Illegal mining is causing serious damage to infrastructure and public safety in Johannesburg (South Africa's largest city and economic centre), with roads collapsing, sinkholes opening, and power networks being destabilised by underground blasting. The miners, known locally as zama zamas — mostly armed migrants from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho and Mozambique — operate around the clock in abandoned and newly dug shafts, stealing electricity cables and damaging water pipes. Experts warn conditions will worsen, with President Cyril Ramaphosa having already deployed troops across Gauteng province to counter the growing crisis.