Dr Chigwada: Leading the way in water resource management, safety

DR Abednego Kholwani Bayne Chigwada, a global leader in the field of mining occupational safety, health, environment, social responsibility, governance (ESG), risk, and quality, is making waves with his outstanding achievements and expertise.

His groundbreaking PhD research, which commenced in 2012, has successfully addressed the burning issues impacting global resource sectors. His work on the role of human errors in organisational performance within the mining resource sector has garnered international recognition.

Speaking about his research, Dr Chigwada stated: “The success of my research and implementation of the models mooted through this journey was embraced at a global level. This ignited a series of invitations and presentations at global forums.”

He has been invited to prestigious events such as the Global Health and Safety in Mining forum in the UK, Mining, Technology and Operations (MTO) in Australia, and Global Mining Summits in the USA.

These engagements have allowed Dr Chigwada to share his expertise and contribute to the improvement of mining occupational safety and health practices worldwide.

Dr Chigwada’s impact extends beyond the mining sector. His models and research findings have proven to be relevant in various sectors, including Energy, Construction, and Engineering.

He emphasises the importance of addressing fundamental imbalances and the influence of human errors in organisational performance, particularly in multicultural countries like Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Australia.

His work provides a solid foundation for ESG, which is currently the top business risk and opportunity in the resource sector.

Recognising Dr Chigwada’s exceptional contributions, he was awarded the Africa Risk Management award by the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) in 2021. This prestigious honour acknowledges his regional contributions and achievements over the years.

Among his notable achievements, Dr Chigwada has achieved remarkable results in reducing mining accidents at Zimplats operations, transforming the company into a national leader in safety and health across all sectors for eight consecutive years.

He has also made significant contributions to the development of safety, health, environment, and quality practitioners. Additionally, he has played a vital role in crafting the new Zimbabwe national Occupational Health and Safety policy.

Dr Chigwada’s expertise has been sought after locally and internationally, with advisory roles at prestigious institutions such as Bindura University in Zimbabwe and Global Mining Sustainability in Canada. He has also founded his own auditing and consulting firms, ABE Risk Solutions and DQS Management Zimbabwe, where he currently serves as an executive director.

Reflecting on his accomplishments, Dr Chigwada said: “The journey has taken a new dimension as evidenced by a series of global business invitations and recent conferences.”

His contributions to the field of water resource management, safety, and governance are exemplary, and his dedication to sustainable practices and the well-being of workers serves as an inspiration to individuals and organisations worldwide.

“My research journey has been a testament to the importance of addressing human errors in the mining sector. By understanding the root causes of accidents and implementing effective preventive measures, we can significantly improve the safety and well-being of workers.”

Dr Chigwada’s impact on safety and health practices extends to the local communities surrounding mining operations.

“Water resource management is not only about protecting the environment but also ensuring the availability of clean water for nearby communities,” he explained.

“By involving stakeholders in decision-making processes, we can create sustainable solutions that benefit both the mining industry and the communities it operates in.”
Highlighting the importance of governance in occupational safety and health, Dr Chigwada stated:

“Companies must prioritise the implementation of comprehensive policies and guidelines that safeguard the rights and well-being of their employees. By adhering to international standards, such as ILO Convention No. 190, we can foster inclusive and respectful work environments free from violence and harassment.”

Dr Chigwada’s contributions have been recognised not only through awards but also through the tangible improvements he has achieved.

“Reducing mining accidents from an annual total of 154 to less than 10 at Zimplats operations is testament to the effectiveness of our safety measures. These achievements have positioned Zimplats as a national leader in safety and health, setting a standard for other companies to follow,” he said.

In his role as a founding President of the Zimbabwe Institute of Safety Health (ZIOSH), Dr Chigwada has been instrumental in shaping the future of safety and health professionals in the country.

“By providing training and resources, we are developing a new generation of practitioners who are equipped to navigate the complex challenges of occupational safety and health,” he said.

Looking ahead, Dr Chigwada emphasised the importance of circular economy approaches in resource sectors.

He said: “By adopting circular economy principles, we can minimise waste, reduce environmental impact, and create more sustainable and resilient business models. Circular economy initiatives align with ESG goals, providing long-term benefits for both businesses and the environment.” — @plainstan