Mantashe is out of order

“This incident, more than any other incident, has confirmed our view that this thing of illegal miners is actually economic sabotage and war on our economy (by Lesotho), and therefore those who died there are almost like soldiers dying in combat. I think it’s a dangerous issue for neighbours to do that to one another.”

These are the words of South Africa’s natural resources minister Gwede Mantashe on the demise of 31 Lesotho nationals who perished while mining gold illegally in a closed mine in the neighbouring country.

As expected, these utterances have triggered widespread condemnation from Basotho in the country and those staying and working in South Africa. Rightly so. Mantashe’s statement is as irresponsible as it reckless and dangerous. And his overzealous comments should be viewed with the contempt they deserve.

South Africa has gained notoriety internationally for its fickle nationals who have both intolerance and hated for foreigners, and minister Mantashe’s words could only serve to incite more violence against Lesotho nationals residing in South Africa.

The irony about Mantashe’s harangue is that South Africa and its intelligence service know the masterminds behind these incidences; they know that whatever is recovered from the illegal mines is being sold overseas.

Even though Mantashe accuses Lesotho of sabotaging his country’s economy, there is evidence showing that there are SA officials behind the illegal mining and, unfortunately, Basotho happen to be victims. Illegal miners are mere pawns in a chess game. This is well-known. Playing to the gallery won’t win Mantashe any political scores or mileage.