As the nation commemorated the National Youth Day, the National Mine Workers Union of Zimbabwe (NMWUZ ) would like to note the challenges affecting the youths in the country, particularly in the mining sector.
Health and Safety
We are concerned that the youth who constitute the majority of workers in the mining sector are being exposed to conditions that compromise their health and safety.
Young workers are being exposed to air pollution due to dust emissions during the course of their work especially in Chinese owned companies..Our research has revealed that these companies do not offer adequate protective clothing exposing workers to lung infections.
Women and children are being exposed to toxic dust emissions in communities they are living in.Of particular concern is that pregnant women’s health is being put at risk due to the emissions which are not regulated.
Drug and substance use
Due to unemployment in mining communities, the youths end up engaging in drugs and substance use.This is rampant in mining communities where there are also inadequate recreational facilities.
Drug and substance use is a significant issue in Zimbabwe’s mining communities. In areas like Gwanda and Shamva, many young people are turning to substances like marijuana, broncleer, and mutoriro, often due to unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to education and job opportunities.
The consequences are dire, with increased rates of violence, mental health issues, and sexually transmitted infections. In fact, the prevalence of STIs has risen by over 50% in some mining areas, largely attributed to the normalization of drug use and associated risky behaviours.
Gender disparities
Women youths in the mining sector do not have equal employment opportunities in comparison with their male counterparts.
Gender disparities are a significant issue in Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Research has shown that women make up around 10-15% of the 535,000 people employed in the sector.
Mental health issues among youths
Mental health issues among youths are a growing concern in Zimbabwe’s mining communities. The industry’s physical and economic pressures, combined with factors like poverty, substance abuse, and lack of access to services, contribute to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Some common mental health challenges faced by young miners include:
-Trauma and PTSD Accidents, injuries, and fatalities are common in mining, leading to long-term psychological trauma.
-Substance Abuse Self-medication with drugs or alcohol can exacerbate mental health issues.
-Financial Stress Unstable income, debt, and poverty contribute to anxiety and depression.
Mental health issue leads to low work productivity.
Poor remuneration
Low salaries remain our concern in the sector.The amount of work and effort done in the sector do not tally with the salaries.As NMWUZ we are demanding that the least paid worker gets $US 1 200 wage.Because of low salaries which induces poverty,cases of domestic violence and devorces among youths marriages are increasing in mining communities.
Recommendations
Mine companies in Zimbabwe in particular the Chinese owned must improve health and safety by:
– Implementing robust risk management systems to identify and mitigate hazards
– Providing regular training on safety protocols and emergency response
– Ensuring adequate PPE and enforcing its use
– Conducting regular audits and inspections to monitor compliance
– Fostering a safety-first culture and encouraging worker participation
– Addressing occupational health risks, like dust exposure and noise
– Improving ventilation and reducing dust levels
– Enhancing emergency response plans and conducting regular drills.
To curb drug and substance use in mine communities these strategies can be implemented.
– Community-based initiatives: Engage local leaders, schools, and organizations to raise awareness and promote alternative activities.
– Economic empowerment: Support job creation, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs to reduce poverty and desperation
– Access to services: Improve healthcare, counseling, and rehabilitation facilities for those struggling with addiction
– Law enforcement: Strengthen policing and border control to disrupt supply chains
– Education and awareness: Targeted campaigns highlighting risks and consequences, especially for youth.
To address gender disparities in mine communities there is a need to:
– Promote equal access: Ensure women have equal opportunities for employment, training, and advancement in the mining sector
– Support women’s leadership: Encourage and mentor women to take on leadership roles in mining companies and communities
– Address workplace harassment: Implement and enforce policies to prevent and address gender-based violence and harassment
– Provide support services: Offer childcare, healthcare, and counseling services that cater to women’s specific needs
– Engage men and boys: Involve them in promoting gender equality and challenging harmful norms.
To address mental health issues in mining communities, we are advocating for the following measures:
– Raise awareness and reduce stigma: Encourage open conversations and promote mental health literacy
– Provide accessible support services: Offer counseling, therapy, and support groups tailored to miners’ needs
– Foster a supportive work environment: Train supervisors and colleagues to recognize and respond to mental health concerns
– Promote work-life balance: Encourage healthy habits, flexible schedules, and time off
– Address underlying issues: Tackle substance abuse, financial stress, and social isolation.
We recommend that mining companies in Zimbabwe especially those being owned by the Chinese, empower communities by:
– Investing in local infrastructure: Build schools, healthcare facilities, and roads that benefit the community
– Support local businesses: Procure goods and services from local suppliers, and provide training and resources to help them grow
– Create employment opportunities: Prioritize local hiring and provide training programs for community members
– Implement sustainable livelihood projects: Support initiatives like agriculture, livestock, or eco-tourism that promote long-term economic growth
– Foster partnerships: Collaborate with local government, NGOs, and community leaders to identify needs and implement projects.
We also call on government to support small scale mining sector which is mostly currently run by the youths through:
– Streamlining licensing processes: Simplify and speed up the process of obtaining mining licenses and claims
– Providing access to finance: Offer loans, grants, or guarantees to help small-scale miners invest in equipment and operations
– Training and capacity building: Provide training and technical assistance on best practices, safety, and environmental management
– Market access: Help small-scale miners access markets and get fair prices for their produce.
– Infrastructure development: Invest in roads, energy, and other infrastructure that benefits small-scale mining areas.
We demand that the minimum wage in the mining sector must be set at $US 1200.We also demand that workers be given 100 percent production bonuses and 13th cheque.If workers in the mining sector (the majority of them being youths) get a decent wage, this will go a long way in addressing the challenges they face in their day to day lives.
Kurebwa Javangwe Nhomboka
NMWUZ President