Unions slam mine's response to trapped miners

ANSWERS SOUGHT

- LOYISO SIDIMBA

MINEWORKER unions are demanding answers from Sibanye-Stillwater after more than 300 workers were trapped underground at its Kloof 7 shaft west of Johannesburg on Thursday.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the United Association of South Africa (UASA) have criticised the mining giant's response, raising concerns about transparency, rescue delays, and ongoing safety failures.

NUM national health and safety chairperson Duncan Luvuno on Friday accused Sibanye-Stillwater of playing tricks following the incident that left 260 mineworkers trapped underground at Kloof 7 sub-shaft near Westonaria, west of Johannesburg, while the union puts the figure above 300.

"More than 300 workers are trapped underground. This incident happened yesterday around nine o'clock (in the morning), but it is unfortunate, as always, Sibanye tried to cover it up. That is why we only became in the know around two o'clock (in the afternoon) as organised labour. There is no transparency, and also the arrogance continues," he said.