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Sinkholes, scarred land and scapegoats: the scourge of illegal gold mining in Johannesburg 30 October 2026 at 08:00

Sinkholes, scarred land and scapegoats: the scourge of illegal gold mining in Johannesburg

30 October 2026 at 08:00

There is no end in sight for the drivers of illegal mining, while police action appears ineffective

Cora Bailey has been encountering illegal miners ever since she first started treating injured animals in the townships around Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, in 1991. But as the price of gold has soared, so too has activity in the abandoned mine shafts that mark the area.

In late September, dozens of zama zamas – the name given to illegal miners in South Africa, meaning roughly “to take a chance” in Zulu – arrived to dig for gold across the dirt road from her charity, Claw (Community Led Animal Welfare).

The Guardian
Sinkholes, scarred land and scapegoats: the scourge of illegal gold mining in Johannesburg 30 October 2026 at 08:00

Sinkholes, scarred land and scapegoats: the scourge of illegal gold mining in Johannesburg

The Guardian

By: Rachel Savage in Durban Deep

30 October 2026 at 08:00

There is no end in sight for the drivers of illegal mining, while police action appears ineffective

Cora Bailey has been encountering illegal miners ever since she first started treating injured animals in the townships around Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, in 1991. But as the price of gold has soared, so too has activity in the abandoned mine shafts that mark the area.

In late September, dozens of zama zamas – the name given to illegal miners in South Africa, meaning roughly “to take a chance” in Zulu – arrived to dig for gold across the dirt road from her charity, Claw (Community Led Animal Welfare).

The Guardian
Durban selected as South Africa’s candidate for Olympic bids in 2036 and 2040 29 October 2026 at 14:01

Durban selected as South Africa’s candidate for Olympic bids in 2036 and 2040

The Guardian

By: Associated Press

29 October 2026 at 14:01

Games would be first held in Africa if bid successful
East-coast city preferred to Johannesburg and Cape Town

South Africa on Thursday announced the east coast city of Durban as its preferred candidate to host the first Olympics in Africa.

South Africa is bidding to host the 2036 or 2040 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The International Olympic Committee will choose the host city for 2036 in mid-2029.