# A researcher from the University of South Africa has challenged dominant views on illegal mining, arguing that “zama zamas” are both victims and perpetrators of violence. Presenting at the Wits Mining Institute, Kennedy Manduna said simplistic labels ignore deeper socioeconomic drivers like unemployment and migration. He warned enforcement-heavy responses fail to address root causes, calling for detailed policies that distinguish survival-driven activity from organised crime within South Africa’s illicit mining economy.
Researcher urges rethink on illegal mining narratives