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THE Associated Mine Workers Union (AMWUZ) of Zimbabwe has reiterated calls for Government to declare 6 June a national holiday to commemorate the death of 427 miners in one of the world’s biggest mine accidents, the Kamandama mine disaster of 1972.
The Kamandama or Wankie (Hwange) Mine disaster is ranked the eighth worst tragedy in the world with the highest ranked being the Honkeiko mine disaster in China, where 1 549 lives were lost on 26 April 1942.
A total of 391 Africans from various countries, especially those in Southern Africa, and 36 Europeans died at the Kamandama underground mine following a methane explosion.
AMWUZ president Mr Tinago Edmund Ruzive said since the mine tragedy occurred 43 years ago the mining industry had made great strides in the area of safety.
“Despite the fact that we now sound like a stuck record, we will continue to implore Government to declare the 6th of June a safety and health holiday.
“We contend that such a declaration will help heighten safety consciousness not only in the mining industry, but across the sectoral divide.
“If my speech seems to be slightly at variance with this solemn occasion, it is because of my firm belief that history is important only to the extent that it informs future behaviour. Accordingly therefore, this speech is skewed towards the future,” Mr Ruzive said.
In his official speech, Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko said the aftermath of the Kamandama Mine disaster saw the nation play a pivotal role in the implementation and monitoring of safety and health policies in the mining sector for the benefit of the mining industry in Zimbabwe.
“Safety, health and environmental sustainability have since become a topical issue at national, regional and international level. Associations such as the Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe; founded in 1973 whose mandate is to coordinate mine rescue activities in the country were formed as a result. To date the nation has several sound mining policies on safety, health and environment management,” he said.
VP Mphoko commended the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, institutions such as the Chamber of Mines and various players in the mining industry for ensuring that Government regulations and policies on mining operations are adopted and effectively implemented as stipulated in the provision for workplace safety under the Mines and Minerals Act, Chapter 21:05 and its subsequent various regulations.
“Government will continue to work closely with above institutions to ensure that national and international benchmarks on safety, health and environmental sustainability in the Zimbabwe mining sector continue to be adhered to.
“Government will continuously advocate for the promotion of a preventative safety and health culture for the achievement of a safe and healthy working environment at the work place,” he said.
He said the impetus lay with management and workers to realise that mining operations inherently impact on their safety, health and the environment.
“The safety of workers in different companies operating in Zimbabwe is of paramount importance especially as the nation seeks to successfully implement the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation. Mining has the potential to shape and affect economies directly and indirectly. It brings employment, Government revenue and opportunities for economic growth,” VP Mphoko said.
Reading a speech by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Cde Walter Chidhakwa, his deputy, Cde Fred Moyo said the ministry in liaison with the Chamber of Mines and all coal mining companies, had come up with a draft policy document on standards to be adopted by the coal industry and the notable area of coverage was on safety, health and environment.
“We seldom read of mine disasters that occur in different parts of the world like China, Chile and more recently in South Africa. These accidents are all blamed on laxity in adherence to the mining safety regulations and practices.
“From a regulatory perspective adherence to the mining safety rules and regulations is a must in Zimbabwe, and any deviant mines risk the wrath of Government mining inspectors who have been empowered to shut down any unsafe mine,” Cde Chidhakwa said.
A representative of the orphans of the mine disaster, Mr Mashame Ndlovu, said the loss of their fathers in the tragedy reduced the affected families to abject poverty and the situation cascaded from one generation to another.
Seventy five widows attended the commemoration.
Also present was Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Matabeleland North Ambassador Cain Mathema, Mines and Mining Development permanent secretary, Professor Francis Gudyanga, the ruling party Zanu-PF politburo member, Cde Thokozile Mathuthu, Hwange Colliery Company board members and district as well as provincial Government officials.
Online Reporter