23 Jan

UASA Media Release: 23 January 2025

In Picture: Minister Gwede Mantashe addressing delegates and media at the GCIS in Pretoria.

Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:

The 2024 Mine Health and Safety statistics released by Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe show the progress to achieve “Zero harm in our lifetime” in the mining industry.

Minister Mantashe stated this morning that there was a 16% decrease in occupational injuries from 2,181 in 2023 to 1,841 in 2024. Occupational diseases decreased by 17% from 2,233 cases in 2022 to 1,864 in 2023. Fatalities dropped from 55 in 2023 to 42 in 2024.

UASA welcomes the significant results achieved in the mining industry last year, as it proves that the health and safety of workers are a priority on all levels. We further applaud the department’s commitment to prioritising the health and safety of mineworkers by enforcing the Mine Health and Safety Act and fostering cooperation with all stakeholders for the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Following the 2024 Mine Occupational Health and Safety Tripartite Summit, which aimed to achieve “Zero harm in our lifetime”, we are pleased that the department has seriously considered evaluating progress and strengthening the collective resolve to create a safer environment for mineworkers. For UASA, whose members work in such high-risk environments, this progress is reassuring to workers who risk their lives daily while ensuring their notable economic contributions.

Addressing delegates at the summit, UASA president Patience Mapitsi noted that although “breaking boundaries is not easy, to achieve zero harm, we must innovate boldly and elevate our efforts to new heights. Together, we can build a mining industry that powers our economy without compromising the lives and health of those who make it possible.”

Achieving zero harm used to be a distant goal, but thanks to the unrelenting drive and support from government, stakeholders, organised labour and employers, it is evident that zero harm in the mining industry is possible and achievable. We wish the sector and all workers a productive year of economic productivity and zero harm in the mining industry.

For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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