MATLA TAKES SAFETY
TO NEW HEIGHTS
Safety remains central to Exxaro’s operations, with ongoing initiatives to foster a safety-first culture. Matla Mine held its third quarter Safety Stand Down at the Matla Sports Field under the theme #REFLECTION #STINA. The gathering brought a robust review of safety performance, with no issues left unexamined, as Matla worked to strengthen its commitment to safe production.
Throughout the event, employees and the management team engaged in activities and discussions aimed at reaching scratchfree milestones, fostering a safety-driven culture through the STINA approach, and applying the Stop and Fix method to resolve risks proactively. STINA, birthed from Exxaro’s 5 Safety Focus Areas:
This framework serves as a foundation for encouraging proactive safety habits and ensuring all employees embrace a safety-first mindset.
The management team, union representatives, and panelists from the shafts shared presentations to reinforce Exxaro’s commitment to a safe working environment. Employees participated in interactive activities and entertainment, highlighting the importance of safety as a shared responsibility.
Simphiwe Mthiyane, Sustainability Manager at Matla, urged employees to stay vigilant and work towards an incident-free year, reminding them of the impact of incidents on individuals and their families. Business Unit Manager Mangaliso Sethethi acknowledged the four Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) recorded this year and encouraged employees to strive for safety at work and beyond. He commended the dedication of Matla’s leadership team in promoting safety, particularly given the high-risk nature of underground mining.
NUM Secretary Commy Booysen emphasised learning from past incidents to achieve zero harm and called on employees to uphold Exxaro’s values, fostering respect and support in the workplace. Reflecting on Women’s Month, he also addressed the importance of stopping gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and bullying.
The Safety Stand Down underscored that safety is not “business as usual” but an integral part of Matla’s daily operations—a continuous commitment to ensuring every employee returns home safely.
MATLA’S SUPERVISOR INDABA:
LEADING WITH IMPACT
Supervisors are the backbone of quality performance, fostering a culture that values continuous improvement and teamwork. With their direct insights and leadership, supervisors drive excellence and help create a quality-first environment that fuels our success.
To support this vital role, our Matla Mine recently hosted a two-day Supervisor Indaba on 18-19 September at Graceland Casino, Secunda. Inspired by the CEO Sustainability Summit, this event empowered supervisors to discuss challenges, share insights, and strengthen their impact on organisational excellence.
Key themes explored included:
Psychological Safety and Legal Responsibilities
Emphasised the creation of a safe, trusting environment while reinforcing supervisors’ legal obligations under the Mine Health and Safety Act.
Alignment with Legal Standards
Highlighted the importance of compliance and accountability in daily operations, ensuring all actions meet required legal standards.
Fostering Psychological Safety
Underscored the role of mental wellness, trust, and supportive spaces in driving team success.
“Partnering with experts is key to unlocking new opportunities, driving success, and shaping a brighter future.”
BU Manager, Mangaliso Sethethi
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