CHESTER MAKANA
The National Union of Mineworkers warns that the number of corona virus cases is going to increase in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, claiming that there is a lack of compliance and proper accommodation to quarantine workers.
This after 13 mineworkers at Marula Platinum mine near Burgersfort tested positive days after mining companies in the area were authorized to resume operations.
Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba on Saturday announced that the number of people who tested positive in Sekhukhune has increased by 13 as a result of “cluster infections”.
“This is by far the single biggest number of positives within 24 hours, we have also recorded two new cases in Lephalale bringing the total number of positives to 26 in the province,” said Ramathuba
The infections brought the number of cases to 76, with 36 active and 37 recoveries and three deaths in Limpopo.
Ramathuba and NUM last month expressed concern over the possible outbreak in mining casting doubt over the level of preparedness and ability to deal with Covid-19 safety regulations by some mining companies.
Ramathuba said that the department has deployed a team of officials led by the department Head of Department Thokozani Mhlongo to deal with the outbreak.
“A response team from the department has been on the site since last night with the mine staff to assist in dealing with isolation and tracing of contacts,” said Ramathuba
However, NUM believes that the outbreak at Marula is the beginning of a crisis that is going to erode and cause serious problems in the area.
“We have been receiving calls and complaints from members that some mines are not complying with safety, and surely I can say more cases will erupt in the area,” said Mankge.
He said that the department of mineral resources must not act or believe a word from mining companies without evidence.
He argues that the only way to resume mining without prejudice is to ensure that safety measures are followed.
Mankge said the outbreak in the mines is not good news for communities in Sekhukhune as it exposes them and threatens impoverished villagers.
“Those people who tested positive when they return for work they return to places of their residence, and interact with local people there, it’s a problem and a disaster,” said Mankge.
Mankge argues that mining companies must bear the cost of treating and tracing community members who suffered as results of mineworkers association.
Departments of health, mineral resources and other stakeholders are set to have a meeting and discuss the health crisis faced with mining sector.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy, Sahlulele Luzipo, together with the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Land Reform, Environment and Mineral Resources and Energy, Tebogo Modise, were shocked to learn about the mine employees who tested positive for Covid-19 at the Implants’ Marula mine in Limpopo, and wished those workers for a speedy recovery.
In a joint statement issued on Sunday evening, the chairpersons commended the mine management for conducting full tests on all employees before returning to work and, for providing a quarantine facility for all those who tested positive.
Furthermore, the chairpersons welcomed a swift response by the Minister of Minerals and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, who, after being informed, went to meet with Limpopo’s Premier Stanley Mathabatha and the MEC of Health, including the mine management to develop a programme and approach to deal with the situation.
“The chairpersons are aware that the mine is temporarily closed for deep cleaning, together with the Marula clinic, but they encouraged the management to conduct regular tests on employees as soon as production resumes. To this end, both chairpersons believe that whilst there is a need to open up the economy, however, the primary responsibility of the employers is to ensure maximum safety of their employees, and they appealed to the department to ensure that this is adhered to,” the statement read.
