Bemanti News

The historic Pigg’s Peak Gold Mine, established 140 years ago in Swaziland, has been closed for over two decades. Today, however, it has been brought back to life, not by legitimate operations, but by illegal miners, known as zama zamas. These miners, hailing from Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini, have taken advantage of the easy access to the mine, working side by side in their quest for gold. Located at Old Pigg’s Peak, about five kilometers from the current town of Pigg’s Peak, the mine was once bustling with activity in the late 1800s. It was here that William Pigg founded the town, which later moved to its present location. After nearly a century of operation, the mine was closed in the early 1970s. Despite its current desolation, groups of zama zamas, usually 20 at a time, venture underground, risking their lives for gold. These miners spend about three days underground without proper mining gear, lighting, or oxygen, making their endeavor perilous. One of the illega...

In Swaziland, our people’s love for this nation runs deep, and the desire for a brighter, united future is a powerful undercurrent in every conversation I have with fellow emaSwati. Across the board, the sentiment is clear: Swaziland belongs to all of us, not just a select few. This shared sense of belonging, rooted in our history and our identity, is a birthright that must be respected. Yet many emaSwati feel that this pride and belonging are being overshadowed by a governance model that does not fully serve or include them. The people of Swaziland are calling for a system that upholds transparency, accountability, and inclusion—values that would strengthen our nation and honor our shared heritage. As citizens of Swaziland, we want to see a nation that operates with unity and purpose, where everyone’s voice is valued and everyone feels empowered. However, our dual governance system often feels unbalanced, benefiting only a privileged few while leaving many feeling alienated in their o...