The National Union of Miners (NUM) Free State Regional Women’s Structure expresses its deepest sorrow and outrage following another fatal accident at Harmony Target Mine. This tragedy has claimed the life of a female worker – the second fatality involving a woman in this operation in just two months.
It is devastating and unacceptable that lives continue to be lost in conditions that raise serious concerns regarding workplace safety and the operation of machinery. As organized labor and as women in the mining sector, we are deeply disturbed by this recurring pattern.
“We demand urgent and transparent clarity from Harmony Gold management on these fatalities. Women in mining face unique vulnerabilities, and it is unacceptable that safety systems appear to be failing them. Workers have a right to the truth about the conditions under which they work, especially as incidents involving machinery continue,” the spokesperson said. Primrose Ntholeng, Chairperson of the NUM Free State Regional Women’s Structure.
The NUM reminds the employer of its binding obligations under the Mine Health and Safety Act (No. 29 of 1996):
• Article 2, paragraph 1: The employer must ensure a safe and healthy working environment through good design and equipment.
• Article 5(1): The employer must take reasonable steps to ensure that employees can work without endangering themselves or others.
• Article 11(1): The employer must identify hazards and assess all associated risks.
The continued loss of life indicates a critical failure in implementation, oversight or accountability. The recurrence of these incidents raises serious questions about maintenance, training, supervision and safety compliance.
The NUM Free State Regional Women’s Structure will not stand by while women are exposed to life-threatening conditions. In response to this tragedy and the lack of satisfactory answers, the structure will organize a protest march to express the collective frustration over the management of Harmony Target Mine. Details on the date and logistics will be communicated in due course.
We appeal to the Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) to intervene urgently and conduct a thorough investigation. There must be accountability and immediate corrective action.
Female employees are not disposable. Their safety, dignity and lives should never be compromised because of production targets or profit margins.
Enough is enough.
For more information please contact:
Primrose Ntholeng NUM Free State Region Women’s Structure Chairman Cell: 078 152 5435
The National Union of Miners
Rissikstraat 7.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Mobile: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media
National Union of Mine Workers
num.org.za