Honourable House Chairperson,
In welcoming this report, focusing on mine health and safety, the ACDP notes that South Africa’s mining sector employs nearly 500 000 people, and yes, concerns over worker safety persist.
While fatalities have dramatically declined since the introduction of the Mine Health and Safety Act, sadly 55 deaths and 2 180 injuries were recorded in 2023, including the Impala Rustenburg disaster. Additionally, some 73 000 women miners, face rising injuries every year.
Mining involves multiple hazards, including hearing loss, Silicosis, TB, and fatal accidents from Fall of Ground and Transportation and Mining. The ACDP welcomes the focus on all mines to provide safe sanitary ablution facilities underground for women, as should be done for men.
The ACDP supports the Committee recommendation for interventions towards zero harm and calls for the capacity constraints in inspections to be removed. We further welcome the removal of some 6 500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni and appreciate the transformation of an illegal mining hub, at the Benoni Driving Range Racetrack, to an effective law enforcement model, that serves as a valuable blueprint for change and community enrichment.
As most mines are being mined out, the ACDP is concerned about the lack of exploration and greenfield projects, to preserve mining jobs, noting that 12 000 jobs were lost last year. In light of the importance of the mining sector’s contribution to GDP, the ACDP urges the Department to fast-track research and investment in new mine establishment within the sector.
I thank you.
