5 March 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of two mineworkers who succumbed to injuries sustained over the weekend. The incidents occurred at Sibanye-Stillwater’s Khuseleka Shaft in Rustenburg and Zondereinde Platinum Mine in Thabazimbi.
On Saturday, 1 March 2025, at approximately 07:13, a worker at Khuseleka Shaft was fatally injured when a manifold, which was connected and suspended at a height of 2.4 metres, came loose under pressure due to stored energy and struck him on the head.
Then, on Sunday, 2 March 2025, at approximately 04:00, a development loco crew was shunting a full span. The team leader signalled the loco to reverse into a cross-cut. While attempting to couple the water loader to the full span, he was struck on the head by the loco guard chair and was declared dead underground.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the families and loved ones of our fallen comrades,” said AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa. “We pray for their strength and comfort during this difficult time”, he said.
These tragic incidents mark the 10th and 11th fatalities recorded in the South African mining industry in 2025, compared to five (5) fatalities recorded during the same period in 2024. These figures indicate a concerning regression in mine safety.
Sibanye-Stillwater recorded six (6) fatalities in 2024, of which three (3) were at its gold operations, and another three (3) in platinum. This year, there have already been seven (7) fatalities at Harmony Gold, and two at Sibanye-Stillwater – one in gold and one in platinum.
These fatalities occur at a time when AMCU has formally requested the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources to intervene in one of the country’s most dangerous mines. AMCU is also on record for its clarion call to amend the Mine Health and Safety Act to hold mine bosses personally liable for repeatable accidents.
“For how long we will remain onlookers while another mineworker and breadwinner is killed by these greedy mining bosses”, asked Mathunjwa. “We need serious intervention by increasing enforcement by the regulator (DMPR) as well as also tightening legislation and the wheels of justice to ensure that those responsible are brought to book”, Mathunjwa concluded.
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For more information or media interviews, contact AMCU President Joseph Mathunjwa.