Durban: The Department of Employment and Labour has confirmed that the benefits for the widow of a deceased Pinetown worker are being processed and will be paid in less than a month. This development follows Minister Nomakhosazana Meth’s discovery of the tragic death of 59-year-old Phila Mntambo, an employee at Steelbank Merchants in Pinetown, Durban.

According to South African Government News Agency, Mntambo sustained head, face, and chest injuries and lost his left arm while allegedly cleaning a machine during his night shift. The severity of his injuries led to his death in a hospital a few days later. The incident reportedly occurred on 29 June 2024.

Media reports indicated that Mntambo’s family had not received full disclosure from the employer regarding the events of that night. It was reported that Mntambo had previously expressed concerns about being assigned tasks involving operating machines, which was not part of his duties as a cleaner. In response, Minister Meth directed the Director-General of
the department, Jacky Molisane, to provide her with a comprehensive report on the incident.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Chief Inspector, Mlungisi Zondi, was assigned to compile a preliminary report to uncover the facts surrounding Mntambo’s death. This preliminary report aimed to establish the circumstances of the incident, which allegedly happened on 29 June 2024. Subsequently, the department conducted an inspection at Steelbank Merchants to investigate the cause and assess the employer’s adherence to occupational health and safety standards. The investigation uncovered several areas of non-compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993).

The ministry has engaged with Mntambo’s family and confirmed that the claim is being processed under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). Minister Meth extended her condolences to Mntambo’s family and urged the department to expedite the claim processing and assist the family in finding closure regarding t
he incident.

Minister Meth expressed her concern, stating, “I was deeply touched by the news report of the family of Mr Mntambo. It cannot be that an employee can be fatally injured at work while operating machinery that he is not even trained for, and things simply continue as if nothing happened. We will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the family receives the necessary support.”