100 signatures reached
To: Gwede Mantashe Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources in South Africa
STOP Joburg’s mines poisoning Soweto’s water!
The 1.9 million people living in Soweto, Johannesburg, are exposed to unacceptable acid mine drainage. Toxic water from 278 abandoned gold mines and 200 mine dumps has been contaminating its water sources and soil.
Before 1994, communities were forcibly relocated to places near the mine dumps in Soweto. The water, the soil, the air are being poisoned by dangerous chemicals and heavy metals like uranium everyday!
Families who rely on food gardens are facing the terrifying reality that the soil they depend on is making them sick. In cases of serious exposure it can result in birth defects, brain damage, cancer and miscarriages. Children are especially vulnerable to these toxins, which can cause severe health problems and stunt their development.
It’s not just abandoned mines, despite these alarming facts, mining will continue with little regard for the devastating impact on our community. The government’s failure to regulate these activities is costing lives and jeopardising the well-being of thousands.
Why is this important?
This must end now!
We urgently call on the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, to:
- Decommission abandoned mines lawfully
- Give residents living in close proximity to the mine dumps a fair opportunity to be relocated, and
- Deliver a comprehensive rehabilitation programme must be implemented to support urban agriculture
The safety and health of Soweto’s residents must be a priority!
Let’s demand justice for Soweto.
Sign this petition and unite with us in the battle against toxic gold mine pollution.