot access and interact directly with global markets. With better legislation and, possibly, training, they could be economic assets and elements of the national heritage.