Shivambu residents concerned about the 'traps' of soil miners

Residents of Shivambu village in the Bungeni area are concerned that contractors removing soil in their vicinity are creating a dangerous situation, impacting the environment and potentially causing drownings.

During a recent visit to the area, residents showed Limpopo Mirror the soil excavations. The soil is currently being used for projects such as the renovation of the Bungeni Stadium. The upgrading of this stadium, originally expected to finish in 2022, is still in progress. The Collins Chabane Municipality budgeted R12.15 million for the project in the 2023/24 financial year, with an additional R17 million in 2024/25 and R18 million in the subsequent year.

Ms Nkhesani Chauke, one of the residents, expressed fear that sand-mining activities are leading to the formation of small dams filled with dirty water. “Our kids have started swimming in these dams, which is unsafe,” she said.

The ongoing mining of the soil allegedly started three years ago. The gravel being mined is used as a sub-base material for filling and establishing a coarse base under roads and paving.

Residents are also concerned about the constant presence of trucks on local roads, causing congestion and air pollution. Another point of contention is that, despite the soil’s being mined from Shivambu village, none of its residents are considered for employment opportunities in any of the projects.

Mr Thomas Ngwenya (55), another resident, fails to understand how construction companies can mine soil in the area without offering employment to local residents. He insists that the construction companies must come back and rehabilitate the area, leaving it as they found it.

The traditional leader in the area, Nduna Mkhatshani Shivambu, said they had raised the issue several times, with no solution being offered. “Three years ago, we were informed that there was money set aside to refill the small dams, but that was not the case. The dam is not safe for the children in our community who swim there, and if it rains, we might face issues of them drowning,” he said.

Detailed questions were sent to the spokesperson for the Collins Chabane Municipality, Mr Raymond Hlungwani. He was asked to comment on the legality of the soil mining at Shivambu village and whether the necessary environmental impact assessments had been done. He was also asked whether the municipality would fence off these areas or make arrangements to alleviate the danger.

Despite several follow-up calls, Hlungwani did not respond. On 3 November, he provided the number of a colleague to call for more information. The colleague simply referred the reporter back to Mr Hlungwani.

Date:16 December 2023

By: Thembi Siaga

Thembi Siaga started as an intern during 2021. He assisted with video photography and editing. He also produced numerous small documentaries, focusing on the Vhembe region and its people. Currently he works as a freelance journalist, covering stories in the Elim area.

Thembi studied at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he completed his diploma in Journalism in 2021.

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