KWAHLATHI, South Africa June 15, 2021: On Monday, more than a thousand lucky seekers went to the village of Kwahlathi in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, where they were believed to have diamonds after discovering unknown stones in the area.
People have traveled all over South Africa to join the digging villagers since Saturday, following a herd of men who dug the first stone in the open field, which some people consider quartz crystals. Moved forward.
Mendo Sabello, an excavator, said the discovery was life-changing when he placed a handful of small stones. “It means our lives will change because no one had a decent job. I do weird jobs. When I came home with them, (the family) was really happy,” said the 27 year old father of two. Unemployed Sukhmobo Mabhal agreed, adding: “I have never seen or touched a diamond in my life. This is the first time I have touched it here.”
The Mines Department said Monday it was sending a team of geologists and mining experts to the site to collect and analyze samples.
The department said that a regular technical report would be issued on time. The lack of rock analysis did not bother the lucky seekers as long lines of vehicles parked on both sides of the gravel road could be seen just a few meters from the open field, where young, old, girl and man dug. They brought picks, shovels and thorns to find wealth.
South Africa’s economy has long been plagued by high unemployment, millions are living in poverty and have contributed to nearly three decades of severe inequality since the end of sectarianism in 1994.
The corona virus epidemic has made it worse. Some people have already started selling stones, starting at 100 to 300 rand ($7.29). The provincial government has since asked all of them to leave the site to allow the authorities to conduct a proper inspection, fearing that diggers may be spreading the corona virus.
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