Mine tragedy: It cannot be business as usual - says Mathunjwa

THE Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) accused the Impala Platinum mine of negligence after 13 miners died.

Amcu President Joseph Mathunjwa said the tragic accident could have been avoided.

He says working at a mine should not be a dead trap.

"It cannot be business as usual."

"One would have expected that other mines would stand in solidarity with Impala mine workers, that all mines would have suspended operations today in solidary to what happened, But it's business as usual like nothing happened," he said.

Mathunjwa spoke at the memorial service of the 13 miners who died after a cage collapsed on Monday evening, 27 November.

Amcu members chanted and sang as they welcomed President Mathunjwa to the stage.

Helmets with the names of miners on top of a memorial plaque were handed over to the families as a symbol of remembrance.

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"We have been calling for the amendment of the Mine Health and Safety Act."

"We want those who were responsible for ensuring that the cage was in good condition to be held accountable."

He highlighted that the Amcu would take it upon themselves to march to the Union Buildings for the safety acts to be implemented.

Mathunjwa said commissions never bring results.

"Money will be spent, but no arrests will be made."

"What happened in the Marikana Commission? This will be one of those inquiries where no one will be held accountable," said Mathunjwa.

Mathunjwa said they demanded a basic salary of R25 000 for workers.

He called on all mines to close down and check all the cages.

"A day should be set aside for health and safety measures to be taken at all mines. A day where all cages are checked in solidarity with the miners who lost their lives."

Mathunjwa said Impala must give the recovering miners a paid leave for a month because they are still traumatised by the experience.

He called for unity and urged workers to refuse to work under unsafe circumstances.

"We are going to vote next year, think before and vote wisely."

"What changes will you bring that you failed to achieve over the 29 years, these are the questions you should ask your political parties before you vote."

Mathunjwa instructed the mine to build homes for the families, take the children to private schools and give the families a full month-to-month salary.

Deputy Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Nobuhle Nkabane said their department has called for an investigation into the incident at the mine.

She said safety measures will be implemented to support the deceased and injured.