Mining is a crucial pillar of South Africa’s economy. However, the country faces an ongoing energy crisis, with frequent electricity outages, known as load shedding, severely impacting the sector and posing risks to economic growth and the potential for recession. Within this challenging context, the Ubuntu Initiative recognizes the importance of providing healthcare services to the mineworkers who drive this vital industry.

The Ubuntu Initiative team had the privilege of attending the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Special National Congress, held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg from March 1 to March 2, 2023. Their presence at the congress focused on providing HIV testing services (HTS) to the attendees and stakeholders present. While the congress primarily aimed to finalize resolutions and amendments to the union’s constitution, the Ubuntu Initiative team seized the opportunity to support the health and well-being of the mineworkers in attendance.

The Ubuntu Initiative’s participation in the NUM Special National Congress demonstrates their commitment to the health and well-being of mineworkers. By offering HIV testing services, the team aimed to facilitate early detection, promote awareness, and encourage treatment for HIV/AIDS. These services play a crucial role in improving the overall health outcomes of mineworkers and reducing the spread of the disease within the mining community.

The NUM Special National Congress serves as a platform for esteemed mineworkers and representatives of the trade union to discuss and find resolutions on critical issues within the union. By attending this congress, the Ubuntu Initiative team recognizes the importance of being present in discussions related to the well-being of mineworkers and the decisions that impact their lives. Their participation ensures that health services and awareness remain integral components of the discussions and decisions made during the congress.

The Ubuntu Initiative’s presence and provision of health services at the NUM Special National Congress 2023 exemplify their commitment to the health and well-being of mineworkers. By offering HIV testing services and actively participating in the discussions and resolutions of the congress, the initiative ensures that healthcare remains a priority within the mining sector. Through their ongoing efforts, the Ubuntu Initiative continues to make a positive impact on the lives of mineworkers, promoting a culture of health and well-being in this crucial industry.

By David Macana