By Stefan Kleinowitz• 27 January 2021
Mr Mabuza (61) and Mr Nkosi Ting Dong (70), pick fresh spinach at the Khuthala gardening project. They worked for many years in big coal mines and are experts in mining. They started the first mine that employs small-scale artifisinal miners (Zamazamas). They are safety managers and plan the day and night shifts for 1,000 Zamazamas. The artisanal mining business began in 2008, when Mr Nkosi invested in farming land and discovered an abondoned coal mineshaft on his land. Today the Zamazamas work with the Khuthala Environmental Care Group to learn about new regulations in the mining industry, climate change, safety measures, and how to rehabilitate the exploited land to create vegetable gardens that can feed township communities. (Photo: Stefan Kleinowitz)