Online Reporter
Fairness Moyana in Hwange
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening safety standards in the mining sector, stressing that economic development must never come at the expense of workers’ lives, as the nation commemorated the 54th anniversary of the Kamandama Mine Disaster which claimed 427 miners.
Speaking at the Kamandama Mine Disaster Memorial Service in Hwange on Saturday, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland North, Richard Moyo, represented by Acting Director of Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management Mr Macmaster Mthethwa, said the tragedy remains a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising worker safety in mining operations.
“While mining remains a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy, economic progress must never come at the expense of worker safety. Government remains committed to ensuring that our mining sector operates under robust safety standards, effective regulatory frameworks and responsible operational practices,” said Minister Moyo.
The memorial service brought together Government officials, traditional leaders, mining executives, labour representatives, emergency response personnel and families of the victims, including about 60 surviving widows of miners who perished in the June 6, 1972 disaster.
Minister Moyo said Government continued to collaborate with mining companies, workers’ representatives and other stakeholders to strengthen occupational health and safety systems, improve emergency preparedness and promote a culture in which safety is prioritised at every level. “The lessons of Kamandama continue to guide our efforts as we build a mining sector that is productive, competitive and, above all, safe,” he said.
The commemorations featured emergency response demonstrations by Hwange Colliery Company Limited’s Proto and First Aid teams, who showcased rescue techniques and accident response procedures used during underground emergencies.
The drills highlighted the critical role of preparedness and specialised rescue teams in reducing fatalities and improving emergency response capabilities within the mining industry. Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings chief executive officer Mr William Gambiza said the Kamandama disaster remains a defining moment in Zimbabwe’s mining history and continues to shape the company’s approach to workplace safety.
“The Kamandama Disaster reminds us that safety must never be treated as a compliance requirement alone. Safety must be embedded in our culture, our systems, our leadership and our daily actions,” he said.
Mr Gambiza said HCCL continues to invest in occupational health and safety through regular training, risk management programmes, operational controls and emergency preparedness measures.
“Our objective is clear: to create a workplace where every employee returns home safely at the end of every shift,” he said.
Traditional leader Chief Whange said the Kamandama Memorial serves as both a monument to those who lost their lives and a symbol of resilience for future generations.
“The Kamandama Memorial reminds us that while we cannot change the past, we can honour those who came before us by building a future founded on safety, compassion and responsibility,” he said.
The Kamandama Mine Disaster remains the deadliest mining accident in Zimbabwe’s history. It is commemorated annually to honour the 427 miners who lost their lives and to reinforce the importance of workplace safety, strong regulatory oversight and effective emergency response systems across the mining sector. As wreaths were laid and prayers offered in memory of the fallen miners, speakers agreed that the most meaningful tribute would be to ensure future generations of miners work in safer environments supported by world-class safety standards and preparedness measures.
