Mines were our lifeline, the heartbeat of our community. In the small town where I grew up, everyone’s life revolved around the mines. Fathers and sons both worked tirelessly, descending daily into the earth’s depths to extract coal. The economy depended on the black gold they toiled to bring up. Every Sunday, moms would gather to share worries and hopes over a cup of tea, conscious that another week loomed where their loved ones risked their lives.
When the sirens wailed, hearts leaped to throats. Accidents were not rare, and every family had its tales of loss. The mines shaped our identities, our fears, and our dreams. Kids like me aspired to leave for brighter futures but held a deep respect for the unwavering spirit of our kin. So, whether it was the paycheck or community ties, for many years, the mines bound us all together.
Sipho Jack
www.iol.co.za