4 June 2025

MEDIA RELEASE

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has learnt of the death of another worker in a fall of ground accident which occurred at Harmony Joel Shaft, in Free State Province

Based on the report received, at approximately 09:35 on the 4th of June 2025 there was a Fall of Ground at 121 E10 E5 panel, two stopping team members were busy installing temporary support when the Fall of Ground occurred. One employee sustained injuries on his lower leg and the other employee succumbed to his injuries whilst receiving medical attention.

“Our sincere condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the fallen comrade”, said AMCU President, Joseph Mathunjwa.

This is the 11th Fatality at Harmony, bringing the total fatalities in the South African Mining Industry to 25.

Eleven Fatalities point direct to the company’s failure to provide conditions that are safe for the operation to take place, if Harmony dodge to analyse organisational failures and blame death to employee’s behaviour, it is likely that they will experience more injuries and disasters.

Government has shown it can move quickly to amend the Labour Relations Act to target militant trade unionism. Yet when it comes to reforming mine health and safety legislation — where workers are dying — we face delays, empty consultations, and zero prosecutions of mining executives. The amendments to the MHSA must be prioritised to end this culture of impunity. AMCU will forever stick to its clarion call to amend the MHSA to hold mining bosses accountable for the mineworkers killed while toiling in the belly of the earth.

“Returning home from work unharmed is a human right “concluded AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.

*ENDS*

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For more information or media interviews, contact AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.