News24 reports that according to the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu), mine safety has become a human rights issue and legislation should be strengthened to hold mining bosses criminally accountable for failures to ensure safety at operations.  

This call came after seven workers lost their lives after being trapped underground Sibanye-Stillwater’s Masakhane shaft on Thursday following two seismic events.  Six other mine workers were hospitalised.  According to Amcu, four were in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and two others were critical.  Amcu demanded that the Masakhane shaft remained closed until all investigations were finalised.  In a statement on Saturday, Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa said the mining companies should also face civil claims when accidents such as the Sibanye-Stillwater incident happened.  "The Union undertakes to heighten its campaign in ensuring that the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) ups its game in regulating mining in South Africa.  The Union will be meeting with Minister Gwede Mantashe to discuss the failures of DMR in this and other regards," Mathunjwa indicated.

• Read this report by Derrick Spies in full at News24
• Read too, Amcu president calls for new regulations after deaths of Driefontein miners, at EWN
• And also, Sibanye-Stillwater must prioritise safety, says mines minister Gwede Mantashe, at News24
• As well as, ANC calls for total overhaul of safety measures at mines after Sibanye-Stillwater deaths, at News24

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page