Lesufi meets survivors of zama-zama intimidation in Randfontein settlement

Cape Town – Hundreds of families forced from their homes in the Sporong informal settlement on the West Rand have appealed to the Gauteng government for shelter and safety, as violence linked to illegal miners, known locally as zama zamas, continues to grip the community.

Residents said mounting intimidation, threats, and attacks by armed illegal mining groups drove them from their homes, forcing them to seek temporary refuge at the Randgate Community Hall in Randfontein.

On Thursday, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the displaced residents to hear their concerns and outline government plans for relocation, housing support, protection, and social services.

[WATCH]: Premier Panyaza Lesufi engaging residents taking shelter at the local community hall after fleeing their homes at the Sporong Informal Settlement in Randfontein, due to victimisation by illegal miners in the area.

Premier outlined a coordinated plan on relocation,… pic.twitter.com/BizZ5mIQgw

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) January 22, 2026

“Those who are sick, we have got them doctors. Those who have young children, the elderly and those who are injured… there’s an ambulance coming. We’ll be taking them to a home where they’ll be taken care of,” Lesufi said.

Sixty-four-year-old Shirdey Dubazane, one of the displaced residents, broke down in tears while describing his prolonged struggle for stable accommodation. “Since 2008, they have only given me a subsidy now. Please, can I get a house? I have been separated from my daughter. She does not even know where I stay. I am just asking for a home,” he told Lesufi and journalists. “I am now 64 years old.”

Many families said they were terrified to return to Sporong due to ongoing threats and violent behaviour from illegal miners, which residents said included shootings and intimidation with firearms.

Shirdey Dubazane (64) broke down in tears when he was asked by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, why he stayed behind at Sporong informal settlement when other people were driven away by zama zama’s.

Dubazane said he cannot live in a crowded hall with his daughter. TCG pic.twitter.com/sA6xZTO23g

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) January 22, 2026

Lesufi pledged that those who have already been approved for government housing subsidies will be prioritised for allocation, while others will be assisted in registering for support. “Those who have subsidies… you’ll speak to the MEC, who will let you know when yours is coming out,” Lesufi said.

He also addressed security concerns in Sporong, saying that police would be stationed in the area to safeguard those who wish to return to collect belongings or resettle there. “If you want to return, we are putting the police there to go and protect you,” he said.

Authorities said they have identified land for relocation of the displaced and are working with police, human settlements departments, and social services to provide protection and interim accommodation while more permanent housing solutions are organised.