Mineworker Magazine March 2023

Editorial Team

Editor: Masanda Peter

Contributors: Prof. Fred Cawood, Ian Chauke, Nonhlanhla Nxela, Unity Shiburi, Jolene Wiese

Website: www.mineworker.co.za

Email: editor@mineworker.co.za

Design and Layout: Free Concepts

Printing and Binding: Dadero Printing

Distribution: Dadero Distributors

Advertising: info@daderocommunications.com

Putting together the first issue of Mineworker Magazine has been an exciting journey yet a challenging one. We launched Mineworker Magazine in January 2023, and we have been received well by various mining stakeholders and the industry. It has been a humbling journey, and feedback from mineworkers has kept us motivated and will be the fuel for the journey ahead.

"Storytelling is our obligation to the next generation. If all we are doing is marketing, we are doing a disservice, not only to our profession but to our children and their children. Give something of meaning to your audience by inspiring, engaging, and educating them with a story. Stop marketing. Start storytelling."

The quote resonates with Mineworker Magazine as we are about storytelling. The mining industry is rich in history, and storytelling is at the core of what we do. Mineworker Magazine, having been launched in 2023, is at the forefront of telling mineworker stories. The mining industry is a goldmine of stories, and people have so much to share with the industry.

Mineworkers have come to us to share their experiences with Mineworker Magazine, and we welcome the stories. The history is too rich to ignore.

Mining in South Africa started in the 1800s, and if we track back to all these years- the history is rich. Today, mining remains one of the biggest contributors to the country's economy. The wealth of storytelling remains unseen, and we are spotlighting this narrative.

I remember in the early 80s when I was a young girl in a village called Payne Location in Mthatha. Our homestead had the view of the then-Teba offices.

I remember seeing queues and buses at the

offices (KwaMdesaleni), and those buses would then disappear with mineworkers. In my mind, they were headed for Johannesburg (babesiya eRhawutini). In the news on the radio (Radio Transkei then), one would hear of ukudilika komgodi or kwetafile. The part about "itafile" boggled me as I did not quite get it as I was young, nor did I bother to ask. Fast forward to the 2000s, I found myself working in the mining industry, and the dots connected.

see and know who these people are and stop speaking hypothetically. We shall give a face to all that we have been speculating about in the magazine.

This issue is packed with many stories from the mines, focusing on health, technology, and safety. Now when we mention safety, we must touch on mine fatalities. Health and Safety statistics were released in early January by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Mr Gwede Samson Mantashe, an ex-mineworker himself.

When I interacted with mineworkers at the mine, I saw my uncles, oobhuti bam, my grandfathers, oomama bam, oomakazi, oodabawo and nosisi bam. Try visiting a mining community which is usually a few kilometres from the mines; what life and richness of the community. I once drove in Carletonville in one of the mining towns, and without stopping to speak to anyone, the community was telling a story. That's the story that Mineworker Magazine is telling. The life and the voice of a mineworker will be heard. I felt at home. We must remember that the mining issue is not exclusive to the mineworkers but also impacts the surrounding communities.

While touching on safety, I visited Mine Rescue Services (MRS) and spoke to Mannas Fourie about their service to the industry. MRS has done a lot of work in ensuring that mineworkers are rescued, and we shall hear more about their work on this issue. We have the honour of Professor Cawood sharing his knowledge with us in this issue as a prominent mining intellectual – he has so much to share and offer to the mining industry, and we will tap into that knowledge.

Let

us

discover

all

of that.

Siyeza sizokuthetha nani sive ngamabali nentlalo nokusebenza emgodini. When researchers narrate stories about mineworkers, they usually say that one mineworker supports between eight to 10 people. We want to

The collective contribution will ensure that challenges in the mining industry are tackled and solved collectively –collaboration remains critical. We have stories from mineworkers like Unity and Ian; let us get to understand them better as they share their stories about being in the mines. Women in mining is another topic we will discuss and highlight, and Unity is touching on her experiences as a woman in the mining industry.

I invite you to walk this journey with us –

“Siyeza sizokuthetha nani sive ngamabali nentlalo nokusebenza emgodini.”

masiyihambeni sonke lendlela. Sizakuxoxa, sikhuthazane, sinqwanqwadane, silungisane, sibaliselane. Nikhumbule ukuba yeyenu le Magazine. The content will come from you, and together we will direct the content. There are many events in the mines, and we encourage you to please invite us. No place is too far for us; we will be where needed. The dreams and plans are big, and together we will do it. Let us know what you want, and we will do our best to make it a reality.

There are many brands targeting mineworkers, be part of the journey and let us showcase your products and services to mineworkers. Who better to share experiences of your services and brands than mineworkers? That is first-hand experience and insight. From Burgersfort to Lwamondo, Patising, Malonareng, Mbizana, eNquthu, Mt Fletcher, Muaja village, eQweqwe, Mncuncuzo, Hoita, Qhumanco, Tsomo to Ressano – we are coming to your area and village. We want to see you, sit with you and experience your life. Do you have stories to share with us? Email us at editor@mineworker.co.za and send a Letter to the Editor.

U-MaNcamase, MaThuse, MaMvulane, Nototoyi, Nogadula, Ncilashe, Nyok' emnyam' ecandiziziba, uNtsimb' ayiphathw' iphathwa ngamaThuse kuphela! Uyathemba ukuba nizakuyamkela niyonwabele iMineworker Magazine.

Messages to Mineworker Magazine

Bulelani Cholosi, Mthatha, son of an ex-mineworker in the Eastern Cape Utata wayesebenza e mine wabuya ngo 1993 kodwa akakafumani nto. Bendicela nisincedise ukufumana imali zikatata wabuya engaphethanga nto emva kokusebenza iminyaka emine. Ningapheli mandla niqhubeke nisebenza. Nam andiphangeli ndihleli ekhaya kodwa uba singafumana imali singancedakala silikhaya.

Nonto Sithebe, Mineworker from Limpopo

Finally, I now have a platform where people will get to understand the work that I do. We have been looking for such a platform where we can also share our experiences. Thank you Mineworker Magazine and wishing you all the best. Well done on coming up with such a brilliant publication.

Ms Bongi Mabusela, DMRE

It is great to see a woman leading Mineworker Magazine as women give birth by nature, the birth of the magazine is exciting. There are many stories to be covered in the magazine and finally those stories will be heard. The plight of ex-mineworkers will also be heard and hopefully they will finally be compensated. It is time that women lead and we are looking forward to reading the magazine. Halala Mineworker Magazine Halala.

Gillman Madotyeni, an ex-mineworker from Tsomo –Eastern Cape

We hope that through the magazine, those in power will get to hear our plight and solve our problems . The issue of ex-mineworkers remains a challenge especially for us in the rural areas. Siyasokola izindlu zethu ziyawa sicela uncedo, we really need the help. We are available to meet with you. Siyacela nisincede niyi Mineworker Magazine nisithethelele.

Sabelo from Ngqamakhwe

I went to the mines as a young boy ndandingekoluki nokoluka. Ndandiyosebenzela ukuba ndibene mali ndoluke kodwa kwabakho istrike sabuya kodwa zange sizifumane zonke iimali zethu. Sabuya nje baqhubeka ubomi. Singathanda ukuncedakala sifumane imali yethu kwaye kuninzi esinokuthetha ngobomi base Goli ezi mine. UThixo aniphe amandla okusebenzela abantu niyi Mineworker Magazine.

Mary Siziba from North West

All the best with Mineworker Magazine, continue doing the great work. Wishing everything of the best.

Mining Indaba

An interesting topic discussed at the Investing in Africa Mining Indaba was building local content and SMMEs into the mining infrastructure and supply chain. Key topics came to the fore that the industry can only talk about for a while; there needs to be action and agility and to look into technology's role in the process. Buying locally remains important, and processes need to be followed, but it is one area that can no longer be ignored.

Localisation leads to employment opportunities; this area needs to be considered at the corporate level. In the sustainable

mining plan, companies like Anglo-American look at supporting jobs beyond mining.

Job creativity, youth development and SMME support are at the core of the company's work. The monetisation of skills should be at the core to ensure employment. These are bread-and-butter issues, and leadership has a responsibility to look into them. Getting into the supply chain ecosystems speaks to how organisations need to act. Organisations may be looking for suppliers, but the process should be meaningful and impactful.

MINING SUPPLY

CHAIN LOCALISATION, REINDUSTRIALISATION:

DIRECTOR OF BEE, DMRE BONGIWE MABUSELA; JEANNE ELLIS DIRECTOR: SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS GROUP

DAI; LARISHA NAIDOO: MANAGING

DIRECTOR, ANGLO ZIMELE; NYANISO RAPIYA: ESD & PREFERENTIAL PROCUREMENT MANAGER AT SERITI RESOURCES; MPUMI SITHOLE:

THUNGELA EXECUTIVE HEAD OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS; JEFF GEIPEL: MANAGING DIRECTOR, MINING

SHARED VALUE, ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS CANADA; MODERATED BY CLIVE GOVENDER: CEO & FOUNDER, CGC CONSULTING & ADAPT DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

Technology is a force within mining, but the area of automation threatens the same jobs that need to be created. Local content needs to be clear for organisations so that there is an understanding of what needs to happen. The role of contractors in the value chains must be scrutinised. Capacity-building plans must be put in place to ensure that everyone benefits.

Localisation and local content should be distinct as they are different. We should not use these two terms to suit organisations'

narratives. Communities understand the terms differently; they believe that if you are from another area, you should not be benefitting from the mining resources of their area. Communities need access to opportunities and will not watch opportunities pass them by. Training and development should bring change, and that is a social licence that organisations often ignore.

Entrepreneurs follow opportunities, and this poses a challenge. Communities should not prevent people from doing business, and opportunists come in and take advantage. Leadership must come to play. These resources are a national heritage. On a continent level, we could also share skills and work on each other's strengths. The tried and tested entrepreneurs are not in that mindset, and criminal elements should not infiltrate the system. Operating in silos may also lead to this mindset where small groups want to dictate. Communities in some areas make collaboration difficult, which slows down and even delays access to

opportunities.

Technology should be able to solve challenges, and the algorithms and data should be able to present that. SMMEs and communities need a voice. They should be able to work together and collaborate in practice. Inclusive participation will lead to trust when the procurement is transparent, and there is no extortion but a mutual connection. How best can we industrialise South Africa, and what can we manufacture in South Africa are some of the questions that need to be answered.

Technology should not be used as a divide; a barrier to access should give the edge. Access to the market will create economic opportunities, which can only exist when the infrastructure supports the development. Youth has a role to play in the development, and while we battle unemployment, cross-collaboration will assist in ensuring that these narratives are actionable.

Mines scorecard must be aligned with the intention, and there could be

action. Partnerships with stakeholders and longterm planning can ensure that meaningful change is made. The growth and graduation of SMMEs are linked to the economy, and that area needs attention. There are solutions to the challenges; all it takes is collaboration and being intentional about the actions to make an impact.

Women in mining cannot be ignored, and women in mining should not be about women in the offices but women on the ground. The industry should not develop a few women but consider bringing in and supporting more women.

A heart to save mineworker livesSaving lives, one mineworker at a time…

The collaborative efforts from the mining industry to save lives show the industry's intention to ensure that mineworkers' lives are saved. We spoke to Mannas Fourie, the Chief Executive Officer of Mine Rescue Services (MRS), to hear and see more of what MRS offers to the South African mining industry. The organisation was started in 1924 by the mining industry to put mechanisms in place to ensure that mineworkers are safe, and should anything happen, a team is available to rescue them.

There are currently 1017 mine rescuers throughout South Africa who have been

through vigorous training offered by MRS. Mine Rescue Services offers its services to the mining industry through its local rescue stations in South Africa and extends its services to other countries.

MRS has established an appropriate management system that is in accordance with ISO 9001:2015. Through available resources, this management system ensures that MRS provides a complete structured emergency system that is safe, reasonably practicable, competitive, costeffective, and efficient.

On the day of the interview with Mannas, the Centre for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was conducting research for the mining industry towards the preservation of life. Another groundbreaking research that we will see soon.

Let's hear from Mannas:

Where did it all start for you?

My journey in mining started in 1994 when I was a Learner Official, and I worked my way up to an Executive Level as a Mine Manager and rescuer. In 2017, I joined MRS and was passionate about people and the mining industry. I have been with the organisation for six years. These years have helped me to understand the need to develop people, motivate them and take everyone.

What is your take on mine fatalities in the industry? Statistics released early in the year announced 49 fatalities.

Nobody should die in the mines, as no mine manager

wants to see people or their team members dying. The mines have improved, and this speaks to the passion the mining industry has for everyone working there. Mine accidents can be prevented, but it takes a team effort and everyone needs to take responsibility.

If it is to be a holistic approach, where are we getting it wrong?

Safety is like scraping water uphill; everybody needs to ensure mineworkers are safe. Our mines are deep, and there are old mines, and they are scattered all over, and the rest of the world comes to South Africa to benchmark. South Africa has the expertise; our mines are complex, and the risk is higher. The industry needs to learn from one disaster, but the mines need to learn and share information because they are scared to talk as litigations follow.

In your work, have you dealt with illegal mineworkers?

In 2022 we rescued 97 illegal mine workers, and we do not discriminate in

our space. MRS has the skills and knows how to navigate the underground mining space; that is where we assist, and we are also contracted with the mines, so we are where we are needed.

Klerksdorp has a big challenge with illegal mines, and so is the West Rand because they are close to the surface. Harmony in the Free State has done a great job in closing the mine, and you would not even see that the place was once a mine, but once the mine is closed, illegal miners move to the next area.

What has been the biggest highlight in your line of work?

Each life that we have rescued has been a highlight. To save a life is amazing, and the rescued mineworker gets a chance to get back to their family. I have been in the operations rooms, and tears roll when we succeed in saving a life.

Being a mine rescuer is a tough job, and the pass rate is around 60% because the rescuers go through tough training. Our rescuers are volunteers, and they have a

passion for saving lives. We have come a long way as the industry to look at what happened with Coalbrook mine to be where we are with technology. We can now do the work and rescue mineworkers.

What is the role of technology in safety?

MRS has developed the mobile rescue winder; South Africa developed that, and there is none in the world. There is a breathing apparatus that can last for four hours which is great.

Mine Rescue Services with Draeger is developing a more advanced breathing apparatus device which can work with the different pressures underground.

Share about the Training you provide at MRS.

There is a variety of courses we offer, including:

1. Initial Comprehensive, a five-day comprehensive course for all new Rescue Team Members on using the Dräeger BG4 closed circuit, long-duration breathing apparatus, firefighting and associated techniques.

2. The Refresher Training, a one-day course, is offered four times a year to refresh Rescue Team Members and keep abreast of new techniques. This refresher will be carried out in a mine or simulated mine filled with smoke.

3. Advanced Training, a standard course in Advanced Mines Rescue Procedures, has been developed so that Rescue Team Captains, Rescue Team Vice Captains and selected senior Rescue Team Members are provided with the necessary expertise through theoretical training to understand the responsibilities and duties of efficiently leading and supervising rescue teams.

4. Control Room Management, a oneday programme to equip managers with the techniques tomanage an emergency control centre on a mine during an emergency.

5. Rope Rescue Technician, a three-day course designed to achieve competency in line rescue and high-angle techniques, includes

an annual refresher. Borehole Rescue is a training course for specific rescue techniques utilising drilled boreholes and a mechanical winch to rescue persons trapped underground.

6. Mine Security Task Team is an additional service offered by MRS designed for specialised mine security personnel who require certain skills due to the nature of their work.

7. Surface Fire Responder Training is an additional service offered by MRS designed for specialised mine security personnel who require certain skills due to the nature of their work. The Training is vigorous as we want the best team out there. Unfortunately, we do not have any female rescuers at the moment and hopefully, we can have one in future.

What is the general state of safety in South African mines?

The industry is doing a lot of work, and we must give credit. People must see mine rescue, the mining

industry and safety in context. They need to look at the South African mining conditions, the work we do in South Africa and the mines we have, and one can understand South Africa's challenges. So much has changed in the mining industry, and we need to appreciate that.

What is the current state of leadership in the mines?

Leaders need to put themselves in the shoes of mineworkers before making a decision. They need to lead with humility. Leaders should be close to what happens with the people. So much has changed, the mines, people and environment have changed, and we need leaders who are in touch with reality. Leaders need to go underground and see what the mineworkers go through. Visibility remains key, and one should be within the people.

What is your message to abasebenzi at the mines?

My message to mineworkers is: "We will risk our lives to save a life – we will not walk

away, and we will go to the greatest extent to save a life."

The MRS will host the 2023 International Mines Rescue Body Conference from the 1st to the 5th of October 2023. The International Mines Rescue Body biennial conferences have charted and marked the growth and development of the

organisation and mine rescue organisations worldwide as they share the knowledge and vision required to improve mining safety. In this event, MRS and other industry bodies will co-sponsor 270 rescuers, and international countries like New Zealand are keen to share knowledge and present at the conference.

(Source: Mine Rescue Services website)

Man and Machine: Personal observations on the Implications for Mining’s Future of Work

The Changing World of Work

With the increasing use of technology in the workplace, it has become clear that “man and machine” must learn to work as a team. Although this has been anticipated for a long time, Covid 19 accelerated the ‘Future’ to become ‘Now’, causing a lack of transition, with no opportunity to test workplace dynamics and the human elements. This is especially true for Africa. In addition, many organisations have experienced a knee-jerk reaction, with a mindset of ‘we have to do this, the rest of the sector is doing it’. The catapulting of tomorrow to today is having a major impact on employee wellbeing –mostly because of the fear that ‘I am not prepared for this world of work’. This is

because machines today ‘demand’ centre stage as the driver of change.

Today’s technology development must balance this and also look at what is happening around the machine. We see it everywhere with people literally living on their phones, unaware of their physical environment. The risks and hazards are selfevident. However, when dynamics intensify in a productive environment in transition, the possibility for damage and injury increases exponentially. This explains collisions and accidents between machines and humans in different settings.

Digitization has mostly been imposed and not co-developed with all stakeholders. This means that the transfer of specific skills for people and

machines to work together has been a matter of survival of the fittest, thus whoever can learn and adapt the quickest can keep their job and be promoted. This is because the emphasis has been on the machine, rather than on the vocational path of the operator or the integrity of people and machines working together beneficially.

Implications for Mining and Mineworkers

When it comes to mining, it is evident that there are many more impacts than we realised at first. Technology adoption and digitization has hit the mining industry as a kind of sound bomb: it explodes internally and then sends off sound waves that work through an entire system, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly depending on proximity and access.

The question can be asked:

When did we first observe the problems regarding this? The answer for most industries, is that we either didn’t or we were slow to realise what is actually happening. We were sold a premise that technology is an answer to safety and productivity problems and a coherent solution to mine longevity. This premise was easy to sell to management because big tech and digital evolution brought autonomous machinery and artificial intelligence for optimal production. However, at lower levels, where education and access to sophisticated technology is not as seamless, the threat to livelihood is real.

When mines adopt new technology, there is force causing a segmented reaction, depending on where a person is in their career path and how technology-rich the existing work environment is. It is also role-dependent, resulting in different responses to the integration of technology. At the lower levels, workers are hearing from their friends about what has happened in other

mines. This unchecked hearsay is building up fear in the mind of the worker before the change comes. In the mind of the worker, the machine has replaced the person and the person has nowhere else to go.

change in a traditionally collective environment of “I take care of you, you take care of me,” the important social fabric that is required for a safety culture to thrive is quickly undermined.

Regarding the central health and safety imperative, there is a behavioural theory that the breaking down of natural human communication also contributes to accidents. In addition, the human takes the backseat when new technology is brought in because the machine ‘speaks for itself’ when it comes to productivity. Power then shifts to the controller of the device; we no longer see each other (in the truest sense of the word); our world becomes a virtual one that is too digital (or game-like) to appreciate real hazards. With this

Let us compare this scenario to the past: The operator did not have devices. We used our voice, flags, canaries and skills in an integrated system. This required continued awareness and interaction because there was nothing else to rely on. Arguably, we had superior communication from human to human taking place. In contrast, the controller of the device vs. the operator has now become the driver and leader of workplace activity.

We do not have another pair of eyes watching our backs; a device has replaced our eyes and so we do not look to ‘see’. The emphasis is now on the digital, inanimate platforms and not the physical capabilities of the person. This is often where the conflict takes place.

At the level of the bluecollar operator, who leans more to manual labour, the

“Technology is not a winlose situation - it is a win-win situation if one adapts.”

threat to workplace value is real and significant. At a professional level, the connection with the realities of the physical environment is limited. Workers in these roles generally embrace the benefits of software that can do automated calculations, planning, projections etc. Consequently, the bluecollar mineworker is going to be far less adaptable. As a worker, the message is ‘my skills are no longer valued, although I might have been very good at what I am doing’. The worker may even be the top performer, but with the new machine arriving, he or she is forced to adapt.

This change is affecting everything - future career, children’s future, pay and life. It is easy to see why “man and machine walking together” is not the ideal picture for our workers at the mining face.

Recommendation and Conclusion

The rapid adoption of digital technology has certainly made life better, more convenient, and more efficient. It has

also led to a shrinking of jobs and resentment. However, human beings and technology can work together if our differences and similarities are recognized and considered in the design process. Technology and digitization is not going anywhere. It is one of our inventions – so we must fix things.

The machine does not have a family to feed or a soul to develop. A person does. The person does not have the ability to continue working without affirmation and community. The machine does. Fixing means a human-centric design that considers a safe space for all, and the ability to cultivate and produce value over profit.

Man and machine walking together then may not be such a far-off dream.

Technology is not a winlose situation – it is a win-win situation if one adapts. It requires change management through adult learning to create capacity for strategic change and doing the right work, right.

Who we are:

We are experienced in bring policy, strategy and adult learning together in a manner that reduces risk and adds value to stakeholders.

Charlotte is a learning and development practitioner with diverse management consulting experience, while Fred has worked in academia and industry, with governments and international bodies as a professional advisor in the interest of responsible mining.

Both have a keen interest in making Africa ‘better’ through specialised adult learning and development. We believe that responsible mining is the foundation on which Africa’s future dependsand development starts with the development of Africa’s people.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR RESELLERS!

Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa

The formation of the Mine Ventilation Society follows the fascinating history of the mining industry in South Africa. A number of farsighted professionals recognised the need for a forum to discuss common ventilation problems and in 1944 The Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa was formed.

The Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa is about:

• Promoting teamwork among employees in tasks required to create and keep a safe and healthy workplace.

• Establishing a venue for the expression and discussion of perspectives on mine ventilation engineering and occupational hygiene.

• Serving as a venue where members' and the

industry's ideas on mine ventilation engineering and occupational hygiene may be shared with the industry and regulatory bodies.

• To represent the Society's and its member’s interests both domestically and abroad.

So Believe it or not, two hundred years ago, there were more women in the mining industry than today. In 1842 women were banned from working underground, out of concern for their safety. In fact, it was made a crime to even allow women to work underground. No doubt, mining was dangerous, and women were known to be taken advantage of.

As you can imagine, this left many women jobless and disadvantaged.

In South Africa, we first saw this law in 1898. The

ban on women working in mines was again repeated in the Mines and Works Act of the Union of South Africa in 1911.

In 2018, the Minerals Council of South Africa estimated that female representation in mining went from 3% to 15% between the period of 2002 and 2018.

Although the increase is commendable, it is far behind other industries. But it should be noted that South Africa is doing better than most jurisdictions on female representation in mines, especially in senior management and executive levels.

It took the Mine Ventilation Society 78 years to reach the stage when a woman was selected as President. Some may argue that the ventilating fraternity has only just begun to fully celebrate women. If we

are honest with ourselves, however, the Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa generally moved very quickly to engage women after they were introduced to mining! I am a proud associate of the Mine Ventilation Society. There is progress made by industry but there is room for more.

Women in Mining - Are We Getting There?

An interview with Jackie

a woman in mining

Where did it all start for you?

I started in mining with the intention to provide for my family and my kids but I have since been championing women in mining matters in the South African mining industry. I am originally from the Northern Cape in Manyeding.

I started my career in 2000 in Rustenburg where I found a job at Lonmin Mine

as the Assistant Sampler. I was one of the women who went underground as most women were working on surface and I saw that as an opportunity and I was also exposed to many careers within mining in my journey.

What are your career highlights?

During my career in mining I was promoted into different roles and I worked hard in each role I was assigned. In 2007, I yearned for more

and I was later appointed as a Learner Production Supervisor and received a Blasting certificate as well as the Shift Supervisor Certificate, I later enrolled for the Mine Manager’s certificate which I am yet to complete.

My Manager saw potential in me and wanted to appoint me as shaft production officer so that I can coach other mineworkers. I was appointed as a Senior Grade Officer and trained

other women and showed them the ropes. I wanted to share the knowledge as my other passion lies in coaching.

What is your experience as a woman in mining?

Being a woman in mining has had its challenges

There are times where I had to leave my house early in the morning, leaving my children alone and that was not nice. There are times where I had to be at the mine at 04h00 in the morning and by the time I got home I was tired.

The work underground was also hard and the systems were not accommodative for women and physical strength was a challenge in some of the work we had to do. I still believe that this may be the case even now where women are experiencing challenges in various ways.

In those conditions I persevered as there was work to be done and I did not want to drop the team. Some women would fall pregnant in order to take a break from the physical

work underground and some did not want to go underground at the end of their maternity leave. Women at the lower level are having it hard underground.

When I was working underground as a mineworker I did not go underground as a woman. I was a young woman who wanted to provide for my family and complied and I dressed appropriately. I am aware that there is sexual harassment and trading work for sexual favours but I never faced that in my space.

Another challenge I encountered was not having toilets and my colleagues who were male and whom I trusted would actually accompany me to relieve myself.

Are women taking up space in the mining sector?

Yes, women are taking up space in the mining industry but I am still not sure whether women are being provided for the way they should be. I would

like to see women coming together and taking care of health and safety matters. Health and safety should not be politicized as these are serious matters that affect women in the mining sector.

If we politicize these matters, we may lose the core of what needs to be done. Yes, I can see that the industry is changing and there should be more opportunities for women to reflect that change.

There can be awareness campaigns but matters need to be take into practical levels so that we can see implementation and action. A question we need to ask ourselves is “are we getting there with all these changes?” and only time will tell.

Introduction: Origins Of The Trust

The history of silicosis in South Africa dates from the late 1880s when gold mining began. The gold was locked in quartz veins, a type of rock that also contains high concentrations of silica. Crystalised silica particles can cause significant respiratory damage if inhaled. In the earlier days of gold mining, dust control, the use of personal protective equipment, and health and safety standards were not as advanced as they are today.

Silicosis began to manifest amongst the mining workforce very early in the history of gold mining on the Witwatersrand.

South Africa, in 1911, became the first country to formally legislate for the compensation of those workers diagnosed with silicosis – and certain other

lung diseases designated as occupational diseases. Given the highly racialized nature of the country, white mineworkers benefited disproportionately from the system.

This remained the status quo until 1993 when the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act (ODMWA) was deracialized and black mineworkers suffering from occupational lung diseases became entitled to the same levels of compensation as their white peers. Although some mechanisms were put in place to compensate mineworkers, particularly through the Medical Bureau of Occupational Diseases (MBOD), the systems have not served ex-mineworkers effectively.

The Tshiamiso Trust is the outcome of a class action

suit, deemed to be the largest and most complex class action in South Africa’s history, brought against six mining companies, namely Anglo American, African Rainbow Minerals, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony, and Sibanye Stillwater. The Trust was established through a no-fault settlement agreement which, through the associated Trust Deed, provides for the payment of claims to eligible gold mineworkers.

The Tshiamiso Trust was constituted in February 2020 and has a lifespan of 12 years.

Trust Objectives and Mandate

The purpose of the Tshiamiso Trust is to make the intentions and terms

of the historic silicosis and TB settlement agreement a reality for the people it affects. The Trust will use all reasonable means to ensure that eligible claimants receive the compensation that is due to them, and will seek to leave a positive legacy, in cooperation with the Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases and the mining industry, by improving systems and processes that give eligible mineworkers quick and easy access to the benefit systems that they need.

The Trust Deed is very specific about who might be eligible for compensation from the Tshiamiso Trust. Broadly speaking, it specifies that the mineworker must have:

• Carried out risk work at one of the qualifying

GOLD mines during the qualifying period between 12 March 1965 and 10 December 2019 (bearing in mind that some mines changed ownership during that time and are only considered during the periods that they were owned by the participating mining companies) AND

• For living mineworkers they must have permanent lung damage from silicosis or TB that they contracted from doing risk work at these mines

• For deceased mineworkers, there must either be evidence that they died FROM TB within in year of leaving the mine (if it’s a TB claim and the mineworker died before 10 December 2019), OR evidence

that they had silicosis or died from silicosis if it’s a silicosis claim.

How the Trust Operates

The approach adopted by the Trust is to establish a network of service providers throughout all geographic areas with a significant concentration of claimants. The Trust invites claimants to check their eligibility through the call centre and thereafter lodge claims at one of the lodgement sites (either fixed or mobile).

If a Benefit Medical Examinations (BME) is required, those will be provided in locations close to their home through service providers. The remainder of the processing steps applicable to every claim (communication,

who might be eligible for compensation from the Tshiamiso Trust. mineworker must have:

ORIGINS OF THE TRUST

certification and payment) then takes place centrally at the Trust office and with the Founders’ Agent.

the qualifying GOLD mines during the qualifying period between 12 2019 (bearing in mind that some mines changed ownership during considered during the periods that they were owned by the participating

must have permanent lung damage from silicosis or TB that they at these mines

The history of silicosis in South Africa dates from the late 1880s when gold mining began. The gold was locked in quartz veins, a type of rock that also contains high concentrations of silica. Crystalised silica particles can cause significant respiratory damage if inhaled. In the earlier days of gold mining, dust control, the use of personal protective equipment, and health and safety standards were not as advanced as they are today.

mineworker associations, unions and government stakeholders supports mobilisation of communities to lodge claims with the Trust.

CORE VALUES

there must either be evidence that they died FROM TB within in year of claim and the mineworker died before 10 December 2019), OR or died from silicosis if it’s a silicosis claim.

OPERATES

Claims are lodged and managed electronically. To enable this full claims process, the Trust uses the Compensation Claims Management System (CCMS) as a bespoke system to create a central record of claimant and claim information.

Serving Claimants

Silicosis began to manifest amongst the mining workforce very early in the history of gold mining on the Witwatersrand. South Africa, in 1911, became the first country to formally legislate for the compensation of those workers diagnosed with silicosis – and certain other lung diseases designated as occupational diseases. Given the highly racialized nature of the country, white mineworkers benefited disproportionately from the system.

Claim lodgements started on 15 February 2021.

Trust is to establish a network of service providers throughout all concentration of claimants. The Trust invites claimants to check their thereafter lodge claims at one of the lodgement sites (either fixed

Compassion and Care

We will be caring and compassionate in all our dealings with those who approach the Trust.

As at 28 February 2023, over 111,379 claims had been lodged with the Trust, and over 46,600 Benefit Medical Examinations (BMEs) had been conducted.

Integrity

(BME) is required, those will be provided in locations close to their The remainder of the processing steps applicable to every claim payment) then takes place centrally at the Trust office and with the

This remained the status quo until 1993 when the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act (ODMWA) was deracialized and black mineworkers suffering from occupational lung diseases became entitled to the same levels of compensation as their white peers. Although some mechanisms were put in place to compensate mineworkers, particularly through the Medical Bureau of Occupational Diseases (MBOD), the systems have not served ex-mineworkers effectively.

electronically. To enable this full claims process, the Trust uses the System (CCMS) as a bespoke system to create a central record of

With these structures in place, we generate claims through active communication about the existence of the Trust and the claims process. Active engagement of ex-

Over 11,316 claimants have received their compensation, amounting to over R1 Billion.

generate claims through active communication about the existence of Active engagement of ex-mineworker associations, unions and mobilisation of communities to lodge claims with the Trust.

The Tshiamiso Trust is the outcome of a class action sui t, deemed to be the largest and most complex class action in South Africa’s history, brought against six mining companies, namely Anglo American, African Rainbow Minerals, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony, and Sibanye Stillwater. The Trust was established through a no-fault settlement agreement which, through the associated Trust Deed, provides for the payment of claims to eligible gold mineworkers.

The Tshiamiso Trust was constituted in February 2020 and has a lifespan of 12 years.

We are honest and uncompromising in living our values, and will be transparent in all that we do.

Dignity and Respect

We treat all who come to us with dignity and respect.

Integrity

We carry out our role effectively and efficiently in accordance with the settlement agreement and court order.

February 2023, over 111,379 claims had been lodged with the Trust, and over 46,600

Medical Examinations (BMEs) had been conducted.

Over 11,316 claimants have received their compensation, amounting to over R1 Billion

Performance by Region

What do you do when you receive a huge payout?

This is a common question when someone receives a payout because, mostly, they don't know what to do and how to manage it so it can sustain them longer. People may choose to use the funds in different ways, depending on their financial goals and priorities.

Most people are indebted due to a lack of financial knowledge and how to manage their finances. We need to move away from the "buy or borrow now and pay later behaviour." This can be changed by fostering a culture of savings and investing

for the long term. Finding yourself in a situation where you have been paid a large amount of money all at once can be overwhelming without the right advice.

Firstly, it is crucial to start by assessing your current financial situation. Individuals must create a budget and financial plan that aligns with their goals and values to make the most of their compensation. If you have debt that needs to be paid off, consider starting with that. Most African people like celebrating such pay-out by doing a ceremony for their ancestors or

donating to churches; this must be factored in when you are doing your budget and your wish list.

Secondly, you need to save the money for a future expense or investment before you start investing and have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve.

Are you looking for longterm growth or short-term gains? Your investment can be structured for your short-, medium- and longterm goals to sustain you for longer. Investing in a lump sum can be a smart way to grow your wealth. However, it's essential to have a solid investment plan before making any decision.

Understand your risk appetite so you know how to diversify your investments. Diversification is key to mitigating risk in investing. By spreading your money across different investments, you can reduce the impact of any investment's performance on your overall portfolio.

Keep an eye on your investments by making

sure that you do the annual reviews that will give you an opportunity should you need to adjust your investments as necessary to keep your portfolio aligned with your goals.

While at it, do not lose to inflation, as it can work against your money; make sure that your investment strategy caters to it.

Lastly, protect what you have accumulated and ensure that all your plans and wishes are documented in a valid Will, which will ensure that your children or family members from whom you want to benefit can do so without any challenges.

It is crucial to speak with a certified financial planner once you have received a compensation payout because it can make a drastic difference to what you do with your lump sum when you receive it. The certified financial planner can ensure that ongoing funds are available to you, which may be necessary down the track to cover ongoing healthcare costs.

From Debts to Riches

- How to make more money!

This book is written by an ordinary South African, Phumelele Ndumo for ordinary South Africans. Most people have always thought that it was only high income people who could end up financially independent. That is not true! All of us can become financially independent, provided we are willing to have self-discipline and put into practice the simple suggestions that are in this book.

The purpose of this book is to ensure that you buy our own home, you pay it off in a short period of time, you save for the university education of your children and you buy ETF shares - in simple terms; it helps you to become financially independent. It addresses the financial problems of ordinary South Africans who are battling with garnishee orders, admin orders, debt counselling, paying university fees, buying homes and dealing with the South African economy.

Debt Management

Debt management plays a major role in the state of your personal finances. This book makes a perfect gift for employees to allow them to make informed financial decisions. This South African bestseller explains, without mincing words, how to get out of debt and improve your financial

picture by avoiding common pitfalls like balloon payments, buying furniture on credit, or using credit cards recklessly. The book also offers solid advice on starting an emergency fund, saving for college and retirement and taking your kids through varsity without taking a loan. Yes without taking a loan.

“Many of us never heard about financial planning growing up. Now that people have decent and secure incomes, we need guidance to ensure that our futures are secure,” she says.

For further enquiries or to organise a financial session for your employees, email:

info@daderocommunications.com or contact the team on 076 563 8392.

Habits Maketh a Successful Mine

There is a saying that to change our circumstances or events; we must first change our habits. As we celebrate the gift of life 2023 has to offer, I wish to remind myself (and my colleagues in mining) of the top habits that must change for our circumstances to improve, including the

issues of shareholder value, safe and fatality-free shifts and productivity.

1. We must let go of the irresistible attraction of hopelessness that has bedevilled us and the entire mining industry in the past few decades, including the

idea of a fatality-free production, as no great industry can be built on the foundation of hopelessness.

Mines are, by design, in the constant battle to improve, and progress is the offspring of time. We must become the beacon of hope, for there

is no home anywhere for 60 million South Africa but here.

2. While some say hope is the arrowhead of progress, only by seeing where we came from, as Possibilitarians, can we chart where we are going. As a diversified organisation, we may not share a common legacy, but we share a common space: the mining community, a shared desire for pride in who we are.

And until we know the history of this industry in the past 100 years, we might not appreciate some of the million fatality-free shifts achievements across different mines. We must understand that we are part of something great and partaking in building something for the next generation. This includes the modernisation of the industry, which has seen the introduction of cutting-edge technology and mechanised mining in some of our operations to achieve our greatness. The past holds the secret for forging a common

identity and building a greater mining industry.

3. My colleagues let us look inward. Far too often, we fail to see the limitless opportunities in this industry because we are distraught by the many failures around us, including organisational politics, community unrest, retrenchments, labour disputes, poor performance and bad safety records. Yet others can look beyond the setbacks and see what this industry represents for the future of the South African economy; see the final frontier for growth anchored by our employees, communities, market, resources, and geography. With this being said, the gap between where we are as an organisation and what we can become is an opportunity; don’t ignore it. We are possibility brokers.

Let us de-weaponise conversations that try to defer our hope. Yes, every operation has its scoundrels; let us find the space to project our

industry as we will it, not as it is. I am told a vision is not a recount of present reality but a projection of future possibilities. We must speak of it convincingly to activate it.

Our tremendous resilience in the face of adversity, navigating through Covid, the Russian-Ukrainian war - its ripple impact on our economy, the rumours of recessions, and our very own energy crisis is commendable.

Let us talk less and become the ideas we talk about.

These are all habits I hope to embrace in 2023 to improve my circumstances and that of my colleagues in the industry in the year ahead of me. We can all do the same for our industry and our country.

And finally, I want to remind you that the light in you is a compass to a place where your wildest dreams wait. The weight is all lifted.

Yours in safe and profitable mining.

Getting to know a mineworker

I have a National Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Mining Engineering from UNISA.

What work do you do?

What did your training entail?

Name: Unity Shiburi

Tell us who you are?

My name is Unity Shiburi, I am 32 years old. I am originally from Mahlathi village in Giyani, Limpopo but currently residing in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga. I was raised by a single mother.

Tell us about your family?

I am married to Given Shiburi and we are blessed with two daughters (Nkateko (7) and Malwandla (2).

What did you study at school?

I am an Underground Production Shift Boss at Two Rivers mine with 11 years of trackless mining experience. I started my mining career as a learner miner after completing my National Diploma in Mining Engineering.

Why did you choose mining as a career?

I chose to study mining engineering because I was a science student and wanted to study a different field of engineering and not a popular course amongst my peers. When I started, I had no idea what a mine looks like and did not know anyone working at a mine, so it was a new world to look forward to.

As a learner I had to undergo an 18 months underground training in order to obtain my blasting ticket. It was a tough training. I was working long hours, doing hard labour underground that was working, and I have a tiny body in all of this. During my training, there was one female supervisor in our operation who inspired me and gave me hope to never quit. After obtaining my blasting ticket I moved from different operations as a miner and now a shift boss. Having worked for five different operations has taught me a lot about the culture of the mining industry.

As a woman mineworker, what challenges have you encountered or have you come across?

Mining production is challenging for women, one of the challenges is falling pregnant, you pause your career for a year if you are pregnant, you miss on any opportunity that requires you to go underground.

The other challenge is raising kids, in most operations we work shifts which also includes weekends. The hours are long, I hardly spend time with my family and kids and the job is physically demanding aswell so one is always tired.

Is the mining industry making any progress regarding women in mining?

As much as there is improvement in putting women in supervisory positions, progress is slow on production side, women are hardly promoted to M/O and Managers positions. The majority of women still undermine the leadership of women and there’s not much support, women are working very hard as we are often required to prove ourselves.

The culture has not changed much in the mining industry. I have seen women like Takalani Randima from UMS and their journey within mining and that has encouraged me.

Your message to those who want to enter the industry?

Everyday has its own challenge, but as a woman minee I have lots of girls looking up to me and hopefully it will be because I am not giving up, I stay in production because it’s no longer about me, it’s also about every girl child with a dream to become a mine manager.

What’s next for you?

I would love to be a General Manager and grow further from there.

Trim Sizes (mm) | Width = 210mm x Height = 265mm

Bleed: 5mm all-round

Type area (mm) | Width = 185 mm x Height = 240mm

Trim Sizes (mm) | Width = 420mm x Height = 265mm

Bleed: 5mm all-round

Type area (mm) | Width = 396 mm x Height = 240mm

We distribute close to 10 000 copies to individual readers across South Africa and internationally, and of course, we distribute copies to:

Website: www.mineworker.co.za

Email: editor@mineworker.co.za

Phone: 082 544 0238

FB: Mineworker Magazine

Twitter: @mineworkermag

Podcast: The Mineworker

Follow Us on: