Uis small-scale miners cry foul
UIS – In Uis, a single purchase of gemstones from small-scale miners can be the difference between having something to eat or living to fight the next day. However, this trade that has sustained families for decades, is facing a daunting challenge, with some having branded small-scale miners “illegal” and that no one should dare... The post Uis small-scale miners cry foul appeared first on New Era .
UIS – In Uis, a single purchase of gemstones from small-scale miners can be the difference between having something to eat or living to fight the next day.
However, this trade that has sustained families for decades, is facing a daunting challenge, with some having branded small-scale miners “illegal” and that no one should dare support their businesses.
On a Friday afternoon when New Era’s crew visited the town, a board screaming “ILLEGAL” across a photograph of gemstones at the only local service, meets the eye.
One of the signs at the service station states that no gemstones may be sold or bought on the premises and that doing so is illegal.
It, however, directs visitors to support small miners selling opposite the service station under a tree.
“No gemstones may be sold or bought on this premises. It is ILLEGAL. It will be confiscated at the borders and airports. You will be fined!” it warns.
The threat continues to take aim at those only described as beggers in the eyes of the owners of the service station.
“Please do not give the BEGGERS FOOD OR MONEY.
Every time you give them food or money, you are CREATING a PROBLEM, and they will keep on HARRASSING TOURISTS that do not want to be harassed. IT IS EASIER FOR THEM TO BEG THAN TO WORK,” it further reads.
The same message could be heard from a jiggle playing on a speaker installed in the roof of the service station, echoing the same statement, each time a tourists’ vehicle made a stop.
Struggle
However, right across the road, stationed under trees, are small-scale miners, who said the sign adds to a much bigger struggle for them.
They said they do not have a central and visible trading point to sell their semi-precious stones to tourists and other potential buyers passing through Uis.
A frustrated small-scale miner, Gregory Huiseb, said they want the sign displaying the word “ILLEGAL” over the gemstones removed.
“That board gives the impression that we are selling illegal gemstones. We have raised the issue with our local leaders for months now,” he said.
Some of the miners who spoke to New Era produced documents showing registration of their mining claims, while others said they make a living by buying stones.
He admitted that they previously approached tourists at the service station.
However, they now remain under the tree opposite the station and only approach visitors when called by the tourists themselves.
Another miner, Dennis Guidao, said this is how they support their families.
“As local Namibians, we have the right to benefit from our natural resources that we mine with our own hands. That is how we survive,” he said.
After a lengthy discussion on Monday with service station owner Paul Loots, he said he will not remove the signs.
The miners, however, said their concern is not about the service station owner’s right to control activities on his property but rather the impression created by displaying the word ‘illegal’ across gemstones they depend on for their livelihoods.
Loots said the gemstone sellers are not allowed to trade on his premises, alleging that they harass customers who stop at the station to fill up.
He also raised concerns about the appearance of some of the men selling stones, describing them as untidy, and saying some “look like tombo drinkers”.
However, during New Era’s interaction with the men, none appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, nor were they disrespectful or aggressive towards this reporter.
They were professional in their conduct, and seemingly wanted to make ends meet.
Loots further questioned whether the sellers have the necessary permits and whether tourists buying the stones have the required documentation to take them out of Namibia.
“They are a nuisance. I have called the local police as well. We at some stage made peace, but they didn’t keep their end of the bargain. So, the boards will remain,” he said.
Poor services
Uis community activist Cornelia Atswira said the dispute highlights a broader and long-standing challenge faced by small-scale miners at the town.
She said government services are not within easy reach of the community.
Atwira added small-scale miners in Uis do not have a central and visible point where they can display and market their stones.
“This makes it difficult for them to access potential buyers and earn an income from the minerals they produce,” she added.
According to her, small-scale miners have to travel to Windhoek to access services.
“For us to get a prospecting licence or even register a claim is expensive because we have to travel to Windhoek,” she said.
They have since asked the ministry to bring a mobile office so that we can apply for services in Uis or in the Daures constituency,” she said.
Not prohibited
On the ground, however, tourists or individuals buying gemstones in Uis or elsewhere are also allowed to take them out of Namibia, provided they follow the required mineral export procedures.
Under the Minerals Act, a person i
