- Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has alerted Parliament to a possible meeting between a high-ranking official and illegal miners.
- Mantashe appears before the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources to discuss illegal mining
- Movement for African Change MP Vuyo Zungula called for a thorough investigation into the allegations and criticized Mantashe
Tebogo Mokwena, News in Brief' The Deputy Head of Current Affairs, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, cabinet reshuffles, State of the Nation addresses, parliamentary proceedings and politician-related news as well as elections at the Daily Sun and Vutivii Business News for over seven years.
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Parliament, Western Cape – Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede MantasheLesotho's Prime Minister Sam Matekane was linked to illegal mining in South Africa when he appeared before parliament on 24 February 2026.
Member of African Transformation Movement (ATM) Parliament Vuyo Zungula posted an excerpt from Mantashe's speech @ZungulaVuyo. Mantashe appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources to provide a progress update on the sixth administration's recommendations on illegal mining and an update on recent illegal mining activities.
Mantashe attacks Lesotho's Prime Minister
Mantashe addressed Zungula and said Matekane allegedly organized a two-hour meeting in Bloemfontein without making proper arrangements for the visiting head of state of South Africa. Mantashe said Matekane had allegedly held a meeting with illegal miners. He further said that South African Police Service Indicated that he was not aware that the Prime Minister of Lesotho was in South Africa. He accused the Lesotho government of dishonesty. Mantashe called on Parliament to expedite the investigation of the alleged meeting by the South African Police Service.
Zungula criticizes Mantashe
However, Zungula was not impressed by the allegations. He said Mantashe spoke out about Matekane because he was challenged after facing allegations of lack of political will. He reported that Mantashe, as a senior government official, was aware of the meeting, but the government did not take action against Lesotho for the alleged meeting.
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He said, “The government has never taken action against that particular Prime Minister. Instead, it is something that he raises only because he is challenged about the question of lack of political will.”
Look exchange on x Here:
South Africans question Mantashe
Netizens who believe in X demanded answers from Mantashe.
Siya asked:
“How long did Mantashe know this? And what do they plan to do with this information once the SAPS complete their investigation?”
Lucky Malembe said:
“This happens when you have a weak military. Other countries don't give you any importance.”
Obak said:
“They should be held accountable for their words. They are used to saying anything and apologizing later.”
Luyolo Macanten asked:
“What has he done with this information?”
Princess B wanted to know:
“Why is the minister not insisting on serious security deployment on the border?”
3 brief news articles about illegal mining
- South African Police Service An illegal miner arrested On 18 December 2025 in Bapong, North West. The miner was one of other illegal miners who were trapped underground.
- Residents of Bekkersdal in the West Rand, where a mass shooting left more than nine dead, Illegal mining blamed for turf wars For shooting. A resident said that three other taverns had been targeted earlier.
- ActionSA President Herman Mashaba meets the President Cyril Ramaphosa act as illegal Miners forced hundreds of families out of their homes On 7 January 2026 in Randfontein. He said residents were crying out for Ramaphosa's intervention.
Source: News in Brief