South Africa's Underground Crisis: Illegal Miners and Gang-Controlled Tunnels

In South Africa, illegal mining operations known as 'zama zama' are thriving in abandoned gold mines, controlled by organized crime gangs. These underground communities, complete with markets and red-light districts, offer lucrative but perilous work for miners like Ndumiso, who earn significantly more than in legal employment. Despite government crackdowns, the industry persists due to high unemployment and economic desperation. The situation highlights the complex socio-economic challenges and the need for policy reform to address illegal mining's impact on the economy and local communities.