Issued by African National Congress
12 January 2000
The African National Congress is deeply distressed at the accident at African Rainbow Mineral mine in Orkney where fifteen miners were trapped underground in a rockfall.
The organisation is sad to hear that at least four of these miners are believed to have died.
The continued deaths of miners in accidents of this nature are a serious concern and needs special attention. We call on all stakeholders to determine the reasons for this tragedy.
We also call on these stakeholders, including mine companies, labour unions and government, to convene a special forum to investigate ways and means to make mining safer.
Much wealth is drawn from mining, but it would seem as though too little is returned in putting in place appropriate safety measures.
This accident is particularly painful as it takes place at the beginning of the year, destabilising families by creating widows and orphans while they should be putting together their plans for the future. It is within this context that the ANC says stop the carnage in the mines - enough is enough.
The ANC conveys its sincerest condolences to the families and friends of these miners at this trying time.
Issued by the ANC Head of Presidency, Smuts Ngonyama
Department of Communications
African National Congress