KLCBT requests Premier’s intervention re zama-zamas

While it is factually correct that until now, the growing numbers of illegal miners around the Kruger Lowveld area, have not posed any threat to    visitors—we are deeply concerned about recent clashes amongst the illegal     miners which could lead to collateral damage, causing injury to innocent road users or bystanders.

This is after a section of the road through Schoemanskloof was closed for the second time for safety precautions.

This is not acceptable—we cannot accept this as the new normal. 

We have approached the Premier to demand that he approach the      President with a request to declare a state of emergency or a state of    disaster, whichever is appropriate.

Under Section 37 of the Constitution and the State of Emergency can be declared when the life of the nation is threatened by war, invasion,         insurrection, disorder, or natural disaster, and ordinary laws are not enough.

When it can be declared:

When the Nation’s life is explicitly threatened and ordinary government powers are insufficient.

The initial duration of a state of emergency is valid for 21 days but can be extended by national assembly.

What can be deployed?

The South African National Defence Force personnel and equipment can be deployed to integrate with police law enforcement.

Their powers and resources…

They can restrict movement and transport in affected area, the can detain people without trial protocols, additional budget can be made available.

KLCBT’s Special Attache for Tourism Development and Transformation,  Mr Oupa Pilane, has also called upon the Premier to not only issue a         statement of condemnation, but to take drastic action to stop this rising threat in it’s tracks, “Tourism depends on confidence. Confidence     depends on safety. Mpumalanga’s communities, visitors and tourism   businesses deserve the same level of protection afforded to other parts of the country facing the illegal mining threat.  Mpumalanga cannot be left  behind.  The time for decisive intervention is now.”

Meanwhile, Pilane and KLCBT’s CEO, Linda Grimbeek, have requested an urgent appointment with the Honourable Premier to arrive at a firm            commitment by the Provincial leadership to remove this threat from our midst.  We will keep you updated on progress in this regard.