The City of Johannesburg is intensifying efforts to combat illegal mining as growing infrastructure damage, violent criminal activity and economic disruption linked to zama-zama operations continue to threaten communities across the city.
This follows an urgent oversight visit led by MMC for Transport Cllr Kenny Kunene alongside the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) Board and CEO Zweli Nyathi to severely affected areas in Regions C and F, where illegal underground mining has caused sinkholes, collapsing roads, damaged sewer infrastructure and business closures.
MMC Kunene said the scale of destruction has exposed the urgent need for stronger law enforcement coordination, infrastructure protection and long-term rehabilitation.
“The City of Johannesburg is intensifying its interventions because the scale of damage caused by illegal mining can no longer be treated as an isolated issue. We are dealing with organised criminal networks that are threatening lives, undermining economic activity and destroying infrastructure worth billions of rand," said Kunene.
He added that illegal mining is already affecting local businesses and residents, with some companies forced to close due to unsafe conditions and deteriorating infrastructure.
During the visit, officials noted the closure of a bricklaying company on Nick Toomey Road near one of the zama-zama entry points. City officials also uncovered serious environmental concerns, including sewage flowing along damaged roads and into affected areas.
“We have exposed sewerage running down this road, which illegal miners are using as part of their mineral sifting processes. This is dangerous to public health and the environment and shows how deeply these criminal operations have infiltrated critical infrastructure spaces," Kunene said.
He warned that municipal entities are increasingly unable to safely carry out essential repairs due to violent intimidation. “Joburg Water cannot come and work here, and JRA cannot repair pipes and roads because zama-zamas start shooting. The City is effectively being held at ransom by these criminals."
Among the interventions under consideration is stronger coordination between the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, the South African Police Service, provincial government and national law enforcement agencies, including calls for support from the South African National Defence Force.
“The reality is that municipalities cannot fight this battle alone. We need a stronger intergovernmental response because zama-zama operations have become highly organised, heavily armed and deeply entrenched in former mining areas," Kunene said.
The City also plans to strengthen infrastructure monitoring and rehabilitation in vulnerable areas, particularly Regions C and F, where sinkholes and road collapses have become increasingly common.
During the oversight visit, officials inspected sites in Roodepoort, Witpoortjie and Selby, where underground cavities of up to 22 metres have caused severe structural damage and disrupted access to homes, businesses and transport routes.
Nyathi said long-term success would depend on stronger collaboration and prevention measures. “It becomes unsustainable for municipal entities to repeatedly rehabilitate infrastructure damaged by illegal mining. The City remains committed to restoring affected areas, but stronger preventative measures and enforcement are essential."
Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
26/05/2026
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