Government must declare 1972 Kamandama Mine disaster, a national holiday-NMWUZ

The National Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe is calling on government to declare the Hwange Coal Mine disaster, a national holiday in commemoration of 427 miners who lost their lives on 6 June 1972 as a result of underground explosions that occured at Hwange Number 2.
In a statement, NMWUZ President, Kurebwa Javangwe Nhomboka, said goverment must prioritise safety of workers in the mining sector.
“We have called on government to craft measures that ensure safety at work places.Its regrettable that 53 years after the Hwange disaster, the issue of workers safety in mines work places is still be to realized.
We are calling upon government to investigate issues of mining safety particularly in mushrooming Chinese workplaces where issues of safety concerns remain under scrutiny.”
“In recognition of that sad day, we call upon government to declare 6 June a national holiday urging all employers in the mining sector in Zimbabwe to prioritize issues of workers’ safety work.
“Employers, including government must work hand in gloves with workers unions to address safety and other issues, mining workers deserve decent accommodation home ownership scheme’s living wage.
Widows and children of the departed Cdes must be well catered,” added Nhomboka.

The Hwange coal mine disaster took place on 6 June 1972 when a series of underground explosions occurred at the Wankie No. 2 colliery in Zimbabwe (formerly called Rhodesia)which was owned by the Anglo-American Corporation. With 427 fatalities, it remains the deadliest mine accident to date in the country’s history.

According to the Chamber of Mines’ 2023 survey, a staggering 80% of these fatalities occurred in underground mining sites, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and regulations in this lucrative but hazardous sector.

Investigations have revealed that neglecting critical equipment maintenance, failing to conduct thorough structural integrity inspections, and human errors have contributed to these accidents. The mining sector, particularly Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM), faces significant Occupational Health and Safety challenges.

The proliferation of gold mining has exacerbated these issues, with ASGM being particularly hazardous due to, numerous uncontrolled hazards, lack of safety standards and increased risk of mine collapses and accidents.

These concerns underscore the need for a robust and sustained approach to address the safety and health risks in the mining industry. It also highlights the urgent need for enhanced compliance and monitoring, improved worker training programs and raising awareness.