COSATU Mourns the Death of Six Mine Workers at Palabora Copper Mine in Limpopo

The Congress of South African Trade Unions mourns the death of six mineworkers at Palabora Copper Mine in Limpopo. We send our condolences to their families, friends and colleagues.

The number of fatalities in the mining sector has reached crisis levels and something needs to be done to intervene. The federation is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa to personally intervene and take tangible steps to stop the mining fatalities.

COSATU is also reiterating its position that the Mine Health and Safety Act needs to be amended so that all those responsible for mine fatalities are held accountable and possibly prosecuted.

It is clear that the Minerals Council is not willing to improve the safety of the mining sector. The mining sector cannot be allowed to maim and kill workers with impunity.

The rapacious mining companies have failed to demonstrate any responsibility. The selfishness, greed and exploitative attitudes of the mining firms can only be stopped by a strong and decisive government. They have made it very clear that they do not value the lives of black workers and black people in general.

Sizwe Pamla (Cosatu National Spokesperson)

Tel: 011 339 4911
Fax: 011 339 5080
Cell: 060 975 6794