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3 June 2008

* Programme Director
* Honourable MECs
* Managing Director of De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM), Mr David Noko
* De Beers Deputy Chairman, Mr Manne Dipico
* Operations Manager, Ms Mpumi Zikalala
* Principal Inspector and other Senior Managers
* Union representatives
* Leaders of industry and business
* Distinguished guests
* Ladies and gentlemen
* Media representatives

Allow me ladies and gentlemen to acknowledge and congratulate the mine management and employees of the Kimberley Mines for their award. I am pleased to be amongst all of you this morning to celebrate with you, your outstanding achievement and also reflect on what this award means to all those who contribute towards the optimum production of the mine.

This award gives special recognition and praise to the mine managers who remain fully dedicated to their work and persistently seek to create a safe environment for the mineworkers as they face daily challenges underground.

It is therefore with a great sense of pride and joy that we celebrate your achievement this morning. It is indeed very encouraging and heart-warming to note that De Beers is continuously making an effort to build a safe and healthy working environment, and in so doing, also continues to build a safe and better South Africa.

An achievement such as this one as well as the nature of today's gathering compels us to reflect on the progress we are making in the transformation of our country. Ladies and gentlemen, in order to understand the importance of transformation particularly as it relates to mining it is important to take into account its history in the country.

There is no doubt that mining has played a very important role in the development of our country in the past and continues to do so, although in the past the benefits of mining could not be enjoyed by all citizens, mining still remained the cornerstone of our country's economy.

Be it as it may, we are encouraged by the commitment of mining companies like De Beers who embrace the health and safety standards set out by our laws. It is for this reason that we continue to value the importance and centrality of De Beers in our economic growth and development initiatives.

As government we are firm and consistent in our approach, that no one should compromise the safety of our workers in the workplace. Therefore mine managers should adhere to their responsibility of ensuring the safety of mine workers. Equally all our Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) inspectors should make sure that they do not compromise the safety of our workers by shirking their responsibilities. Our labour representatives should also ensure that they do not short change mineworkers with respect to their safety.

Your achievement of this prestigious award also offers me an opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to the mine management and the workers union for their leadership in fighting for the rights of the workers in particular the working class in general.

What makes your achievement remarkable is the fact that the award bestowed upon you, will now remain as a testimony of your commitment and stimulate you to find other innovative ways of improving or maintaining these health standards and also demonstrate your dedication and loyalty to your employees.

Last month, while addressing the Central Committee meeting of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in Boksburg, the National Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica expressed her concern about the attitude of some companies towards the health and safety of workers in the mines.

Last year our country witnessed what can be described as what could have been one of the biggest near disasters in the history of mining in the country, where more than 3 200 mineworkers were trapped underground. We were all pleased when all the workers were rescued to safety. Regardless of this outcome, this situation raised questions about what mines are doing to ensure the safety of the workers.

At the beginning of the year, we were all shocked to learn that there were reports that 67 mineworkers who lost their lives in mining accidents, even compared to 91 lives lost at the same time last year, this is still an alarming figure.

We are encouraged that these scenes are not prevalent in our province, all because of the efforts of men and women like you who put in an extra effort to save lives.

Nonetheless, ladies and gentlemen I am giving this background so that we can collectively appreciate this achievement. The safety audits conducted by inspectors following a call from the President Mbeki, attest to the importance of the culture of safety that should prevail without fail in the industry. We are all eagerly awaiting the compliance audit report of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate (MHSI) which will be finalised and submitted to the President soon. This report will cover the findings and recommendations from the 333 high ranking mines that were identified and targeted for auditing.

To me this award is therefore an acknowledgement that your mine does not compromise the safety of our mineworkers. It is always hurtful to learn that some workers perish in circumstances that could have been avoided. We are pleased that the scene at the Deep Mine has not prevailed here. Recently, Madam Minister, Ms Sonjica announced that she has instructed that the robes at the Deep Mine be confiscated for independent testing as part of an investigation into negligence and mine safety transgressions. If any is found there will be prosecution.

Ladies and gentlemen, as the Northern Cape Provincial Government, we are also encouraged by the efforts of the Department of Minerals and Energy, in relation to addressing the shortcomings that have been identified in the Mine Health and Safety Act.

Legislation has been prepared with the aim of addressing these shortcomings in a sustainable manner, the main thrust of the legislation is to close loopholes regarding enforcement and tighten up on prosecutions.

It is actually shocking that since the Act came into being, despite numerous fatalities in the mines, no one was ever imprisoned or hauled before the court of law.

A task team has also been established with the Department of Justice aimed at improving on and fast tracking prosecutions. As government we believe that this process will assist us in ensuring that mines continue to improve and adhere to safety standards, as the life of every miner is important to us.

The activities of our Mine Safety Inspectors (MSI) are geared towards achieving key strategic objectives such as, reducing occupational injuries and ill-health and improving information management and many others.

Ladies and gentlemen, I was particularly encouraged during my visit to the Finsch Mine last year when I observed the efforts and plans that have been put in place to ensure that lives are spared and that the health of the mineworkers is not compromised.

I was also impressed to learn that the Finsch Mine also received Safety Awards – the Safety Achievement Flag for its consistent and best safety improvement record over the years. I was told that the mine has not had a fatality in seven years and recorded three million fatality free shifts by Dec 2003.

In conclusion, ladies and gentlemen, legislation and policies of government alone will not transform this industry unless all our stakeholders collaborate and co-operate with one another.

In government we are always in dire need of dedicated, patriotic and action orientated employees who will contribute towards building the envisaged prosperous, safe and healthy and successful society we all worked hard for.

Let this award be a symbol of hope and a spear to rejuvenate to continue in your endeavours. It is also an affirmation that your hard work did not go in vain and is highly appreciated, it is a diamond which will shine bright enough over others and make those around you in the mining field to shine with you. As government therefore, we recognise this significant achievement, as the award will also raise awareness around health and safety standards in mines.

This award is a critical investment in the future of our country, which are our people. De Beers has now entrenched a culture of excellence, and you have declared yourselves as the employer of choice.

Keep up the good work.

Issued by: Northern Cape Provincial Government
3 June 2008