Programme Directors, Chairperson of the Mine Health and Safety Council, Mr David Msiza CEO of the MHSC, Mr David Mamphitha Leadership of Organised Labour Leadership of Organised Business and Women Associations Distinguished Guests
The past two days have proved to be thought provoking and productive in a sense that delegates to the Women in Mining indaba 2024 meaningfully engaged in thoughtful discussions and shared insights about the realities of the working conditions in the South African mining industry.
More heartening to me, is that we did not only talk about the challenges and identified barriers encountered, but assessed progress we have made from the previous Indabas and are beginning to map out a path going forward with clear timeframes, roles and responsibilities.
While I am inspired by the collective strength and determination in this room, I implore on you to ensure that this Indaba does not become a talk show, where we map out a way forward only for us to come back again next year with little or no progress made.
In as much as we have put together WIM structures such as the WIM Advisory Council, the Regional WIM and Tripartite Forums, we all have a collective responsibility to ensure the elevation of WIM Health and Safety and break the silos of the employers and organised labour at operations. We therefore need to collectively assume the responsibility to ensure that the action plan initiatives are realised within the timeframes we have set for ourselves.
We need to infuse real meaning to the theme “Nothing about us, without us. Striving for zero harm in our lifetime” by fully implementing the resolutions of this Indaba.
In our discussions in plenary and in our commissions yesterday, we highlighted the need for better health and safety measures tailored specifically for women. To give effect to these measures, WIMAC is tasked with the responsibility to review and evaluate progress made in addressing challenges encountered, and based on the review, develop a new action plan to tackle any unresolved or newly identified challenges.
On Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Issues, it is clear that poor fit and quality of PPE remain key contributing factors to injuries. As we embark on a rigorous campaign to ensure compliance with the provisions of the reviewed Guideline on selection and provision of PPE for WIM, we must ensure that women become actively involved in the production of quality PPE for the industry. In this way, we will be empowering women not to become labours, but active participants in the economy and thereby do away with the low-priced and poor PPEs.
Reality of the matter is that women participation in economic activities within and beyond the mining sector is not just a matter of fairness, but an economic necessity. By empowering women and ensuring that they have equal opportunities, we are not only promoting gender equality, but also enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the mining industry and the South African economy as a whole. Whether it is in leadership roles, entrepreneurship, or specialised technical fields, there is room for women to thrive and lead.
The exercise we did last night during the dinner, was specifically directed at displaying the incredible opportunities that exist for women in the South African mining industry. It is through that exercise that we distinguished the extent to which our mining industry has evolved over the years, from no women participation in the industry, to us having mine managers, chief safety officers, shift bosses, and miners. That was not theory, but reality.
As the CEO alluded last night, ours is to “change minds to change mines”. It is therefore essential that we collectively strive for greater inclusiveness in all aspects of the mining industry. This is a challenge for all those women who have managed to climb up the ladder, to lend a helping hand and open doors for more women to participate fully and equally in this sector.
The progress shared on the action plan initiatives during the Indaba, by among others, the Department’s inspectorate serves as a testament to the tangible advancements made towards realising our goal of Zero Harm, and thereby ensuring that every mineworker returns home unharmed at the end of each day.
Notwithstanding this progress, the discussion in commissions elevated some disturbing concerns regarding victimisation of pregnant female contract workers, harassment and bullying. While it remains a collective responsibility to address these concerns, the Department will intensify the enforcement of Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) and adherence to all existing guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all mineworkers. We equally call on the industry to fully embrace and enforce the existing guidelines and share best practices that will strengthen the collective efforts.
In closing, programme directors, I am confident that the discussions and insights gained at this WIM Indaba will pave the way for a mining industry that is safer, more inclusive, and more prosperous for all. Last but not least, let me thank all the delegates to the Indaba for your dedication, your passion, and your commitment to making our industry a better place for all women.
I thank you.