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Programme Director Dr. Mpho Rabada,

Chairperson of the RMA Board, Mr. Thabo Dloti

Group CEO of RMA, Mr. Mandla Shezi –

Dr. Tryphine Zulu- Head of Healthcare

Dr. Barry Kistansammy from MBDO

Dr. Shikwane, from Harmony

Acting Director-General of the Department of Employment and Labour, Ms. Jacky Molisane

Acting CF Commissioner Mr. Monaheng Mokoena

Dr. Grace London- Acting DDG for Clinical Health Service

Acting CDPO Free State Mr. Manelisi Luxande

Dr. Lucky Madikane- Acting District Director from Lejweleputswa Health District

Leadership of the civil society present

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Fellow South Africans,

It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today at the relaunch of the RMA Welkom Subacute Rehabilitation Hospital—a beacon of hope and a testament to our shared commitment to the wellbeing of South Africa's workers and communities.

Today, we gather not only to celebrate the opening of a world-class facility, but to reaffirm the values that underpin our democracy: dignity, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of a better life for all. In the spirit of partnership and progress, this hospital stands as a living symbol of what can be achieved when government, business, and civil society unite in service of the people.

Restoring Dignity and Justice for Mineworkers

The Department of Employment and Labour remains unwavering in its commitment to restoring dignity and justice to our ex-mineworkers—men and women who have, under the most hazardous conditions, contributed immensely to the economic development of our country. The city of Welkom and the broader Goldfields region in the Free State stand as powerful symbols of this legacy—once the heartbeat of South Africa's gold mining industry and a key driver of national growth and employment. It was through the sweat and sacrifice of mineworkers in this region, drawn from neighbouring countries within the SADC, that South Africa's industrial and financial sectors were built.

Today, through the Compensation Fund and in partnership with institutions such as Rand Mutual Assurance, we are actively addressing the long-standing issue of unclaimed benefits, particularly for migrant workers from neighbouring countries such as Lesotho and Eswatini. Bilateral engagements and regional summits are being pursued to strengthen cross-border coordination, resolve legacy claims, and ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left behind.

These efforts go far beyond financial compensation—they represent a holistic commitment to restoring the dignity and wellbeing of our former mineworkers. The Department's work is anchored in the principle that true justice includes access to quality rehabilitation services, ongoing medical care, psychosocial support, and the provision of assistive devices for those living with permanent injuries or occupational diseases such as silicosis and tuberculosis. Our objective is not only to compensate but also to empower ex-mineworkers to rebuild their lives and reintegrate meaningfully into their families and communities.

A key priority for the Department of Employment and Labour is to lead and coordinate partnerships across the ecosystem of stakeholders, including the Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases (ODIMWA), the Compensation Fund, the Mine Health and Safety Council, Rand Mutual Assurance, and non-governmental organisations representing former mineworkers. Through these collaborative efforts, we seek to close systemic gaps, harmonise processes, and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries—both local and cross-border—receive the benefits and services rightfully due to them.

Our former mineworkers built the backbone of South Africa's economy, particularly through their labour in mining regions such as Goldfields, whose gold reserves, as I have said, once fueled the nation's industrial growth. Today, our duty is to honour that contribution by delivering equitable and restorative outcomes that correct the injustices of the past and affirm the principle that every worker deserves dignity, protection, and recognition.

The Power of Partnership: Compensation Fund and Rand Mutual Association

The relationship between the Department of Employment and Labour's Compensation Fund and Rand Mutual Association is not merely administrative—it is a partnership rooted in service, accountability, and the protection of workers' rights. RMA, as a licensee of the Compensation Fund, embodies the principle that effective collaboration can deliver real, tangible benefits to our citizens. Through this partnership, we ensure that workers injured on duty receive not only compensation, but also the highest standard of care and rehabilitation. This hospital is a testament to that commitment—a place where recovery is nurtured, dignity is restored, and futures are rebuilt.

Furthermore, the Department is leveraging the robust administrative systems and reliable accounting records of RMA to enhance the tracing and verification of beneficiaries. This synergy is critical in ensuring that no mineworker is forgotten and that every effort is made to deliver justice, recognition, and support to those who gave so much to this country.

Government's Responsibility to Welkom and Its Workers

As the national government, our responsibility to the people of Welkom—and indeed, to every worker and every community across South Africa—is both moral and constitutional. We are entrusted with the sacred duty of ensuring that every person who contributes to the growth and prosperity of this nation can live and work with dignity. These are the workers, men and women who descended deep into the earth, risking their health and their lives to power the engines of our economy.

Today, as we open this new facility, we are not merely cutting a ribbon—we are affirming our government's commitment to restore dignity, rebuild livelihoods, and renew hope in the communities that have given so much to this country. This facility stands as a tangible expression of our belief that every worker deserves protection, that every injured miner deserves care, and that every family affected by the hardships of the past deserves justice and opportunity.

We see the struggles of those who have been left behind—the families who stretch every rand to make ends meet, the retrenched workers who walk long distances seeking employment, and the young people whose dreams are deferred by the harsh realities of poverty and inequality. These are not just statistics—they are our brothers, our sisters, our neighbours, and our fellow citizens.

Yet, even in the face of these challenges, we remain steadfast in our belief that progress is possible. When government, business, labour, and communities unite behind a shared vision, we can build South Africa—where work is decent, opportunities are abundant, and no one is left behind. Guided by the values of transparency, accountability, and good governance, we are determined to restore trust and to deliver services that make a real difference in people's lives.

A Symbol of Excellence and Hope

Let this hospital stand as a symbol of excellence, innovation, and hope. It is more than bricks and mortar; it is a promise to every worker, every patient, and every family that their wellbeing matters. Here, the highest standards of care will be delivered, lives will be transformed, and the spirit of Ubuntu will be made manifest.

As we unveil this plaque and open these doors, let us recommit ourselves to the journey ahead—a journey of service, partnership, and the relentless pursuit of a nation that works for all.

I thank you.

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