Speaking to OFM News on the company’s financial results, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Boipelo Lekubo is adamant that safety remains a priority at the company, despite reporting eight fatalities in 2019 so far.

Lekubo deems the fatalities to be unacceptable adding “our imperative really is to ensure safe production by preventing fatalities and embedding a proactive safety culture in our mines”. In the 2017/18 financial year, Harmony reported thirteen fatalities.

When asked to elaborate on some of the measures in place to improve safety, Lekubo says their focus is now placed on changing behaviour, moving from an autocratic safety management rules-based culture to a proactive “safety culture which encourages caring for yourself and for others”. This is in addition to the best practice standards that have been implemented at the company’s operations.

Harmony Gold saw a 17% increase in gold production over the 2018/19 financial year thanks in part to its acquisition of Moab Khotsong in the North West from AngloGold Ashanti last year.

In August 2018, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) threatened to go on strike at the Moab Khotsong operation, shortly after it was acquired by Harmony. The union alleged the mine was not prioritising the safety of mineworkers. Harmony Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Peter Steenkamp, distanced the company from allegations that there was a lack of security onsite at the time.

OFM News