Many factories and mines are in remote areas where access to healthcare services may be limited. Recognizing the challenges faced in industrial and remote areas, the Ubuntu Initiative, a program under Show Me Your Number (SMYN) funded by Rand Mutual Assurance (RMA), is striving to ensure that healthcare is accessible to all. The Ubuntu Initiative, implemented at mine sites, metal and steel factories, and neighbouring areas, aims to bridge this gap. Its primary focus is on Class 13 industries, including Iron, Steel, Artificial Limbs, Galvanizing, Garages, and Metals Industries. By targeting these sectors, the initiative seeks to bring essential healthcare services to the workers who need them the most.

In December 2022, the Ubuntu Initiative team visited the community of Chamdor, Krugersdorp, in the West of Johannesburg. The purpose was to offer wellness services and conduct workshops on the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). This visit was part of the World AIDS Day celebrations and aimed to provide medical and healthcare services to factory workers who may have difficulty accessing clinics. Globerite Fire Services and Lancelot, two steel and metal companies, were covered during the two-day visit, where COID Act workshops were conducted. The community of Chamdor and factory workers had access to free health services such as TB screening, HIV testing and counseling, blood pressure screening, glucose screening, prostate cancer screening, and papsmear screening.

Beyond offering healthcare services, the Ubuntu Initiative program provides workshops and dialogues to shop stewards and worker representatives, focusing on COIDA. These sessions aim to assist with outstanding claims for injuries on duty (IOD) and raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. By empowering men and boys to take responsibility for their health and actions, as well as standing against the abuse of women and children, the initiative strives to create safer and healthier work environments.

The Ubuntu Initiative’s work does not stop at a single visit. With the goal of visiting each site quarterly, the program ensures ongoing support and care for workers in industrial and remote areas. By maintaining a regular presence, the initiative aims to address healthcare challenges, improve health literacy, and foster a culture of well-being among workers in South Africa’s metal industry. The Ubuntu Initiative’s continued commitment to visiting sites quarterly ensures that healthcare remains accessible to all, fostering healthier communities and a brighter future for those working in the metal industry.

By Nteseng Legopelo