The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes the Minister for Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr. Gwede Mantashe’s announcement of government’s intention to table the long-delayed Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill at Parliament.

The Bill provides a badly needed overhaul of legislation governing the health and safety in the mining industry.  Key provisions in the Bill seek to improve the safety of mineworkers, ensure all employers are held accountable for fulfilling their obligations to provide a safe work environment, strengthen penalties for those who fail to do so, and provide the necessary support and rehabilitation for injured mineworkers.

Since the advent of democracy, the working conditions of mineworkers and the rate of accidents have substantially improved on many areas, including a 50% decline in the fatality rate.  This critical progress is due to the relentless efforts of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Federation over many years as well as the legislation and interventions put in place by the government led by the African National Congress.

Whilst welcoming these achievements, we cannot celebrate when on average up to two mineworkers die each week at work.  Neither can we rest when thousands of mineworkers are injured, disabled or exposed to life changing illnesses.  What makes these tragedies worse is the obscene packages paid to mining executives whilst mineworkers are made to battle for a living wage and all too often are drowning in debt.

COSATU and NUM have participated extensively in the drafting of this progressive Bill at Nedlac.  We have been deeply disappointed that the Department has unnecessarily delayed tabling it at Parliament since it first left Nedlac in 2018.  We hope that government will now honour Minister Mantashe’s progressive commitment and will see this long-sought Bill tabled at Parliament before the Opening of Parliament in February 2025.  Parliament too must expedite its passage once it has been tabled.

The sweat and blood of mineworkers has provided the backbone for the economy for more than a century.  They deserve to work in an environment where their health and safety will be guaranteed at all times.

Issued by COSATU

For further information please contact:

Matthew Parks(COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator)

Cell: 082 785 0687

Email: matthew@cosatu.org.za