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Mineworker dies at Samancor in Limpopo

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Mineworker dies at Samancor in Limpopo

Press statement, 29 September 2018 

 

Mineworker dies at Samancor in Limpopo


The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has learnt with shock the death of a mineworker at Samancor next to Steelpoort in Limpopo Province. The incident happened at around 9 am yesterday morning.

One death is one death too many. This is unacceptable as we don't sell our lives, limbs or lungs to the industry but our labour to provide for our families

The NUM reiterates its call that there is a need to amend the Mine Health and Safety Act No.29 of 1996 Section 86A 45 that those who are found to be responsible for fatalities in the mining industry are given harsher sentences or long imprisonment in jail. Currently, the Mine Health and Safety Act No.29 of 1996 allows for criminal liability but the sentences are not harsh. Any owner convicted of an offence in terms of section 86 or 86A 45 may be sentenced to-
(a) withdrawal or suspension of the permit; or

(b) a fine of three million rands or a period of imprisonment not exceeding five years or to both such fine or imprisonment.

The NUM strongly feels that the sentences are not harsh. A fine of three million or a period of imprisonement not exceeding five is nothing to the mining bosses who make billions of profits at the expense of poor mineworkers.

Section 86A of the Mine Health and Safety Act does exist and it states that those who are found to be criminally liable must be dealt with in terms of the law, but we have not seen anyone found criminally liable. What is the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) doing about this? The Mine Health and Safety Act do allow DMR to lay criminal charges against those found to be responsible for fatalities. But the inaction by the DMR is worrying while mineworkers continue to die in large numbers in the mining industry. The NUM hopes that DMR will one day exercise its power to lay criminal charges against those found to be responsible for fatalities in the mining industry in South Africa. Mining companies will continue to ask for mercy while the DMR as the regulator is doing nothing. DMR is empowered by the Mine Health and Safety Act to impose harsher penalties.

For more information: Please contact:

Phillip Mankge: NUM North East Regional Secretary: 076 053 3401
Livhuwani Mammburu: NUM National Spokesperson: 083 809 3257


The National Union of Mineworkers

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Tel: 011 377 2111

Cell: 083 809 3257

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About Us
The National Union of Mineworkers was founded in 1982.

Its birth was facilitated by comrades Cyril Ramaphosa who rose to be its first General Secretary, James Motlatsi who turned to be its first President, and Elijah Barayi who became its Vice President and later the President of Cosatu in 1985 when the federation was formed. porn