Zama Zamas Survive on Toothpaste and Saltwater After Months Trapped Underground At Stilfontein

Zama zamas are emerging from the Stilfontein mine in the North West after months of eating toothpaste, cockroaches, and mixing water with salt to stay alive.

The miners, trapped underground since October, have been surfacing in small groups as hunger and exhaustion take their toll. Authorities had cut off their food supplies by surrounding the mine shaft entrances, forcing the zama zamas into desperate measures to survive.

ALSO READ: South Africans Express Outrage After Stilfontein’s Underground lllegal Miners ‘Zama Zamas’ Request For Mayonnaise and Tomato Sauce

Zama Zamas Survive on Toothpaste and Saltwater After Months Trapped Underground At Stilfontein

The Pretoria High Court intervened on November 30, ordering officials to allow humanitarian aid, including food, water, and medication, to be delivered. On Tuesday, December 3, supplies such as mageu, instant porridge, and water were sent down shafts 10 and 11 of the Buffelsfontein gold mine.

However, it’s reported that the zama zamas underground are demanding additional supplies in exchange for retrieving the bodies of those who died during the months-long ordeal. Another decomposing body was brought to the surface on the same day aid was delivered.

The grim conditions underground are worsened by reports of heavily armed Basotho men who allegedly control access to the mine shafts. A 19-year-old zama zama described the bizarre underground world, where miners work shifts, bathe, and even access fridges, TVs, and speaker systems.

“We used to go to work as early as six in the morning and then come back at about 4pm, take a bath then sleep. Or go to the shops and watch TV,” he said.

Zama Zamas Stilfontein — *Zama Zamas Survive on Toothpaste and Saltwater After Months Trapped Underground At Stilfontein [Image: Morapedi Mashashe/Daily Sun]*

Rescue Efforts

On Monday, December 2, 21 zama zamas surfaced—12 Mozambicans and nine Zimbabweans. Some emerged barefoot, with bleeding blisters, visible wounds, and only trousers on their bodies. Those still underground remain reluctant to surface, fearing both hunger and violence.

Since August, over 1,300 zama zamas have resurfaced, highlighting the scale of illegal mining operations in South Africa.

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