CEO SUSTAINABLE IMPACT
SUMMIT CHAMPIONS INCLUSIVE
LEADERSHIP
Host Mangaliso Sethethi, Matla’s Business Unit Manager, officially opened the summit, highlighting Matla Mine’s 46-year long history and branding the event as “a renaissance of Safety and Wellness at Exxaro.”
Mangaliso recounted Matla’s short wall journey, the last to operate a short wall in South Africa. With this operation coming to an end, it was inspiring to hear from the team members who said, “ I’m proud to lead a female short wall team.” “We prioritised safety and compliance.” “Despite the risks, I’ve worked injury-free for 35 years.” Mangaliso’s rallying cry urged everyone to prioritise safety, echoing the pride in the team and their safety record.
During her address, Dr Nombasa unpacked the challenges in meeting Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) targets, addressed repeat incidents and emphasised that achieving Zero Harm is not impossible. “Sikhetha ukuphepha (we choose to be safe) at Exxaro because every incident counts, every day,” said Dr Nombasa. Despite the tragic loss of colleagues she reflected on the progress made, citing examples of operations with exemplary safety records like Matla, Leeuwpan, and FerroAlloys.
The Burning platform segment served as a sobering reminder of the challenges ahead, urging attendees to redouble their efforts in preventing incidents and fostering a culture of safety. Led by Mongezi Veti, our Chief Sustainable Impact Officer, the segment underscored the importance of prioritising safety by revisiting our five Safety keys.
A key highlight of the Summit was the inclusion of frontline workers in leadership roles, signalling a shift towards a more inclusive approach to safety leadership. Panel discussions, facilitated by supervisors from various mines, delved into the root causes of safety challenges, highlighting the importance of addressing issues such as fatigue and supply chain inefficiencies.
The Summit also shone the spotlight on mental health, with brave testimonials underscoring the need for open dialogue and support mechanisms within the workplace. Practical steps were outlined, encouraging employees to seek help and use available resources to address mental health challenges.
Before closing, Exxaro’s leadership reiterated their commitment to safety and sustainability, focusing on the organisation’s holistic approach to corporate responsibility. The Summit’s success was attributed to the collective efforts of all involved, from facilitators and panellists to the Matla Choir and even local suppliers.
Even though the Summit is over, the message remains clear – it’s up to us to uphold the ethos of Safety Always, All The Way, as we forge a path towards a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future, for generations to come.
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