The life of the zama zama part one: grim struggle to survive while searching for gold

Everson Luhanga

Soon after he arrived in Jozi in 2008, Zimbabwian Bongani Sibanda realised that his dreams of a better life was a search for fools’ gold. In South Africa, he faced even more hardships.

Without work, food or money for his family, Bongani had a tough decision to make.

“I realised that my friends were making money from illegal mining. I joined them,” he said.

He immediately started making money, but it was just a matter of time before disaster stepped in. 

“The gang attacked me and my friends at gunpoint,” he said.

“They took the production we had worked for underground for three days.”

Bongani stopped being a zama zama for about two years but soon the harsh realities of his life forced him underground into the dangerous shafts of Crown Mines near Soweto.

“I had no choice,” he said.

From gang wars to rock falls, Bongani has seen it all. 

“One day, I saw seven people slaughtered by a rival gang fighting over territory. 

“The image of those dead bodies will stay with me forever. I know that could happen to me anytime,” he said. 

“But I have no other means of making money. I’d rather die fighting for my survival and to provide for my family here in South Africa.”

Zama zama, Vusimusi Mashego, tells a similar story.

“I have no education. When I go to look for a job they ask me about my age and if I have a matric certificate,” said the 49-year-old Vusimusi. 

“Three years ago, I became a zama zama in order to survive.”

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