Admin l Saturday, May 05, 2018
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The African National Congress(ANC) says it is saddened by the tragic death of seven mine workers at Sibanye-Stillwater mine’s Driefontein operations and the cold-blooded killing of comrade Graeme Bloch’s parents, Rosalie Bloch (84) and Aubrey Jackson (96) in their Rosebank home in Cape Town. The ANC said it has conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
“The ANC is concerned that these fatal mine accidents are taking place with monotonous regularity. This tragic accident must serve as an urgent reminder to mining companies to pay more focused attention to mine safety. We hope that the latest tragedy will shake mining companies into prioritising the safety of workers.
“We wish to join the mining unions in their call for mining companies to improve safety measures at their operations. There must be a total overhaul of safety measures in all mining operations. Among other things, mining companies have a responsibility to ensure that effective rescue plans are in place.
“We urge mining companies to put the lives of workers above profits. The safety, health and well-being of workers cannot be sacrificed at the altar of greed and profit. Mining companies must be compelled to invest in safety measures as part of the long-term strategy to prevent such tragedies from happening in future. The Department of Mining Resources must be uncompromising in its enforcement of safety measures in the mines”, the ANC said, adding that it is confident that the Minister of Mining Resources, Cde Gwede Mantashe, will ensure speedy and thorough investigation of this tragic incident in order to prevent similar accidents from happening in future.
On Rosalie Bloch and Aubrey Jackson, the ANC said it is dismayed and shocked at this evil deed and strongly condemned the cowardly act visited on the defenceless and elderly.
“It is disheartening to note that we still have amongst us, those who are determined to trample on other people’s right to live driven by selfish and cruel intentions. These are elements that must be isolated and locked away to rid our society of heartless criminals.
“Law enforcement agencies must indeed leave no stone unturned in their quest to ensure that perpetrators of this heinous crime are caught and face the full might of the law. We further call on all South Africans to act in concert to ensure that criminals have nowhere to hide wherever they seek refuge”, the ANC said and extends sincere condolences to comrades Graeme Bloch, his wife and fellow activist Cde Cheryl Carolus and the Bloch family on their untimely loss.
“The ANC wishes Rosalie Bloch and Aubrey Jackson eternal peace”.
