By Romeal Chituza
THE Zimbabwe Diamond and Allied Minerals Workers Union (ZDAMWU) has spread its wings to Matabeleland South Province, by establishing an office in Gwanda District, where they intend to conscientise mining workers about their welfare and working conditions.
Recently, the union held a workshop with miners and stakeholders at a local hotel, where they taught participants about labour laws, grievance handling procedures, dispute resolution processes among others.
Addressing delegates, ZDAMWU, Secretary General, Justice Chinhema, said miners deserved to be given a legitimate respect since the industry makes a lot of money for the country.
“Mining companies should create a healthy environment for their workers, such that workers are physically and mentally healthy,” said Chinhema, adding that the union’s strategic objectives were to equip miners and develop working systems in the industry.
Concurring with the secretary general, a health official from doctors without borders, Dr Munyaradzi Sidakwa, said workers should be given an environment that has good sanitation in order to curb dangerous diseases.
“As health practitioners, our first port of call is a healthy life. Workers should not be allowed to work without safety gear to protect them from infections and injuries. All mine workers should be given privileges to visit health department for health check-ups,” said Dr Sidakwa.
National Aids Council of Zimbabwe representative, Abraham Ncube, said workers should practise protection hence some miners find themselves in situations without protection at mining sites.
However he highlighted that about 6000 people in Matabeleland South were HIV/AIDS positive, a number that shocked all the participants at the workshop.
A representative from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, T. Mutseka, said miners should operate according to statues.
“We always encourage mine owners and their workers to operate in an orderly manner, guided by the statues. Health issues are of paramount importance to both the employees and their well-being. Mine owners should not allow their workers to operate in dangerous areas.
“Those who do not follow the code of conduct shall be liable and risk closure of their mines,” said Mutseka.
NSSA representative, Msizi Ndebele, said all employees should be registered with NSSA.
New Ziana
