MARTIN MAWAYA
HARARE-Civic society organisations have joined hands with one of the largest mining workers union in calling the government to address the rising fatalities in the mining sector, amid reports that the companies are enjoying protection from line ministries.
In a joint statement released today, the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG), Zimbabwe Diamond Allied Mine Workers Union (ZDAMWU) and the Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACTSA) said it is worrying that the government is not taking measures against companies which are wittingly violating workers rights.
They said the government, its line ministries and regulatory authorities should take action that help to curb the upsurge in deaths in mining industry.
“The rising number of employee fatalities and injuries occurring in mining areas is alarming. These incidents not only result in the loss of valuable human lives but also inflict immeasurable pain and suffering on affected workers, their families, friends, and communities.
“More disturbing are allegations that the line ministries and other regulatory authorities give a blind eye to these accidents, and the lack of enforcement leads to an escalation since those responsible enjoy impunity,” reads part of the statement.
The organisations said most of the mine workers were being unfairly dismissed without compensation for the permanent injuries they suffer at workplace.
They reiterated the need to end “the growing crisis and ensure that workers enjoy the right to a safe and healthy working environment”.
Adding that the safety and well-being of employees should be a top priority for employers and government.
CNRG, ZDAMWU, and ACT-SA also urged the government to strengthen regulatory frameworks as well as capacitating the labour unions and workers representatives in the mining sector.
“This includes conducting regular inspections, providing comprehensive training programs, and ensuring that companies adhere to the necessary safety protocols. Furthermore, we urge employers to prioritize the implementation of robust safety measures within their organizations. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, providing adequate safety equipment, fostering a culture of safety awareness, and empowering employees to report any concerns or hazards they encounter,” reads the statement.
Among other issues the civic society and mining union needed to be addressed include thorough investigations into each employee fatality or injury to determine the root causes and hold accountable those responsible for negligence or non-compliance with safety regulations.
They highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability and disclosure to prevent workplace incidents by building a strong relationship between governments, employers, workers and other relevant stakeholders.
“Facilitate the compensation of all those injured at work as well as compensating the families of all those who would have died during the course and scope of executing their mining duties and responsibilities,” said the labour and the civic society organisations.
ZDAMWU, CNRG and ACT-SA implored government to decisively deal with corruption involving some line ministries, regulatory authorities and mining companies that compromise the enforcement of existing legal and policy frameworks against mining activities that put workers at risk.
According to the Chamber of Mines latest report, 110 deaths were recorded during the period between January and September 2023, with 92 percent of the accidents reported occurred underground, while large-scale operations contributing 18 percent to the total accidents.
