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Solidarity today expressed its condolences to the families and next of kin of the Sibanye-Stillwater employees who had died in two separate incidents on Friday. Three people died at the Beatrix Mine near Welkom, and a fourth died at the Khusuleka Shaft in Rustenburg. 

“It was with shock and dismay that we took note of the dangers to which miners at Sibanye-Stillwater's mines are exposed,” said Solidarity General Secretary Gideon du Plessis. “The death toll at Sibanye-Stillwater’s mines currently stand at 15 for the year and it seems that the safety of their staff and the prevention of possible loss of life is not really a priority. The attitude of the company, which also comes to the fore in salary negotiations, indicates that the company does not value its employees.”

In the accident at Welkom, it would appear that an out-of-control load haul dump machine hit and crushed three people. This followed the death of the other employee at the Khuseleka Shaft in Rustenburg, who also died on Friday. This brings the total deaths at Sibanye-Stillwater’s mines to a shocking 15 for the year so far.

The investigation currently being conducted by the chief inspector of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr David Msiza, has Solidarity’s full support.

“We call on Mr Msiza to employ stringent measures if proof is found of any violations of the prescribed health and safety legislation,” Du Plessis concluded.

Issued by Solidarity