Hon Speaker, the UDM is concerned about the continuing deaths of illegal miners. Because of the high rate of unemployment, people risk their lives by resorting to illegal mining. Despite the increasing number of deaths as a result of these activities, people are not deterred.

The UDM is also concerned about the so-called "derelict" and "ownerless" mines that encourage illegal mining. We are further concerned about the billions of rands that the government is spending to attend to these mines.

The question we are asking ourselves is this. How can a person mine with a mining licence for years and then not be traceable? There are people who are behind illegal mining and who benefit far more than the people who risk their lives by going underground. We appeal to the government to deal decisively with these people, too. Thank you, hon Speaker.