Vidette Bester

Dr. Vidette Bester has made significant contributions to the field of artisanal mining in South Africa. With a doctorate in Sociology, her work explores the socio-economic drivers of artisanal mining, the role of mining companies in the sector, and the impact on miners' health and safety. She has delved into gender dynamics within artisanal mining, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women in this sector. Dr. Bester is an advisor to mining companies, and she has developed a comprehensive framework to address artisanal mining in the South African context, aiming to improve working conditions, safety, and the socio-economic benefits for historically disadvantaged communities. Her work advocates for more sustainable and proactive approaches to address the issues associated with artisanal mining rather than relying solely on policing and criminalization. She is a research associate in the Sociology Department at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.