Moral Regeneration Movement Condemns Alleged Strip Searches of Women Miners at Kopanong Gold Mine

The Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) has strongly condemned the alleged naked strip searches of women miners by security guards at Kopanong Gold Mine near Klerksdorp, labeling the acts as “abhorrent, dehumanizing, and racist.”

MRM’s Moses Lesiba Kgwele expressed outrage over the alleged treatment, calling it a gross violation of human rights and dignity, especially against black women workers. “We are concerned that the worst atrocities in the workplace that undermine equality, dignity and human rights are still being perpetuated against black women workers, who have had to bear the brunt of decades of inequality, unfair discrimination, exploitation and abuse—particularly in male-dominated industries like mining,” he said.

The strip searches, reportedly conducted to detect gold particles hidden in miners’ bodies, have drawn widespread condemnation. Kgwele criticized mining companies for relying on “slave and apartheid-era inspection tactics” rather than employing modern, non-invasive security technologies that uphold the dignity of workers.

“It is disgraceful that women miners are subjected to searches that wives of mine bosses would never be comfortable with,” he added.

Kgwele stressed that women working in the mining sector already face harsh and hostile underground conditions, and they deserve a more secure and respectful working environment when they resurface. He called on the Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, and the South African Human Rights Commission to launch urgent investigations into the matter.

He also urged the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) to take decisive punitive action if the allegations are substantiated. “PSIRA must promote a human rights culture within the security industry and act firmly against those who abuse their authority,” Kgwele said.

Referencing the Charter of Positive Values advocated by MRM, Kgwele reiterated the organization’s commitment to promoting the spirit of Ubuntu and to opposing all forms of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. “This includes working for the physical security and protection of all people and fighting against harassment, rape, and other forms of gender-based abuse,” he said.

To further safeguard workers’ rights, MRM announced plans to strengthen partnerships with trade unions in the mining and private security sectors. Kgwele confirmed that MRM will launch Workers’ Dialogues aimed at rooting out exploitation and ensuring dignity, particularly for women employees.

The allegations have sparked national attention, with human rights bodies and civil society groups expected to weigh in on what may become a test case for ethical labor practices in South Africa’s mining industry.