A somber memorial service took place today in Heidedal, Bloemfontein, to honor the lives of at least 49 children who have drowned in the Corobrick Quarry over the years. The unfenced and unguarded quarry has long been a deadly attraction for local children, who use it as a swimming spot during hot summer days.
A Tragic Legacy of Neglect
Community members say repeated pleas to the Mangaung Metro Municipality to secure the area have been ignored. Basik, a member of the local neighborhood watch, explained that the quarry was abandoned in the 1970s after mining operations hit an underground water source, leaving behind a massive, water-filled pit. Since then, it has claimed dozens of lives, with many victims being children seeking relief from the heat.
“Forty-nine families are suffering,” Basik said. “Winter is the worst because we have to stand here and watch as mothers cry for their children.”
Calls for Action Ignored
Despite efforts to raise awareness, including engagements with the Human Rights Commission and appeals to local politicians, no meaningful action has been taken. Leon Titus, another neighborhood watch member, expressed frustration over empty promises from authorities.
“Politicians come, make promises, and leave. Nothing changes,” Titus said. “This place remains open, children still swim here, and people even fish—but no one is taking responsibility.”
A Memorial on Youth Day
The memorial service, held on June 16—South Africa’s Youth Day—was a poignant reminder of the lives lost. Community members gathered to honor the victims and demand urgent intervention.
The quarry was described as “bigger than the Kimberley Big Hole” and dangerously accessible. He recalled covering a drowning incident in 2015, highlighting how easily tragedies occur.
Will Authorities Finally Act?
As the community mourns, the question remains: What will it take for the government or quarry owners to step in? With no fencing, no security, and ongoing risks, residents fear more lives will be lost unless immediate action is taken.
For now, the memorial stands as both a tribute and a plea—a call for accountability before another child is lost to the depths of the Corobrick Quarry.