Pretoria - Cabinet has approved the publication of the Draft Amendment Bill of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 2013, in the Government Gazette, for public comment.
The main objective behind the proposed amendments is to tighten legislation in order to create a mining and minerals sector that conforms to regulatory best practice.
The amendment bill intends to reinsert sections 50(7A) and 86A of the 2008 act, which were not proclaimed when the act came into effect.
Industry stakeholders have in the past raised concerns regarding the constitutionality and legality of the two sections.
The Bill seeks to amend the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996 so as to review the enforcement provisions, simplify the fine system and strengthen penalties.
In improving the health and safety of mine employees, the Draft Amendment Bill also seeks to maintain a healthy and safe mine environment with a positive impact on environmental sustainability and resilience in line with the National Development Plan.
Consultations with stakeholders on the proposed amendments took place in 2012, while consultations with the labour and health departments on the proposed amendments are underway.
In the area of occupational health, the Regulations on Reporting of Occupational Diseases have been finalised and will be gazetted during this financial year.
Protecting farmworkers’ rights
At its regular meeting this week, Cabinet also approved the publication of the Draft Extension of Security of Tenure Amendment Bill, which seeks to improve the rights of farm workers and dwellers, especially secondary farm dwellers - mostly women and children - for public comment.
The bill aims to find a sustainable solution to tenure insecurities by combining land redistribution measures with effective legal protection and dispute resolution mechanisms.
The Amendment Bill amends the Extension of Security of Tenure Act, 1997 (Act No 62 of 1997) in order to strengthen, clarify and protect the tenure rights of arm dwellers. - SAnews.gov.za
