FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Haven’t journalists already told this story?

A number of journalists in South Africa have produced snap-shot portraits of zama zamas, usually following an accident in one of the mines. But there is nothing like this film, based in long-term collaboration with the people who make their living in the ruins.

What languages are spoken in the film?

The people of this area speak several different languages, often in broken form, and often shifting from one to the other in the same sentence. Working with a team of translators from the region, we titled every minute of footage before starting the editing, generating more then 10,000 title cards from which to build a narrative (don’t worry, they’re not all in the film!).

Why are the mines closing?

The gold mines are closing because, over time, their reserves have been depleted to the point where it is no longer worth the costs of extracting the precious metal using capital-intensive methods and industrial technology. But that doesn’t mean there’s no gold left. Tiny amounts remain both below ground and above ground in the tailings dumps of the mine. This is what the zama zama miners are after.

Can zama zamas really make enough to survive?

They make very little—a few hundred rand ($1 = about 15 rand)—for every trip down. But sometimes, there is more and on occasion, zama zama miners strike it ‘rich.’ In truth, that usually means just a few hundred dollars’ worth of gold. And that will sustain an individual for a few months. There are no great fortunes being made.

Why do zama zama miners take these risks? Why don’t they choose a safer occupation?

Zama zama mining is always a last resort. In many cases, the people who take these awful risks are fleeing desperate poverty made worse by currency crises, political instability, and ethnic violence at home. Quite simply, there are not enough paying jobs to be had. Zama zamas laughingly refer to the ruins as their ‘greener pasture,’ but they would all rather have secure jobs with real wages.

Are the stories about zama zamas and violent crime true?

Because zama zamas reside in a country where they don’t have citizenship rights, they are preyed upon by gangs and other criminals. Although their activity is illegalized, they are simply working for themselves, trying to avoid becoming thieves or engaging in activity that would involve them in violence. They don’t want to beg. Most of the money earned by zama zama miners goes back into the formal economy and sustains local businesses. They pay rents and buy food and clothing like everyone else.

How can I support this film?

In order to make a contribution towards the completion and distribution of this film, please consider purchasing one of the products on our merchandise page.