Unlawful mining has scarred the panorama of Thabo Village, Duduza in Ekurhuleni. Through the years, unlawful miners have dug out sand to resell, forsaking rows of open craters or pits which have change into demise traps.
The rainwater that collects in these holes has change into a playground for kids from close by communities who swim in these pits.
Previously six months, 4 kids have drowned after making an attempt to swim; the latest had been two kids, each aged 5, who drowned firstly of October 2025. Now, residents are demanding that pressing motion be taken to forestall additional tragedy.
Native ward councillor Thabo Mofokeng, after whom the village is called, says the scenario worsens with each rainfall.
“We are attempting to shut the holes. I’ve requested the administration of the Mega Metropolis Municipality flats close by to dump their bricks and sand waste on the pits. I’ve additionally drafted a movement to the mayor asking the municipality to intervene,” Mofokeng tells Well being-e Information.
“We shall be opening the group swimming pool quickly. I consider that when the swimming pool is open, the youngsters will cease swimming within the pits.”
Mofokeng provides that native patrols, together with cattle herders, have been requested to observe the realm to forestall kids from enjoying close to the pits.
Ongoing threats
Earlier this month, the group of Thabo Village gathered on the web site the place the kids tragically misplaced their lives, talking in regards to the challenges they face day by day and the continuing dangers to native kids who nonetheless play across the open, water-filled holes. Collectively, they determined to march to the municipal workplaces to demand speedy motion to shut the hazardous pits.
A municipal employee, who requested to not be named, confirmed to Well being-e Information that the criticism was logged, however up to now, there’s been no motion.
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“We went to the municipality’s Buyer Care Centre to ask that the holes be closed, however nothing has been performed,” says group chief Funeka Gamedze. “That is the second time this 12 months we’ve misplaced kids to drowning on this group. Each time we increase issues, nobody appears to pay attention.”
Well being and security concern
Native nurse Lindiwe Magona says the scenario has change into a severe well being and security concern.
“These open holes should not simply harmful due to the drowning threat; the stagnant water attracts mosquitoes and poses a risk of waterborne ailments,” she says. “We hold dropping harmless lives whereas ready for motion. It’s heartbreaking to see our kids at risk each day.”
The individuals of Thabo Village say they continue to be hopeful that their requires intervention will lastly be heard. For now, they proceed to observe the realm themselves, doing what they’ll to guard their kids from risks hidden beneath the floor of muddy rainwater. – Well being-e Information
