ActionSA, a South African political party, has temporarily suspended its planned retrieval of the bodies of three mine workers who were tragically trapped underground. The decision was made after careful consideration of the safety risks involved and the need for proper planning and preparation.

The incident occurred at the Lily Mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on February 5th, 2016, when a collapse in the mine caused a container to fall into a sinkhole, trapping three workers. Since then, their families and the community have been anxiously waiting for their loved ones to be brought back to the surface.

ActionSA, led by its founder and leader, Herman Mashaba, had initially planned to retrieve the bodies on the 5th anniversary of the incident, as a way to honor the memory of the three workers and bring closure to their families. However, after consulting with experts and assessing the risks involved, the party has decided to postpone the retrieval until further notice.

In a statement released by ActionSA, Mashaba expressed the party’s deep concern for the safety of the retrieval team and the potential for further collapses in the mine. He also emphasized the need for proper planning and preparation to ensure the success of the operation.

Mashaba further stated that the party remains committed to retrieving the bodies and bringing closure to the families, but it must be done in a safe and responsible manner. He also called on the government and mine management to provide all the necessary resources and support to ensure the success of the retrieval operation.

The decision by ActionSA has been met with mixed reactions from the community and the families of the trapped workers. While some have expressed disappointment and frustration, others have commended the party for prioritizing safety and proper planning.

The families of the trapped workers have also expressed their gratitude to ActionSA for their efforts and understanding of the risks involved. They have also called on the government to provide more support and resources to expedite the retrieval process.

The Lily Mine incident has once again highlighted the dangerous working conditions faced by mine workers in South Africa. It has also brought to light the need for stricter safety regulations and better enforcement in the mining industry.

ActionSA has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and safety of mine workers, and this decision to temporarily suspend the retrieval operation is a testament to their commitment to these issues. The party has also called for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be held accountable.

In conclusion, while the families of the trapped workers may have to wait a little longer for closure, the safety and well-being of all involved must be the top priority. ActionSA’s decision to temporarily suspend the retrieval operation is a responsible and necessary step towards achieving a successful and safe retrieval of the bodies. The party remains committed to this cause and will continue to work towards justice for the three mine workers and their families.