NATIONAL Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has confirmed the deaths of three members who died at the ArcelorMittal in Vanderbijlpark, Vaal, after a building collapsed on top of them.
The building allegedly collapsed after an explosion at 2am on Wednesday morning.
NUMSA regional secretary in Sedibeng Kabelo Ramokhathali said in a statement: “This is devastating news, especially for the families of the victims of this terrible incident. They have been waiting and anxiously hoping that their loved ones would be found alive. Unfortunately that was not to be. We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who have died.”
NUMSA called on the Department of Employment and Labour to embark on a detailed and thorough investigation into the cause of the incident.
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“We have a long painful history with ArcelorMittal and its brutal management that has demonstrated, time and time again, that black lives do not matter,” Ramokhathali added.
“We also want to thank the men and women who worked tirelessly to ensure that these bodies were found. We are convinced that had it not been for the intense efforts of workers themselves, who risked their own lives and took the initiative to search through the massive pile of rubble to locate the workers who were trapped under the building, we would not have been able to recover the bodies.”
Ramokhathali added that they had to compel the company to intensify the search and seek help from mine companies in order to recover the members.
“They dragged their feet, and it took pressure from the union and public pressure from the media to get them to take this more seriously. Our officials will continue to remain at the scene to offer support to family members and co-workers.”
ArcelorMittal is expected to release a media statement later today.
