The Congress of South African Trade Unions is alarmed by the deteriorating and poor safety record of Sibanye Stillwater mining company. This follows the latest incident, where 13 workers were trapped underground at Masakhane mine in Westonaria, one has since been reported dead and seven workers still remain missing. We send our condolences to the family ,friends and colleagues of the dead miner and our prayers to the missing mineworkers and their families.

This happens barely a couple of months since two workers died at another Sibanye operation and 1100 workers were trapped underground for more than twenty hours at another Sibanye Stillwater Mining operation in Beatrix, Free State.

Sibanye Stillwater’s deteriorating safety record is alarming considering that this is the company that was one of the safest companies in the Gold Sector in 2015. The Department of Mineral Resources and the Department of Labour needs to take seriously this deteriorating safety record by conducting a thorough investigation.

It is scandalous that the mining sector has seen more than 25 deaths already this year but government is still reluctant to implement Section 54 mine stoppages under the Health and Safety Act. Government is sacrificing workers because it is afraid of the mining companies. While we appreciate that there was a tremor underground at Masakhane, COSATU still demands more action from government to force companies to adhere to safety regulations.

Issued by COSATU

Sizwe Pamla (Cosatu National Spokesperson)

Tel: 011 339 4911
Fax: 011 339 5080
Cell: 060 975 6794