AfricaNow! May 7, 2025 Mineworkers in South Africa–Update of The Stilfontein Story

Topic and Guest: In the spirit of WPFW’s mission of being a site of resistance in defense of Truth, Justice and Culture, and as we commemorate International Workers’ Day (May 1–May Day or Labor Day) AfricaNow! features Mineworkers in South Africa–Update of The Stilfontein Story with Christopher Rutledge of the Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) and he is also a member of the Stilfontein Solidarity Committee. Christopher Rutledge provides an update on the situation of the mineworkers who were in a standoff with the police for months while they were underground operating in an abandoned/closed mine Stilfontein (in North West Province in South Africa). Earlier this year most of the miners were rescued but unfortunately there were also a number of the miners found dead in the mine. The discussion also highlights South Africa’s mining history and its adverse effect on communities from colonial rule to apartheid to the current period; the role of corporations; trade unions in the mining industry and more. Here is my conversation yesterday with activist Christopher Rutledge.

MUSIC ON THE SHOW: intro–“CONTUSION” BY STEVIE WONDER commemorating his birthday May 13 (May 13, 1950–); closing–“STIMELA (THE COAL TRAIN) (LIVE)” BY HUGH MASEKELA.

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Originally broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM, Washington, DC. Tune into AfricaNow! live on WPFW 89.3 FM in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area or visit www.wpfwfm.org on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00PM (U.S. Eastern).

Photos: Courtesy of the Stilfontein Solidarity Committee.


Source by AfricaNow!