In the township of Soweto, South Africa, residents are expressing alarm over health conditions they associate with an abandoned gold mine known locally as the 'Yellow Mountain.' This legacy from the 1890s gold rush, which helped establish Johannesburg, is now drawing scrutiny as local organizations report numerous illnesses among children in the area.

Snake Park, a neighborhood in northern Soweto, has seen increased cases of cerebral palsy and other disabilities, which the community attributes to toxins from the nearby mine tailings.

Among these children is 13-year-old Okuhle, who, as reported by her adoptive mother Lilly Stebe, faces severe health challenges including asthma and vision problems, which they believe are linked to the environmental impact of the mine.

David van Wyk, a senior researcher at the Bench Marks Foundation, has highlighted the dangerous materials present at the site, including arsenic, lead, and uranium.

His assessments indicate that the dust generated by the mine contains highly toxic substances that can lead to various cancers and genetic mutations.

According to the South African Auditor General, over 6,000 abandoned mines mar the landscape, with approximately 2,322 classified as posing serious health risks to nearby communities.

Van Wyk estimates that 15 to 20 million individuals may be living in proximity to these hazardous sites, exposing them to potential health hazards.

The mine site, located near Snake Park, is reported to have existed in its current contaminated state for around 50 years.

A recent environmental study conducted in collaboration with the University of Johannesburg revealed alarmingly high levels of pollutants in local water sources, with one test showing concentrations of 776 mg per liter, rendering the water unfit for drinking.

Residents rely on this contaminated water for irrigation in their agricultural lands, impacting livestock as well.

Reports have emerged of goats being born with deformities, including missing limbs, which adds distress to the community's ongoing health crisis.

In response to these health concerns, Pan African Resources, the company that acquired the mine in 2022, has promised to remediate the site within a decade but acknowledges the current impacts on local residents.

They have attempted to improve safety by installing warning signs around the mine, measures that some locals consider insufficient given the ongoing health issues.

Community member Baile Bantseke has expressed frustration with government response to the crisis, particularly regarding support for families affected by disabilities, such as her grandson Mphoentle, who is autistic.

Bantseke's sentiments reflect a broader dissatisfaction among residents who feel neglected by authorities, particularly as many families struggle to afford transportation to medical facilities due to limited financial support.

Each month, a local support group, the Snake Park Cerebral Palsy Forum, meets to provide a network for families affected by disabilities.

Despite the harsh realities facing them, community leaders like Kefilwe Sebogodi strive to maintain morale, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among families in their shared plight.