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MHSC NEWS - Mine Health and Safety Council
SEPTEMBER 2019

                 MHSC NEWS
                 THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY COUNCIL

                      IN MEMORIAM

In this issue
Emergency Preparedness and Response Workshop
Culture Transformmation Framework Workshop
Tribute to Deputy Minister Bavelile Hlongwa
Women In Mining Indaba 2019
MHSC NEWS - Mine Health and Safety Council
Editor’s corner

About MHSC

The Mine Health and Safety Council
                                             IN THIS ISSUE
(MHSC) is a national public entity           1. Editor’s Corner						                                                                          3        Every mine worker
(Schedule A) established in terms of the
Mine Health and Safety Act, Act No. 29
                                             2. CEO’s Corner						                                                                             4
                                                                                                                                                        returning from work
                                             3. Tribute to the late Deputy Minister				                                                        6
of 1996, as amended.
                                             4. Women’s Month Celebrations 2019 			                                                            7
                                                                                                                                                        unharmed every day
The entity comprises a tripartite board      5. Mine Health and Safety Workshop 			                                                            10
represented by state employer and                                                                                                                       The Mine Health and Safety Council                On a sad note, September played us a sombre note as we lost the
                                             6. MHSC Women in Mining Indaba 2019 			                                                           12       at the 2014 Mine Occupational Health              Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Ms Bavelile Hlongwa.
labour members under Chairmanship
of the Chief Inspector of Mines. The         7. DMRE Women Achievers Awards 				19                                                                      and Safety Summit coined the slogan,              A young woman who still had lots to offer, an advocate for Women’s
MHSC is funded by public revenue                                                                                                                        every mine worked returning from work             rights and a passionate leader who was fearless.
                                             8. Back at Home MHSC Offices 				                                                                 22
and is accountable to Parliament. The                                                                                                                   unharmed every day. The slogan is in
                                             9. Northern Cape SHE Inauguration Summit			                                                       23       line with the quest for Zero Harm. This is
main task of the Council is to advise                                                                                                                                                                     As sung by Michael Jackson, indeed she left us too soon.
the Minister of Mineral Resources and        10. Emergency preparedness and response workshop                                                  24       at the core of the work that we do as the
                                                                                                                                                        MHSC.                                             “Gone Too Soon”
Energy on occupational health and            11. Culture Transformation Implementation workshop                                                26
safety legislation and research outcomes
                                             12. Medico Legal Investigations of Mine Deaths 		                                                 28       In 2019, we have noticed improvements in          Like A Comet
focused on improving and promoting
occupational health and safety in South      13. Learner Focus Week					29                                                                              the health and safety stats but it is still one
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Blazing ‘Cross The Evening Sky Gone Too Soon
African mines.                                                                                                                                          death too many as the sector is grappling
                                             14. MHSC Celebrates Madiba day				                                                                30                                                         Like A Rainbow
                                                                                                                                                        with the health and safety of miners. It is
                                             15. Pozisa Mtya crowned Ms. Transcontinental		                                                    31       also important to note that the number of         Fading In The Twinkling Of An Eye Gone Too Soon
The Council also oversees the activities
of its committees, promotes a culture of     16. New Appointments					                                                                         32       deaths on South African mines has almost
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Shiny And Sparkly
health and safety in the mining industry,                                                                                                               halved so far this year compared with last
                                                                                                                                                        year. This shows that together with our           And Splendidly Bright
arranges a summit to review the state of
occupational health and safety at mines                                                                                                                 stakeholders; it is possible to turn the tide     Here One Day
every two years, and liaises with the                                                                                                                   and ensure that mine workers return from
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Gone One Night
Mining Qualifications Authority (MQA).                                                                                                                  work unharmed every day.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Like The Loss Of Sunlight
Publication information                     DISCLAIMER                                                                                                  Significant strides in improving industry         On A Cloudy Afternoon
Mine Health and Safety Council 145                                                                                                                      safety and health performance in recent
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Gone Too Soon
Western Service Road                        MHSC News Magazine is owned and published by the Mine Health and Safety Council.                            years have been possible through the
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                                            The content syndication of this publication                                                                 is the Mine Health and Safety Council
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                                                                                                                                                        Safety Summit Milestones and the Centre           That Is Just Beyond Your Reach Gone Too Soon
www.mhsc.org.za                             The content on the MHSC News magazine are made available on the terms and condition that the
                                                                                                                                                        of Excellence. At the 2014 OHS Summit,
communications@mhsc.org.za
                                            publisher, editors, contributors and
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight Here One Day
                                            related parties:                                                                                            tripartite stakeholders agreed on new
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                                                                                                                                                        milestones to be achieved by the year             Gone One Night
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                                            anything done or omitted being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of this publication     Harm.
                                            and products are not responsible in any way for the actions or results taken any person, organisation                                                         Dying With The Rising Of The Moon Gone Too Soon Gone Too Soon
                                            or any party on basis of reading information, or contributions in this publication or related product.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Lala Ngoxolo Mbokodo
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Till next time -Masanda

  2       MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                             MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019      3
MHSC NEWS - Mine Health and Safety Council
CEO’S CORNER
                                                                                                                               in Mining (WIM) Indaba was firstly, to
                                                                                                                               align MHSC WIM programmes with
                                                                                                                               the programmes on the Department
                                                                                                                               of Mineral Resources and Energy
                                                                                                                               (DMRE). Secondly, the Indaba created
                                                                                                                               a platform for women employed in
                                                                                                                               the mining industry to engage on
                                                                                                                               Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
                                                                                                                               concerns impacting on them, identify
                                                                                                                               emerging risks and develop a five-year

                                                                                    “a force to
                                                                                                                               strategy for the South African Mining
                                                                                                                               Industry (SAMI).

                                                                                    be reckoned
                                                                                                                               At the Department of Mineral
                                                                                                                               Resources and Energy Women’s
                                                                                                                               Day event, MHSC women were

                                                                                    with”                                      recognised for the great work they are
                                                                                                                               doing in various spheres of their lives.
                                                                                                                               Congratulations to the MHSC women;
                                                                                                                               Jackie Dibetsoe, Manyabela Mailula,
                                                                                                                               Nomonde Nzimande, Portia Rabele,
                                                                                                                               Ruth Nkoana, Pozisa Mtya and Bonolo
                                                                                                                               Msutwana who scooped the awards at
                                                                                                                               the event, keep up the good work you
                                                                                                                               made us proud.

                                                                                                                               The Chief Inspector of Mines Mr. David
           Thabo Dube, CEO- MHSC                                                                                               Msiza has under the Section 49 (6)
                                                                                                                               of Mine and health and Safety Act
                                                                                                                               (MHSA), 1996 (Act no : 29 of 1996)
                                                                                                                               and after consultation with MHSC,
                                                                                                                               issued a guidance note on medico-
This issue covers initiatives and                                                   MHSC events
                                                                                    initiatives.
                                                                                                       and    engagement       legal investigations of mine deaths in
                                                                                                                               South Africa. This guidance originates
events as the August month began                                                    This issue also covers initiatives and
                                                                                                                               from the need to provide clarity on
                                                                                                                               the process that must be followed for
with a series of community outreach                                                 events as the August month       began
                                                                                    with a series of community outreach
                                                                                                                               deaths that require a Medico-Legal
                                                                                                                               Autopsy. For more information and to
engagements in support of the                                                       engagements in support of the National
                                                                                    women’s month, in the Northwest.
                                                                                                                               access this guidance note please visit
                                                                                                                               our website www.mhsc.org.za
National Women’s month.                                                             The aim of these engagements was
                                                                                    to promote the health and safety of
                                                                                    women in the mines.

It is with a heavy heart that I pen this   Mr. Mantashe said Hlongwa’s strong       The MHSC also hosted the Emergency                MHSC would like to engage with you more, look at our events page for the
foreword under sad circumstances we        academic background made her a           Preparedness and Response
have found ourselves under during the      force to be reckoned with.               Workshop, the purpose of the workshop             upcoming events like HIV and TB day, that you will read more about in our
month of September, when we lost the                                                was to address challenges the mining              summer issue of MHSC News. We have been calling for article submissions
Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources       As the Mine Health and Safety Council;   industry is faced with, with regards
and Energy, Ms Bavelile Hlongwa.           we also feel her loss as she played an   to having emergency and response                  and the Northern Cape has heeded our call and in this issue you will read
                                           instrumental role in the MHSC Women      services available for mines in business          about initiatives from the province, a gesture we highly appreciate as we aim
Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources       in Mining programmes. She was for        rescue or mines not complying with the
and Energy, Bavelile Hlongwa died          women, and we were still expecting so    Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) in              to make this magazine informative.
the way she lived; helping people.         much from her. The Deputy Minister       terms of entering into a contract with a
President Cyril Ramaphosa said at her      was passionate about issues affecting    rescue services provider.
funeral in KwaZulu-Natal.                  women and she confronted issues                                                            Until next time, Thabo Dube
                                           head-on without hesitation when          Among the series of events hosted in
Mineral Resources Minister, Gwede          tackling the sexual harassment issues    the month of August was the two day
Mantashe said the country has              in the mines. Which is the direction     MHSC WiM Indaba on the 21st and the
lost a brilliant, young mind, in the       the MHSC is taking in terms of dealing   22nd of August 2019. The main purpose
passing away of Bavelile Hlongwa.          with challenges affecting Women in the   of hosting the MHSC 2019 Women
                                           industry. May her soul rest in peace.

   4       MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                        MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019   5
MHSC NEWS - Mine Health and Safety Council
Tribute to the late Deputy Minister

                                              BAVELILE HLONGWA

                                                                                                                                Women’s Month
                                                                                                                                Celebrations

                                                                                                                                “There are no quick solutions to business. Ladies, be persistent
                                                                                                                                business is about hard work and commitment.”

                                                                  As the Mine Health                                            August began with a series of community outreach engagements in support of the National Women’s month celebrations,

                                                                  and Safety Council we
                                                                                                                                under the leadership of the late Deputy Minister of Mineral and Energy Ms. Bavelile Hlongwa, from the 6th till the 10th August
                                                                                                                                2019 in the Northwest. These engagements were aimed at promoting the health and safety of women at mines as well as
                                                                                                                                ensuring meaningful participation of women in the sector.
                                                                  honour this wonderful,                                        The Mine Health and Safety Council(MHSC) supported the Deputy Minister in the following events; Round table discussion
                                                                  Energetic , brilliant                                         with women in Mining and Energy sectors held on the 7th of August 2019 at Royal Bafokeng stadium, Outreach Program
                                                                                                                                on Economic Opportunities and Occupational Health and Safety issues in the mining and energy sector on the 8th of

                                                                  and devoted patriot of                                        August 2019 at Samancor TC Smelter, Mooinooi and Mine, Health and Safety workshop held on the 10th of August 2019
                                                                                                                                at Rustenburg Civic Centre.

                                                                  South Africa.
We have lost a warrior woman of the people in the prime of her life. The contribution and life of Ms Bavelile Hlongwa mirrors
the worthy attributes of remarkable leaders who have walked before her. We have been learning about Deputy Minister
Hlongwa in the past few days, a youth leader, a mentor, a teacher, a freedom fighter, a gender activist of note. We saw the
Deputy Minister playing a pivotal role in the issues affecting Women in Mining, she engaged the women in mining industry
and was passionate in ensuring that every woman returns form work unharmed every day; in the light of the challenges
women experience in the male dominated industry of mining.

There are many lessons we can take from Ms Hlongwa’s life albeit our short time with her. We learned about humility, about
selflessness, and sacrifice. A fearless woman leader, social activist, and a champion for the empowerment of women and
vulnerable sections of society among others. As the Mine Health and Safety Council we were still expecting so much from
her but the interactions we’ve had with her have been valuable and we take note of the messages and advice she imparted
on us as the Mine Health and Safety Council , we will continue that women issues take centre stage in the mining industry.

                                                                 Lala Ngoxolo Mbokodo.

  6       MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                     MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019            7
MHSC NEWS - Mine Health and Safety Council
Outreach Programme on Economic Opportunities
Round Table discussion with                                                                                                   and Health and Safety issues in the Mining and
Women in the Mining Sector                                                                                                    Energy Sector.

                                                                                                                              “ In 1956 when women marched to the Union Building, it was to address most of the issues
                                                                                                                              that the women’s charter was raising, from which the freedom charter draws most of its
                                                                                                                              origins. Before we are oppressed for our races, we are oppressed for being women.”

The round table session was held at the Royal Marang Hotel, near Rustenburg on the 7th August 2019. The purpose of the
                                                                                                                              The purpose of the outreach programme at Samancor TC            Ms Florence Magampa from the MHSC presented on the
session with the Deputy Minister was to engage the Women in Mining (WIM) in Rustenburg by listening to the matters that
                                                                                                                              Smelters, on the 8th of August 2019 was for the Deputy          mandate of the MHSC, the 2014 Occupational Health and
they were raising. This was to allow the WIM to open up in a safe space to express their frustrations and expectations. The
                                                                                                                              Minister to engage with Women in Mining (WIM) on the            Safety Milestones, with specific reference to the Culture
women were requested to share their experiences in terms of the support they need to deal with issues relating to SMMEs.
                                                                                                                              extent of the economic opportunities available for them in      Transformation Framework, in implementing the Women in
The platform also created an opportunity for the Deputy Minister to engage with the women on their concerns in the mining
                                                                                                                              the mining and energy sector with the support from DMRE.        Mining Programme and progress to date.
and energy sector broadly.
                                                                                                                              The session also included discussions on Occupational           In her response to questions raised, the Deputy Minister
In her keynote address; the Deputy Minister focused on the need to transform the mining industry to ensure the economic
                                                                                                                              Health and Safety (OHS); Issues impacting on WIM. The           addressed in detail the health and safety challenges that
transformation of women. In her message she started by elaborating on the woman charter of 1954 and discussing the
                                                                                                                              Attendees included the DMRE’s officials, the MHSC staff,        affect women in the mining industry with particular emphasis
employment of woman in the mining industry.
                                                                                                                              SAMANCOR executives, employees, women and men                   to sexual harassment. She said that there is the need for
                                                                                                                              from neighbouring mines, organised labour representatives       all the mines to deploy women in pairs while working and
She went on to encourage women to work together as a collective and support one another, indicating how lonely it can
                                                                                                                              and various WIM structures within the region.                   for Organised Labour to play major role in ensuring sexual
be in business as an entrepreneur and if women can work together, they can assist each other. Also, that women should
                                                                                                                                                                                              harassment cases of women are taken seriously and are
realise that there are no quick solutions to business and that they need to be persistent, business is about hard work and
                                                                                                                              Part of the discussions included the sexual harassment          acted upon. She vigorously condemned the system of
commitment. The Deputy Minister also addressed the subject of sexual harassment and the seriousness of the issue.
                                                                                                                              incidents involving women in the North West mines. The          patriarchy in the workplace and in society as a whole. She
She highlighted that MHSC is assisting the South African Mining Industry (SAMI) by educating employees and creating
                                                                                                                              programme of the day was led by Ms. Motlatso Kobe,              urged the delegates to stop consuming alcohol and drugs as
awareness on these issues through the Workshops, Regional Tripartite Forums and WIM Committees.
                                                                                                                              Chief Director of the Mineral Regulation from the DMRE.         they are disintegrating society.
                                                                                                                              Ms Lendra van Merwe’s from Samancor presented on
                                                                                                                              the demographics of the mine indicating number of
                                                                                                                              women employed by the mine including training and skill
                                                                                                                              development offered to women. She also discussed their
                                                                                                                              initiatives to the promote the health, safety and security of
                                                                                                                              women in their mines and to facilitate integration of women
                                                                                                                              in the decision making positions.

                                                                                                                                                                                              From left : Florence Magampa MHSC’s Technology Transfer and
Lester Martin MHSC’s, Technology Transfer and Knowledge Facilitator and Deputy Minister, Bavelile Hlongwa                                                                                     Knowledge Facilitator, late Deputy Minister, of Mineral Resources
                                                                                                                                                                                              and Energy, Bavelile Hlongwa and Masanda Peter, Stakeholder
                                                                                                                                                                                              Manager at MHSC

  8       MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                     MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019             9
MHSC NEWS - Mine Health and Safety Council
MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY WORKSHOP continues

                                                                        MINE
                                                                                                                                 about sexual harassment and how           In her keynote address the late Deputy       The industry to consider looking at
                                                                                                                                 women should respond in dealing with      Minister Bavelile Hlongwa spoke              maternity leave for WIM.
                                                                                                                                 sexual harassment in their working        intensely about the issues affecting
                                                                                                                                 environment.                              women and said they need to fight            Transformation must address all issues
                                                                                                                                                                           and unite against abuse of women             impacting on WIM.
                                                                                                                                 Other    presenters     included    the   at the workplaces. She urged the
                                                                                                                                 representatives of the unions (NUM,       mines to follow regulations as per           Women must not be subjected to
                                                                                                                                 UASA and NUMSA) who also shared           the requirement of the DMRE more             situations that necessitate sexual
                                                                         HEALTH AND SAFETY                                       with the audience the challenges that     especially on issues of health, safety       favors to get employment at mines
                                                                                                                                 the woman continue to face in the         and transformation and also educate
                                                                            WORKSHOP                                             mining industry today and what needs      men that they are equal to women             Mines to be looking at ergonomics of
                                                                                                                                 to be done to address these challenges.   in the society and in the workplace.         women and provide machinery that
                                                                                                                                                                           Women of 1956 stood against alcohol          accommodate WIM.
                                                                                                                                 Mr. David Msiza, Chief Inspector          abuse and took it upon their hands to
                                                                                                                                 of Mines and MHSC chairperson             fight the scourge. She urged all the         Mines must develop programs to
                                                                                                                                 introduced Deputy Minister to the         women to take care of their sexual lives’    educate employees about the dangers

    “Mines need to develop programs to educate                                                                                   audience by giving a brief background
                                                                                                                                 of her educational and work experience.
                                                                                                                                                                           and advised them to apply the ABC’s
                                                                                                                                                                           (Abstain Be faithful and Condomise) of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        of alcohol and drug abuse.

  employees about the dangers of alcohol and drug
                                                                                                                                                                           a healthy sexual life in order to keep       The Mining industry must implement
                                                                                                                                                                           themselves alive. Other issues that the      the approved mining charter.

                      abuse”
                                                                                                                                                                           DM addressed are:

Deputy Minister engaged with              speech Mr. Mhlungu mentioned that,           The mine is taking the issue of sexual
stakeholders including communities        in celebrating the hard work done by         harassment seriously,” concluded Mr.
around Rustenburg area on issues          the women in mining it is important to       Richardson.
related to Occupational Health Safety     remember that there are still a number
(OHS) impacting women in mining           of harassment issues in their workplace.     MHSC‘s Women in Mining ,North West
(WIM).                                    He encouraged all the women to take a        Regional Chairperson, Ms. Jackie
                                          stand against such behavior and follow       Dibetsoe, shared with the audience
The engagement was coordinated            in the footsteps of the stalwarts like       her experience of working in the mining
through the hosting of the workshop       Lillian Ngoyi and Winnie Mandela who         industry. She said the Women in Mining
by the Mine Health and Safety Council     fought against discrimination.               Forums started in the Rustenburg
(MHSC) to discuss three key priorities                                                 region with the help of MHSC and
impacting on WIM, namely: the scourge     The CEO of Lanxess Chrome mine,              DMRE in establishing women forums
of sexual harassment experienced by       Mr. L Richardson, thanked everyone for       which focuses mainly on promoting
WIM, provision of Personal Protective     the opportunity to present at this special   health and safety in the regions.
Equipment (PPE) for WIM by mines          event. He said Lanxess recognize the         Women need to be assured of safe, fair
and Safety and Security challenges        value women bring in the industry. He        and conducive work environment, free
which have led to deaths of miners.       also shared with the audience the            from discrimination and harassment.       Delegates at the Mine Health and Safety Workshop
                                          statistics of women development in the
The Deputy Minister held a briefing       Lanxess Chrome Mine and highlighted          MHSC presented a video against
session at Lanxess mines with the         that 25% of the workforce are women          sexual harassment to the audience,
CEO of Lanxess Chrome Mine Mr.            and they also have 27% of women              this was to create awareness and
L Richardson and his management           in the top management structures. “
team ,she was accompanied by the
Chief Inspector of Mines, Mr David
Msiza, Deputy Chief Inspector of
Mines, Mr Mthokozisi Zondi, the CEO
of MHSC, Mr Thabo Dube and other
government officials. From the briefing
session the Deputy Minister proceeded
to the workshop which was held at
Rustenburg Civic Centre where 300
women who work in the mines near
Rustenburg attended.

MMC      Michael    Mhlungu   from
Rustenburg welcomed the guests on
behalf of the Mayor of Rustenburg                                                                                                Nkhesani Masekoa, Thabo Dube, Jackie Dibetsoe and                Deputy Minister Bavelile Hlongwa adressing the
Local Municipality. In his opening                                                                                               Mthokozisi Zondi.                                                delegates
                                          Isabela Rankhumise and Enoch Ntlakane

 10       MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                         MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019        11
MHSC NEWS - Mine Health and Safety Council
WIM INDABA CONTINUES

                                                                                                                               the journey of MHSC WiM initiatives      South African Bureau of Standards        industry which has always been male-
                                                                                                                               since its inception. She alluded that    (SABS) Representative Mr. Mahesh         dominated, regardless of geographical
                                                                                                                               during the 2014 WiM conference,          Naggesar, presented on the protective    location. There have been positive
                                                                                                                               programme pillars were identified        clothing standards. He pleaded with      steps which have helped to integrate
                                                                                                                               and must be fully implemented in         the SAMI and the employees to            women into the industry, but they
                                                                                                                               2020. A programme of action was          always check the product labelling,      continue to be under-represented. She
                                                                                                                               tabled in order to implement this WiM    take ergonomics into consideration,      shared with the delegate the statistics
                                                                                                                               programme, which includes conducting     body measurement, size labelling and     of Women in the Mining Industry and
                                                                                                                               research on suitable PPE for Women in    that PPE must be comfortable. In his     said, gender imbalances need to be
                                                                                                                               mining, Safety and Security, Workplace   conclusion, Naggesar said “when you      looked into . Collaboration is key, if
                                                                                                                               Violence and Sexual harassment           receive PPE it is very important to      we are to make significant strides,
                                                                                                                               Progress up to so far; PPE for WiM       always check if there are standards,     women need to work together to make
                                                                                                                               is been developed, PPE for WiM           request the test reports, verify by      easy to gradually infiltrate this industry.
                                                                                                                               guidelines for correct usage, WiM        testing if not sure, verify comfort      She said to the delegates “ there is a
                                                                                                                               Tripartite Regional Forums (TRF) were    by simple assessments ,PPE body          need for a male champion in the WiM
                                                                                                                               established with the aim of to achieve   dimensions    must be recoded for        committee who will be pro-change,
                                                                                                                               bottom-up engagements, to this           medical purposes.”                       male counterparts are not always
                                                                                                                               point there are twelve regions. In her                                            aware of our challenges. Separate
                                                                                                                               conclusion she said, “there is a need    Among other speakers at the              meetings do not yield the results.
                                                                                                                               to conduct research on the impact        conference was Lindi Nakedi, Former      Include a men in the committees so far
                                                                                                                               of vibration of equipment on WiM’s       WIMSA chairperson. Her message was       you have their support.”
                                                                                                                               reproductive health.”                    based on the role of women in mining
                                                                                                                                                                        organisations. She said, Mining is an

                MHSC’S WOMEN IN MINING
                                           INDABA 2019
    NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US

The Mine Health and Safety Council         Program director Mapaseka Mokwele          She continued to say “the
held its Women in Mining Indaba at the     buoyantly started the event by giving      implementation of Diversity
Lakes Hotel and Conference Centre,         a brief background of the event. She       Management pillar of the Culture
in Benoni on the 21st and 22nd of August   then introduced on stage Ms Lebogang       Transformation Framework was
2019. Over 500 Women delegates             Mafulatha from NUM to do the Lest          made a key Milestone to be achieved
descended from all provinces of South      we forget and observe a moment of          in 2020.” In conclusion she said
Africa to review and measure progress      silence which is a norm in the mining      “MHSC WiM program must be
of what they had previously identified     industry gatherings to remember the        aligned with the DMRE programmes
as challenges they face in the industry,   colleagues who lost their lives in their   to ensure government strategies are
as well as plan a way forward and          line of duty. Dr. Lindiwe Ndelu, MHSC      implemented in the industry.”
make recommendations to remove             board member welcomed the delegates
obstacles. Women want to make              by unpacking the purpose of Indaba.        Welcomed onto stage with a song, was
meaningful contributions and become        She acknowledged that a little is done     the Chairperson of the of the WiM sub-
architects of their own destinies.         for women in the mining industry and       committee which reports to Culture
                                           appreciated the work done by MHSC          Transformation Advisory Committee
                                           for raising the flag for women in the      (CTAC) Lerato Tsele. She presented       Dr Lindiwe Ndelu, Mapaseka Mokwele, David Msiza, Nkhensani Masekoa, Thabo Dube and Mthokozisi Zondi
                                           mining industry.

  12      MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                  MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019           13
MHSC NEWS - Mine Health and Safety Council
WIM INDABA CONTINUES                                                                                                           WIM INDABA CONTINUES

                                                                                                                               The day one of the 2019 Women in mining indaba ended with all delegates
                                                                                                                               going into different break away sessions depending on their particular topic
                                                                                                                               of interest. The breakaway sessions provides an opportunity for delegates
                                                                                                                               to engage in robust debates and express their perspectives in an open man-
                                                                                                                               ner. There were six breakaway session topics: PPE, Safety and Security, Re-
                                                                                                                               productive Health, WiM Structural Issues, Sexual Harassment and Wellness
                                                                                                                               and Psychological Issues.

Magdeline Mokwena, from the               Members of the organised labour           management issues and women                On the second day of the conference
                                                                                                                               MHSC’s Chief Research Operating
                                                                                                                                                                         She encouraged the delegates to
                                                                                                                                                                         support each other not only at work
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Feedback from the
DMRE, shared with the delegates           representatives’ also presented to        empowerment. “The challenges of
the women empowerment                     the delegates, from UASA Carike           women affect us all irrespective of your   Officer (CROO) Ms. Nkhensani
                                                                                                                               Masekoa gave a summary of day one
                                                                                                                                                                         but also to consider the traditional
                                                                                                                                                                         roles that women play at home that
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     breakaway sessions
programmes implemented in the             van Aswegen, said that the MHSC           affiliation.”
DMRE and the Mining sector.               must keep up the good work of                                                        of the event and she said “ we have to
                                                                                                                               delegate upwards as we endeavour to
                                                                                                                                                                         also contribute to the stress levels. It
                                                                                                                                                                         is important that all of us find balance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     was presented by the
                                          hosting the WiM Indaba as it helps to     Sharing the same sentiment, Mathapelo
                                                                                                                               resolve issues. WiM regional structures   between family and work.
In her presentation she said;
order to deal the issues of gender
                                   in     empower women. Johan Boning from          Khanye of NUM spoke on the role
                                                                                                                               have been established, let us go                                                      facilitators.
                                          Solidarity shared the same sentiment      of women in the mining industry, she
equality it is important to work in       as he ascended the podium and said        said; “empowerment of women is the         back to our regions and implement.”
partnerships, the formation of Public     Solidarity appreciate MHSC for hosting    international priority, LGTB community
and Private Partnerships with all         the WIM Indaba. He pleaded with           must be accepted not accommodated,
relevant stakeholders in order to;        men in the industry to pledge support     Women of 1965 set us a mark, it is up to
offer Mentorship / entrepreneurial        in enhancing health and safety for        the women of today to take it forward.”
programmes which are intended             women. He received standing ovation
to train and empower women on             from the delegates when he said
economic development programmes           these declarations “ We as men, must
and projects to be established.           respect women, we must appreciate
                                          women, we must uplift women and real
Reports on progress to be monitored       men must protect women.
and submitted annually, in these
reports to make sure that qualified       Landiwe Dube from AMCU also
and capable women are placed in key       took the stand and spoke vigorously
positions, economic empowerment           against women abuse, she called
of women must be prioritised as per       on the leaders of the trade unions to
legislation,  organisational support      consider a serious mind shift to foster
programmes, conduct Gender Audits         collaboration and not competition,
and eliminate genderism in our society.   especially when it comes to diversity
                                                                                    Delegates of the 2019 WIM Indaba

                                                                                                                               Delegates of the 2019 WIM Indaba
Delegates of the 2019 WIM Indaba                           Delegates of the 2019 WIM Indaba

 14       MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                      MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019   15
MHSC NEWS - Mine Health and Safety Council
WIM INDABA CONTINUES                                                                                                                         WIM INDABA CONTINUES

                                                                                                                                             The event was officially closed by the   were designed by men with men in            stakeholders, employers and labour.
                                                                                                                                             MHSC CEO, Mr. Thabo Dube. He             mind. Women were never meant to             We need to have male ambassadors to
                                                                                                                                             thanked the delegates for coming and     participate and therefore are excluded      advance women issues.” In conclusion
                                                                                                                                             making the WiM indaba 2019 a success     even by design. This should give us         he said “the developed plan will be
                                                                                                                                             and highlighted to the delegates the     comfort in knowing that changing over       shared with all Women in Mining, it
                                                                                                                                             issues that are close to the ministry.   a century old system will not happen        will be part of the MHSC strategic
                                                                                                                                                                                      overnight, so all victories should be       plan, measuring ourselves over the
                                                                                                                                             In response to the saying, men need      celebrated.” He continued to say that “I    next five years and monitoring will be
                                                                                                                                             to be educated on women issues he        also support this new woman structure,      continuous.
                                                                                                                                             said “I agree completely with that       not under CTAC having representation
                                                                                                                                             notion. It should be noted that mines    in the Board but also close to other

Delegates of the 2019 WiM Indaba

To present financial wellness was         industry.” This was the affirmation that                 want to emphasise that throughout the
Old Mutual’s National Key account         Masanda Peter, Stakeholder Manager                       Indaba, we have heard you. This is
Executive, Relopile Dlalisa in her        at MHSC gave to the delegates. In her                    not my meeting, but it is about women.
presentation, she shared with the         presentation she outlined the role of                    We will consolidate what you said
delegates the March 2018 credit active    Stakeholder unit in MHSC, engagement                     and verify if that is what you want us
consumer’s records held by Credit         processes deployed to engage with                        to focus on for the next five years. As
Bureaus. These records reflect that       t h e s t a k e h o l d e r s s u c c e s s f u l l y,   the MHSC we are putting an effort to
many South Africans are not living        communication model to support the                       resolve all that has been raised.”
within their means but they are living    Communication and Dissemination of
on credit . She alluded that employers    MHSC’s research outcomes and the                         “The establishment of the MHSC was
need to implement a financial wellbeing   principles of stakeholder engagement.                    the best decision for the industry,
for employees so that they are able to                                                             the recommendation to establish a
make informed financial decisions. She    Chairperson of the CTAC Mr. Victor                       separate structure for women has the
also highlighted on the Old Mutual’s      Mahwasane, also addressed the                            Board Chairperson’s vote & support.”
financial education platforms which       delegates of the 2019 WiM indaba. He                     Said MHSC’s board Chairperson
includes radio talk shows, television     spoke to the cultural issues that affect                 and Chief Inspector of Mines Mr.
interviews, articles in printed media     women and how they can be used to the                    David Msiza. He continued by giving
and social media platforms. In closing    advantages on WiM. “Culture is very                      assurance to the delegates, that
she said ; “Do not live a WOW life on a   powerful and this has to be taken into                   there will be a clear implementation
LOL budget.”                              consideration as we employ strategies                    plan, with clear measurable targets
                                          to transform the mining industry and                     for accountability in addressing the
“Women need to know that they are         note that employees comes from                           number of incidents affecting women in
complete individuals lacking nothing,     diverse cultures. Patriarchal cultures                   the industry. “ we all have a common
therefore they should celebrate           would then bring people who have a                       goal which is health and safety.”
themselves despite the challenges         tendency to not respect women.” In                       Concluded Mr. David Msiza
they face in daily in the mining          his conclusion Mr. Mahwasane said “I

 16       MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                                   MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019        17
MHSC NEWS - Mine Health and Safety Council
WIM INDABA CONTINUES

Women In Mining Indaba             Department of Mineral Resources
In Pictures                        and Energy
Delegates of the 2019 WiM Indaba
                                   WOMEN ACHIEVERS AWARDS

                                   Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) and other SOE’s          Women’s Charter, she further reiterated:“ To ensure that
                                   within the Minerals and Mining sector were invited to          Freedom Charter is realised make practical the resolutions
                                   collaborate with the Department of Minerals and Energy         of Women’s Charter.”
                                   (DMRE) in recognition, awarding and celebrating of women’s
                                   contributions and achievements.                                MHSC was awarded a the Most transformed SOE award.
                                                                                                  The criteria for this award was to acknowledge the entities
                                   The event was hosted on the 23rd August 2019 at CSIR, in       who have achieved 50% representation of women in the
                                   Pretoria under the theme, “25 years of Democracy Growing       organisation, 50% representation of women at the executive
                                   South Africa Together for Women’s Emancipation.” It was        or senior management level and representation of women at
                                   an ebullient blissful event, women from different provinces    the board level. Of all the SoE’s that participated, Mine Health
                                   came in numbers looking all exquisite. The DMRE and Mintek     and Safety Council’s CEO Mr. Thabo Dube was awarded for
                                   choirs kept the audience entertained with their harmonious     making progress in appointing women in decision making
                                   music. The key message of the day from different speakers      positions. MHSC’s Chief Research Operations Officer Ms.
                                   was that women need develop themselves and the first           Nkhensani Masekoa received the award on his behalf. A
                                   step to personal development is education. The key note        well-deserved award indeed, because these women are not
                                   speaker at the event was the late Deputy Minister of Mineral   only putting an effort in the MHSC but are also working hard
                                   Resources and Energy Ms. Bavelile Hlhongwa. She said           to improve their lives and those of the communities that
                                   “ The women of 1956 fought Patriarchy, if women today          they live in. Seven women from the MHSC scooped different
                                   can follow in those footsteps a lot can be achieved”. She      awards in different criteria’s. LET US CONGRATULATE
                                   challenged the delegates to familiarise themselves with the    OUR SHINING STARS.

 18      MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                         MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019            19
DMRE WOMEN AWARDS CONTINUES                                                                                                        DMRE WOMEN AWARDS CONTINUES

             POZISA MTYA:                  BONOLO MSUTWANA: SPECIAL                     NOMONDE NZIMANDE: BEST                          JACKI DIBETSOE: WOMEN                       RUTH NKOANA: WOMEN                          PORTIA RABELE: BEST
       BEST POVERTY ALLEVIATION               AWARD (RUNNER-UP)                           POVERTY ALLEVIATION                                 ACHIEVERS                                  ACHIEVERS                              POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Criteria: This award recognise            Criteria: women making a                   Criteria: This award recognises               Criteria: women who have grown             Criteria: women who have                  Criteria: This award recognises
and acknowledge women who                 difference for themselves or in            and acknowledges women who                    through the ranks; Qualifications,         grown through the ranks;                  and acknowledges women who
goes beyond their call of duty            their communities outside of the           go beyond their call of duty to               Promotions and Mentorship                  Qualifications, Promotions and            goes beyond their call of duty to
to assist others and improve the          job scope.                                 assist others and improve the                 and gone an extra mile to drive            Mentorship.                               assist others and improve the
livelihood of poor people.                                                           livelihood of poor people.                    gender issues.                                                                       livelihood of poor people.

A philanthropist by birth, Pozisa has     Bonolo participated in the 2019            Nomonde Nzimande is a passionate              Through her journey in mining Jackie       After matric, young as she was Ruth       Portia has been involved in many
been involved in different charities by   Comrades Marathons that took place in      health worker, she puts the occupational      had challenges with systems not            had to look for a job, not because she    community       development      projects
giving back to her community with more    Durban. she ran 43.3 kilometres which      health and safety of employees and the        in place to accommodate women              was ready for the working environment     since the start of her employment at
focus on young girls. She was recently    took her six hours. By 17:30 the cut       surrounding community as her priority.        especially underground. Based on her       but because of her circumstances and      Village Main Reef (VMR). She initiated
crowned MS Transcontinental Woman         off time for the race she was receiving    She has led community projects with the       role as one of the first women to work     her eagerness to further her studies.     a project where sanitary towels are
of Inspiration 2019. This tittle speaks   medical check-up due to a painful          aim of empowering young school girls          underground it was a not easy to raise     She joined MHSC as a cleaner but          donated on a monthly basis to under
to the mission of Transcontinental        muscle strain. “Although I did not make    in issues of health and opportunities         concerns regarding her safety and          through courage and determination         privileged young girls in a school in
Pageants which is to bring dignity to     it to the finishing line, I made a huge    available in the mining industry for          security underground. It all began by      she saw an opportunity. MHSC had a        Kanana location. She did not only
young girls.                              step into building a foundation for what   women. Among other things Nomonde             engaging few women in the operation        vacant position of an Office Assistant    request mine employees to donate
                                          I hope to be my lifetime achievement. “    host awareness campaigns with                 to form committees that will be able to    and she applied and was appointed.        but also appealed to organisations
                                                                                     the community radio station on anti-          share ideas and encourage each other       That’s when she realised, she had a       outside of the mine to assist towards
                                                                                     tobacco day, project Dipeo, an initiative     as support from management was             passion for Information Technology she    this cause. She assisted to raise
                                                                                     to mentor surrounding community               limited. In 2015 she engaged DMRE to       then applied for a bursary at MHSC.       awareness about a young girl who
       MANYABELA MAILULA:                                                            schools matriculants regarding                support her vision to start WIM Forum                                                needed help in furthering her studies in
        WOMEN ACHIEVERS                                                              psychosocial issues affecting youth           where women can be able to motivate        Being a parent, student and a             a tertiary institution, and people were
                                                                                     and communities on depression and             each other and conduct workshops in        fulltime employee was not easy but        able to assist raise funds for the girl to
                                                                                     suicide.                                      line with health, Safety and security of   she managed to juggle all three           register and get her fees paid.
Criteria: women who have                                                                                                           women in mining, Through guidance          responsibilities that equally needed
grown through the ranks; Qual-                                                       The Mining industry is a hard ladder          and support of the Principal Inspector,    her full attention. Today Ruth is a
                                                                                     to climb. Manyabela has achieved
ifications, Promotions and Men-
                                                                                     both, still finding time to serve Women
                                                                                                                                   Mr Mothiba and MHSC it was possible        qualified Computer Technician and         “To ensure that Freedom
torship and gone an extramile to                                                                                                   to gather women from different mining      she is currently pursuing her Diploma
                                                                                     in Mining Fora. This pronounces               houses and share the vision with them.     in Network Systems. Studying and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Charter is realised,
drive gender issues.                                                                 Manyabela’s commitment to elimination         The burning issue was Health and           working at the same time helps her        practicalise the resolutions
                                                                                     of     gender-based        dis-crimination,
With more than thirteen years
                                                                                     workplace harassment, gender equality
                                                                                                                                   Safety of women in the mining industry     to inspire and to motivate her kids,      of Women’s charter.”
experience in technical research and                                                                                               and was raised at Tripartite meetings.     family and everyone looking up to her,                           -Bavelile Hlongwa
                                                                                     policies and gender mainstreaming             To this date issues affecting women        more especially the young girls in the
mining in countries such as Tuckey,
                                                                                     issues at PC and the mining industry as       are taken seriously in the mines.          villages.
Georgia, United States of America
                                                                                     a whole.
(USA) and South Africa, Ms. Manyabela
Mailula is Palabora Copper’s Manager
for Training, Development and
Contractor Management.

  20       MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                        MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019           21
Northern Cape SHE
BACK AT HOME
                                                                                                                         Representative Summit
MHSC                                                                                                                     The      Northern      Cape     Mine    to do then zero harm will forever be       from the breakaway sessions was

OFFICES
                                                                                                                         Manager’s Association (NCMMA) in        elusive.” Mr. Mateta closed off his        then analysed and the key actions
                                                                                                                         collaboration with the Department of    address by encouraging delegates           will be shared with the mines. The
                                                                                                                         Minerals and Energy (DMRE) and          to engage without fear and assured         Chairperson of the NCMMA, Mr Tribe
                                                                                                                         organised labour formations held        them that whatever the outcome of the      Bhengu, echoed the support of SHE
                                                                                                                         the Inaugural Safety ,Health and        engagements, it would be acted upon        Reps by the mines in the provinces.
On the 29th August the MHSC                                                                                              Environment (SHE) representatives       by all responsible stakeholders.           The mines have committed to have the
women closed the August                                                                                                  Summit, on 16 August 2019 at Finsch                                                Section 23 guidelines implemented by
month with a celebration                                                                                                 Diamond Mine.       The objective of    Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC)      the end of the first quarter of 2020.
                                                                                                                         the summit was to have a facilitated    also supported the event. As part of
themed doek and lipstick.
                                                                                                                         dialogue with the SHE Representatives   the presentation on implementation
                                                                                                                         in order to unlock their potential      of Section 23 of the Mine Health and       The event was successful such that
The MHSC Chief Research                                                                                                  in the Zero Harm agenda and the         Safety Act, Tebogo Thekiso unpacked        it will be held annually to address the
Operations Officer (CROO), Ms.                                                                                           implementation of the Section 23        employees’ right to refuse dangerous       SHE representatives challenges and
Nkhensani Masekoa shared                                                                                                 Guideline.                              work and their right to leave dangerous    successes.
                                                                                                                                                                 working places.
these words “ Let us be united,
                                                                                                                         Tumelo Mateta, the Northern Cape (NC)
respect each other’s authority                                                                                           Principal Inspector, emphasised the     Yellow Baobab Institute of Learning
in positions we hold, look        Back standing: Sewela Kabe, Lungile Magopane, Charlotte Mashiane, Lindi Mncwango,      empowerment of SHE Representatives      facilitated breakaway sessions where
at each other’s abilities and     Pulane Tshivase, Portia Nyaka, Faith Ntladi, Pozisa Mtya, Vimla Pentasaib, Nkhensani   and said “It is my firm belief that,    SHE Reps spoke of issues from
capabilities to deliver and let   Masekoa, Sandisiwe Mase, Porta Ngcobo, Tshedi Gafane, Noleen Woods,                    if we do not support, empower and       the heart which affected them in
                                  Naomi Nkoana, Zime Ndlangana, Yvette Setlhapelo, and Ruth Nkoana.                      give them direction in what they need   performing their daily tasks. Feedback
us do it with excellence. It is
important to work and deliver     Front Sitting: Dimakatso Ndumndum, Isabela Rankhumise, Lerato Seobi, Kelebogile
with excellence.                  Mabe, Bonolo Msutwana, Kgomotso Mokhine, Lerato Nyathi and Zimi Zingani

Women in Mining from the Northwest,
Rustenburg region attended the
funeral service of the late Deputy
Minister of Mineral Resources and
Energy, Ms. Bavelile Hlongwa.

 22     MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                               MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019         23
EPR WORKSHOP CONTINUES

Emergency Preparedness and
                                                                                                                               In closing the MHSC’s Chief Research Operations Officer, Ms Nkhensani Masekoa acknowledged the good work that
Response Workshop                                                                                                              the MRS is doing. She also reminded the delegates that employers are embarking on technology and modernisation
                                                                                                                               initiatives to improve Occupational Health and Safety. “The MHSC needs to fast track the completion of the Missing
                                                                                                                               Person Locator project where we need to explore uses of data and digitization, Virtual reality training and systems control
                                                                                                                               engineering” said Ms Masekoa.

“Drones can become communication nodes when there is no Wireless
Sensor Network (WSN) in areas affected with disaster and they can also
carry messages or medical supplies to trapped individuals.”
                                           after a gas explosion. He further         Mannas Fourie, CEO of the Mine
                                           thanked the Department of Minerals        Rescue Services South Africa, shared
                                           and Energy (DMRE) team led by the         with the delegates the importance
                                           Chief Inspector of Mines and MHSC         of maintaining the correct team
                                           board Chair person, Mr. David Msiza       ratios when going underground. He
                                           and the Mine Rescue Service teams         emphasised that every ground mine
                                           for supporting Gloria Mine during that    must enter into a contract with a mine
                                           difficult time.                           rescue service provider to coordinate
                                                                                     and facilitate the provision of mines
                                           Professor Fred Cawood, Director at        rescue teams and other services
                                           WITS Mining Institute, presented the      relating to the emergency on a
                                           drone technology for underground          corporative basis.
                                           mining applications and shared                                                      Dr. Johan Boning, ADV. Hanlie Van Vuuren and Nikkie Prinsloo
                                           with     the     delegates     possible   Mr Franz Stehring of UASA, opened
                                           solutions on how drones can help          his address by acknowledging that
Preparing for an emergency is very         in cases of underground emergency         women have a significant role to play
important because equipment will be        preparedness.“Drones can        become    in South Africa’s mining industry. He
readily available and people will know     communications nodes when there is        further added that he had experienced
who to call, where to go and how to        no Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) in       a lady skilfully breaking rock in a
keep safe when an emergency occur.         areas affected by the disaster. Drones    mine in a safe environment with the
The Mine Health and Safety Council         can also carry messages, or medical       use of technology. Organised labour
(MHSC) hosted the 2019 Emergency           supplies to trapped individuals”.         is currently considering legislative
Preparedness and Response                                                            options to ensure that all employees
Workshop on the 15th of August 2019,                                                 have access to rescue services in
at The Canvas Riversands Events and        The DMRE Gauteng Principal Inspector      emergency situations.
Conference Centre.                         and the Chairperson of Illegal Mining
                                           Forum Mpho Lithlakanyane, presented       Mr Jacob Boshielo, the MHSC’s
The main purpose of the workshop           on the perspectives and challenges the    CTAC Programme Manager,                   Jacob Boshielo CTAC Programme Manager at MHSC                      Delegates at the Emergency Preparedness and
was to address challenges the mining       Illegal Mining Forum are faced with.      discussed the workshop                    and Brian Ncube MRAC manager at MHSC                               Response Workshop
industry is faced with, in regards         These challenges include underground      presentations, way forward and he
to having emergency and response           rescue and recovery, health and           recommendations from the
services available for mines in business   safety, Municipal infrastructure and      breakaway sessions. Some of these
rescue or mines not complying with the     road access and usage of illegal          recommendations are; all mines
Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) in       substances. Dr. Sizwe Phakathi MHSC       need to pay a fee and be registered
terms of entering into a contract with a   Employers Convenor, commended the         with MRS, convene workshops
rescue services provider.                  selfless work done by Mine Rescue         on emergency preparedness and
                                           Services (MRS) in the SA mining           response in all regions, train and
Various Mining stakeholders attended       industry. It must be acknowledged         establish community reserve teams
the workshop and gave presentations.       that the work MRS does is not easy,       to same standard as current MRS’s
Mike Elliot from Gloria Mine presented     it is important that they remain active   proto members and establish a fund
the case study of the mine, touching       and be supported at all times. MRS        to assist mines that are not affiliated
on the challenges faced by the mine        is recognised internationally, giventhe   to MRS.
and lessons learned from the incident      amazing work they performed in Chile
that happened in February 2019 where       where rescue operations were being                                                  From Left to right: Dr. Sizwe Phakathi, Mr. Mannas Fourie, Ms. Nkhensani Masekoa, Mr. Franz Stehring, Dr. Lindiwe Ndelu, Mr. Mpho
people were trapped underground            conducted.                                                                          Litlhakanyane and Mr. Mike Elliot

  24      MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                        MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019           25
In his presentation he gave the             CTF WORKSHOP CONTINUES
                                                                                   background on the history of mining
Culture Transformation                                                             from 1850 and how the culture of
                                                                                   mining changed in the past hundred          Most of the employees were of the view
                                                                                                                                                                           engaged on different topics of the CTF
                                                                                                                                                                           pillars.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       structured process and tools to enable
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       individuals or groups to transition from

Framework Implementation                                                           years. He explained that in those years,    that safety incentives has potential                                                    a current state to a future state in order
                                                                                   there was a high number of fatalities       of rewarding the wrong behavior             After the sessions Johan Nortje from        to achieve a desired outcome.

WORKSHOP
                                                                                   which was unacceptable as compared          and can contribute to the behavior          the University of Pretoria shared with
                                                                                   to the recent years where the health        of under reporting the incidents            the delegates the Change Management         MHSC’s Knowledge and Information
                                                                                   and safety status has improved, even        instead of reducing them. This              Model.                                      Officer Pozisa Mtya, presented
                                                                                   though the SAMI is still faced with loss    perception was corrected by looking                                                     the milestone reporting portal and
                                                                                   of lives. In closing Mr. Becker said that   into the measurement categories             In his presentation Mr. Nortje said ;       encouraged the employers to register
                                                                                   “Anglo American has identified and          which are; Safety environment and           “change is not an event, it is a process    and report on the 2014 Summit
Over the years, the South African Mining Industry’s (SAMI)
                                                                                   adopted leading practices through the       House Keeping, Production Targets,          and it is inevitable, people make           milestone targets. The workshop was
focus has been on attempting to improve Occupational Health                                                                    Absenteeism, quality and disciplinary       change initiatives succeed or fail. For     closed by the presentation from the
                                                                                   MOSH Learning Hub. They engage with
and Safety (OHS) conditions through technical interventions                        other mining companies to share best        action.                                     change to happen in the organisation        facilitators of different breakaway
with limited consideration of the human and organisational                         practices and track on the progress of                                                  all affected stakeholders must actively     sessions. In these presentations
elements. A paradigm shift was required to focus on                                adoption at Regional Tripartite Forums      Stanford Malatji, Head of MOSH              participate in the change.” He explained    delegates made recommendations of
                                                                                   (RTF) and Community of Practice for         Learning Hub, Minerals Council              the reasons why people resist change        how best the industry can implement
organisational and human factors in-order to accelerate the
                                                                                   Adoption (COPAs).”                          South Africa, presented on Leading          and the seven building blocks of            the Culture Transformation Framework
attainment of Zero Harm.                                                                                                       Practice. In his presentation Mr. Malatji   change. In conclusion he said, Change       with the Bonus and incentives pillar
                                                                                   Bonus and Performance incentive is          explained the vision, mission goals of      management is the application of a          being the first priority.
                                                                                   something that is close to each and         Mining Industry Occupational Safety
                                                                                   every employee’s heart. To present on       (MOSH) Learning hub. He said “MOSH
                                                                                   this pillar was Mogamat Bailey from         is a systematic and people-centred
                                                                                   Afrimat. He took the delegates through      approach and/or change management
                                                                                   Afrimat’s Safety Incentive Program.         methodology for identifying,
                                                                                   He highlighted that incentives are          documenting and promoting leading
                                                                                   an essential tool of each and every         practices with a view to change health
                                                                                   organisation, regardless of size or         and safety culture. MOSH is grounded
                                                                                   industry in promoting health and safety     on proven science-based behaviour
                                                                                   in the workplace. “ Incentives build        change techniques and industry
                                                                                   and maintain employee’s interest in         ownership as an initiative by industry
                                                                                   working safely and act as a motivator       for industry. It requires early and
                                                                                   for employees to take extra careful         upfront engagement of those affected
                                                                                   measures when working.” He also             to understand their underlying risk
                                                                                   indicated the challenges Afrimat            perceptions, knowledge gaps, mistaken
                                                                                   encountered when introducing the            beliefs, biases, misconceptions, views,
                                                                                   safety incentive program.                   concerns. In closing Mr. Malatji said
                                                                                                                               “ Leading practice can be achieved
Delegates at the workshop                                                                                                      by collaborations and making mining
                                                                                                                               matter and by engaging members
The Mine Health and Safety                and shared with the delegates the                                                    and stakeholders through constructive       Gabriel Nkosi; AMCU
Council (MHSC) hosted the Culture         purpose of the workshop.                                                             relationships.
Transformation     Framework (CTF)
Implementation Workshop at The            Jacob Boshielo Culture                                                               Advocate Hanlie Van Vuuren presented
Canvas Incubation Hub in Riversands,      Transformation Advisory Committee                                                    on the Diversity Management and
Fourways on the 12th and 13th of          (CTAC) Programme Manager                                                             Elimination of Discrimination. In her
September 2019. The purpose of CTF        presented the mandate of the MHSC,                                                   presentation she gave background
Implementation workshop was to assist     the History and Journey to Zero Harm                                                 on the South African constitution and
the South African Mining Industry         and the Culture Transformation                                                       outlined to the delegates Bill of Rights
(SAMI) with the implementation            Framework Pillars. He alluded that                                                   that deals with equality and dignity of
of the six prioritised pillars of the     “each pillar has an objective, minimum                                               the citizens of South Africa. In closing
CTF which are; Leadership, Risk           standards, roles and responsibilities                                                Hanlie quoted from the constitution
Management,      Leading      Practice,   and an action plan.” In closing Mr.                                                  saying “ everyone has inherent dignity
Elimination    of      Discrimination,    Boshielo, said the MHSC has research                                                 and the right to have their dignity
Bonus and Performance Incentives.         that is underway , to develop a                                                      respected and protected. Pro-active
                                          framework for employers to effectively                                               measures and campaigns may protect
As a norm in the gatherings of the        manage contractors to improve                                                        dignity and enhance health, safety and
South African Mining Industry (SAMI),     occupational health and safety                                                       wellbeing of both men and women in
the delegates opened the workshop         performance in the SAMI.                                                             the South African Mining Industry.
by observing a moment of silence in
remembrance of those colleagues           Piet Becker from Anglo American                                                       “The second day of the workshop            Delegates attending the event
whose lives were lost in the mines. CEO   shared with the delegates how culture                                                began with the parallel breakaway
of MHSC Mr. Thabo Dube, welcomed          transformation can be implemented.       Florence Magampa MHSC’s Technology          sessions, where by delegates robustly
                                                                                   Transfer and Knowledge Facilitator.

  26      MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                        MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019           27
MEDICO LEGAL INVESTIGATIONS OF MINE DEATHS:
GUIDANCE NOTE                                                                                                                    LEARNER FOCUS WEEK
It is important that in a case where an accident leads to death, a proper
process is followed to analyse what went wrong and what is it that can be
done to make future projects successful.                                                                                                                                                                            The Learner Focus week is a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Department of Mineral
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Resourcesand Energy’s (DMRE)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   initiative which is done on an
The Chief Inspector of Mines Mr. David Msiza has under the section 49 (6) of Mine and health and Safety Act (MHSA),
1996 (Act no: 29 of 1996) and after consultation with MHSC, issued a guidance note on medico-legal investigations of mine                                                                                                        annual basis and
deaths in South Africa. This guidance originates from the need to provide clarity on the process that must be followed for                                                                                         alternate between the Coastal
deaths that require a Medico-Legal Autopsy.                                                                                                                                                                                 and the Inland regions
This guidance note sets out good practice to stakeholders and should be read together with the current and relevant
regulatory framework on Medico- Legal post-morteminvestigations and does not constitute aspecific and/or separate
protocol.

Challenges that led to creating a Medico Legal investigations guidance note.

1. Uncertainties regarding roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in the event of death.

2. A significant proportion of death in the mining industry is complex and requires specialists’ skills when performing Medico
Legal post-mortem examinations.

3. Sudden deaths have been reported, where there is no associated accident or occurrence.

4. The manner in which post -mortem process is handled by, the employers and the state’s forensic pathology services.

5. Timeous processing and submission of post-mortem examination report to facilitate the conclusion of the Mine Health
and Safety Inspectorate (MHSI investigations in terms of section 11(5) and 60 (1) of the MHSA.

The MHSC established a task team of medical and legal experts representing theState, Employers and Organised Labour
todeal with the challenges above whiledeveloping the guidance note. We are hopeful that this guidance note will add value
to the South African Mining Industry(SAMI).                                                                                      Students at the Learner Focus Week.
                                                                                                                                 The main aim of the Learner Focus Week is to make the students aware of what careers are available for them in the
                                                                                                                                 mining sectorand how they can access the industry. A visit to the mining operations allowed the students to understanding
                                                                                                                                 the environment of the mining industry. The students were challenged by a robotics workshop and this was coupled with
                                                                                                                                 presentation on the Fourth Industrial Revolution that they will be part of in the future. Some of the students presented their
                                                                                                                                 projects and which was followed by a quiz. Gala evening was hosted and students with the best results and projects from
                                                                                                                                 the various regions were recognised and given awards.

                                                                                                                                 The regions that participated were Limpopo,Gauteng, North West and the Free State. The initiative was driven by the DMRE
                                                                                                                                 incollaboration with the Department of Education. This was made possible by tremendous support from the various mines
                                                                                            TO READ MORE                         and stakeholders. The Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) was allocated a stand to exhibit as one of the stakeholders.
                                                                                           ON THIS, PLEASE                       MHSC’s main aim was to ensure that the students understand where the organisation belong in the mining industry and
                                                                                              LOG ON TO                          the outcomes of the research projects are disseminated to the mines across the country. The focus was placed on the
                                                                                                                                 interaction with the students to allow them to understand how the mining structures work together and the opportunities
                                                                                               www.mhsc.org.za
                                                                                                                                 that are created for them to enter as they choose their careers. Tebogo Thekiso presented the mandate and structure
                                                                                                                                 of the MHSC to enlighten the students as to how MHSC support the industry with issues of Occupational Health and
                                                                                                                                 Safety. Literature which consisted of MHSC profile and booklets from the completed projects was distributed. This gave the
                                                                                                                                 students an opportunity to see how the results of some of the projects are displayed so that the mines can benefit. To further
                                                                                                                                 encourage the students interests in the mining space, they were requested to interact with MHSC on Tweeter and leave
                                                                                                                                 a message on their face book and Instagram accounts to express their understanding and experience on their interaction
                                                                                                                                 with MHSC.

  28      MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019                                                                                                                                                                                      MHSC NEWS -Sept 2019           29
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