Zwelinzima Vavi says illegal miners deserve help, South Africans criticize him for comments

• Zwelinzima Vavi says illegal miners should receive help to avoid loss of life
• South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) general secretary blames government
• South Africans think he should set an example and help the miners still underground.

NORTHWEST – Zwelinzima Vavi attracts a lot of criticism on social networks.

The general secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has upset many people by showing his support for illegal miners still underground in Stilfontein.

Vavi said assistance should be provided to miners in the North West to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.

Vavi says not all are criminals

The 61-year-old argued that just because some miners resurfaced without help did not mean everyone underground could do the same.

He also added that some were poverty-stricken and exploited by criminal elements.

He said many were so desperate that they were being extorted by the power-hungry individuals who ran these illegal operations.

Vavi accuses the government

The SAFTU general secretary also blamed the governmentsaying they had to take responsibility for three things.

According to him, the government must be criticized for not doing more to prevent foreigners from entering the country, for not forcing mining companies to close abandoned mines and for not regulating this industry which brings in so much money.

Social media users criticize Vavi

The SAFTU general secretary found no support online, as South Africans suggested he go to the mines if he wanted to provide such help.

@VctaMofenyi1 said:

“He can go. I’ll get some popcorn and enjoy the show.”

@Mammudi1 added:

“He can lead by example.”

@LedwabaRonald said:

“We told him to go volunteer. Why is he still talking from the office? He needs to lead by example.”

@Kgapolad asked:

“Why don’t they send him to help?”

@HumbleThabang said:

“Then he has to go help. We can’t entertain Vavi.”

Source: In Brief News