Former miner Thembinkosi Mvayo has launched a scathing attack on Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe and South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, accusing them of neglecting the needs of mineworkers and focusing instead on political agendas.
Speaking during a community meeting in Carletonville on Friday, Mvayo shared his frustrations with the lack of progress on issues affecting current and former miners. “Gwede Mantashe and Zwelinzima Vavi do not care about the mineworkers or their families. They are more focused on their political agendas than addressing the real struggles faced by those working underground or those who have lost their jobs,” he stated.
With over 20 years of experience in the mining sector, Mvayo described the challenges faced by miners, including low wages, unsafe working conditions, and inadequate healthcare for illnesses such as silicosis. “Mantashe is always talking about mining investment, but what about the workers? What about the men who risk their lives daily to extract the minerals that boost our economy? We are forgotten once we are no longer useful to the industry,” he said.
Mvayo also criticized Vavi and SAFTU for their failure to hold mining companies accountable. “Vavi speaks about workers’ rights in speeches, but on the ground, nothing changes. Miners are still exploited, and unions are failing to hold employers accountable,” he added.
The former miner called for greater accountability from both government and unions, urging leaders to prioritize direct engagement with miners and their communities. “We need leaders who will listen to us, who will fight for better pay, safer working conditions, and healthcare for retired miners. It’s time to stop making promises and start delivering results,” he emphasized.
Neither Mantashe nor Vavi has responded to Mvayo’s remarks. However, the criticism comes amid rising tensions in the mining sector, with ongoing labor disputes and increased demands for improved worker protections. Miners and their advocates are calling for urgent reforms to address the systemic neglect they say has long plagued the industry.