4 - 2 March 2014 - The Observer
LETTER OF ANGUISH FROM SA
H
undreds of Zimbabwean men
are estimated to have lost
their lives in a disused mine at
Roodepoort in South Africa.
The majority of those who are believed to
have perished trying to fend for their families,
albeit illegally, are suspected to be illegal
immigrants from mainly Zimbabwe and a
handful from Mozambique.
While these illegal immigrants were illegally
mining in disused mines, the media blackout
on this developing disaster leaves a lot to be
desired. As human beings, we have a collective
responsibility to value life as a precious gift
from God whether one holds privileged
immigration document or not. The media
is called upon to report on this tragedy and
give it the significance it deserves. In the same
token, a call on our South African brothers
and sisters to extend a helping hand during
this hour of need is also made in the true
spirit of Ubuntu.
While the world seems oblivious of this
unprecedented humanitarian disaster, and the
Zimbabwean government is preoccupied with
celebrating the 90th birthday of President
Mugabe as well as preparing for his daughter’s
impending wedding, ZAPU seems like the
only Zimbabwean organisation to have
responded in kind to this predicament. Soon
after receiving news of this humanitarian
disaster ZAPU structures in the diaspora
quickly established a team of party cadres
based in South Africa, which was dispatched
to visit the site of the disaster.
Cdes Patrick Matsinhanise, Raymond
Mdlongwa, Xolani Khumalo, Watson Nkala,
Jericho Ncube and Patrick Gumbo (Yeoville
Branch Chairman) were quickly deployed to
the site located west of Johannesburg. The
gallant ZAPU members have been camped
at the site providing the necessary support to
the relatives of the deceased. In Europe and
the UK, the Secretary General of ZAPU, Dr
Ralph Mguni made a passionate plea to party
members to contribute cash towards this
worthy cause. Within hours, the members
responded positively with a significant amount
deposited into the established bank account.
Proceeds raised were used to buy body
bags, torches, batteries, food, water, gloves,
nose masks and odour repellent s &