LOCALS living along the Wild Coast see sand mining as a means of much-needed income.
Cwebeni village residents Sinethemba Nombewu and Fama Qikana load trucks which collect sand from an illegal mine that spans an area the size of about five soccer fields near Umngazi River Bungalows.
Qikana said they earned about R400 a week.
“There is nothing wrong with us using this way to make money. This is our mine as much as Johannesburg people have their mines. We survive on these sand mines.”
In addition to their wages, the trucks pay the community R150 for an eight-ton load. This is then sold for between R1200 and R2600 to builders.
Nombewu said about five trucks visited the mine daily. “The money is used for assisting the community. We know we are being ripped off, but if we ask for more money they will go where it’s cheaper or for free.”
Another village near the wreck of the Jacaranda at Qolora Mouth also benefitsfrom illegally mined sand. Trucks have destroyed roads and new tracks are constantly being formed.
A local, who the Daily Dispatch was told keeps a register of all trucks collecting sand, became suspicious when undercover reporters asked questions about the matter.
Although he confirmed the community was being paid for sand, he would not divulge further details. — andrews@dispatch.co.za/bonganif@dispatch.co.za
Sand mining sustains locals
Cwebeni village residents Sinethemba Nombewu and Fama Qikana load trucks which collect sand from an illegal mine that spans an area the size of about five soccer fields near Umngazi River Bungalows.
Qikana said they earned about R400 a week.
“There is nothing wrong with us using this way to make money. This is our mine as much as Johannesburg people have their mines. We survive on these sand mines.”
In addition to their wages, the trucks pay the community R150 for an eight-ton load. This is then sold for between R1200 and R2600 to builders.
Nombewu said about five trucks visited the mine daily. “The money is used for assisting the community. We know we are being ripped off, but if we ask for more money they will go where it’s cheaper or for free.”
Another village near the wreck of the Jacaranda at Qolora Mouth also benefitsfrom illegally mined sand. Trucks have destroyed roads and new tracks are constantly being formed.
A local, who the Daily Dispatch was told keeps a register of all trucks collecting sand, became suspicious when undercover reporters asked questions about the matter.
Although he confirmed the community was being paid for sand, he would not divulge further details. — andrews@dispatch.co.za/bonganif@dispatch.co.za
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