Nothing goes to waste for Joburg’s sewer rats
DOWN THE HATCH: To get into the sewer system, the miners have to shift the heavy manhole covers. Right, a miner with some of the day’s proceeds THE City of Gold hides a secret stash of wealth in its sewers — but only the very brave mine it. Diamonds, gold jewellery, TV sets, tyres and beds are among the items that Johannesburg’s “sewer rats” have unearthed. Oresca Bonini’s home is about 50m from a sewer pipe in Noordgesig, and he never returns empty-handed from his frequent trips into the city’s waste-water system. Bonini said that after he was released from prison in the ’90s, he could not find a stable job, so he began mining the sewers. “I always get something. It has become a job, not a hobby.”
Over the past 15 years he has recovered rings, earrings, and necklaces, which he sells in Chinatown.
“A gold ring can get you R180, but if there are more carats, this can be double,” said Bonini.
He uses an iron sifter, which allows human waste and water to pass but traps solid objects. To enter, he removes concrete manhole covers. “You have to close it behind you because if you don’t, people put rocks on top and you cannot get out. They do it just for fun.”
He also collects scrap, plastic and bottles for recycling and uses the money he earns to take care of his two brothers.
All sewer pipes in the city are located next to streams because they use gravity to move the waste.
Bonini’s neighbour in Noordgesig, who gave his name only as Andrew, is 30. He began mining sewers at the age of 16 after becoming fascinated by the marbles he found in the sand. Two months ago, he found a diamond that had detached from a ring. He traded it for R450 — a high price in his business.
“I am feeding 13 mouths. This includes my sister’s children,” said Andrew. “Once, my friend and I were able to make R4 200 in a month. It was one of our best months.”
Across town in Dlamini, Soweto, is 37-year-old Allen, who has survived eight vigilante attacks. “I was a devil. I did everything — drugs, housebreaking, you name it.”
He joined the ranks of the “sewer rats” when he could not find a job because of his several convictions.
He makes R200 on a good day and uses this money to take care of his girlfriend and their four kids.
“We are able to eat and clothe ourselves. It is an honest living.”