Message from SACMA President
Dear SACMA Members and Industry Stakeholders,
It is with humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I accept the honour of serving as the President of the South African Colliery Managers’ Association (SACMA) for 2026
Despite operating in a challenging and evolving environment, the collective commitment of our members, Council, regional structures, and industry partners enabled SACMA to deliver tangible value and impact. As SACMA we have seen greater engagement on Technical Visits, Hour of Learning, South and Northern Regional Meetings, 4IR, Coal-Safe, Golf Day, Sports Day (Southern Region), Presidential Function, Tripartite Forums, and other industry critical aspects.
Safety remains our foremost priority throughout 2025.
Encouraging progress was recorded across the industry, underpinned by leadership visibility, improved collaboration, and the consistent reinforcement of Zero Harm principles. SACMA continued to play an active role in industry safety platforms, including CoalSafe, MineSafe, and tripartite forums, ensuring that lessons learnt, leading practices, and critical conversations translated into safer operations and stronger safety cultures.
Community and social impact initiatives also gained momentum in 2025.
SACMA members demonstrated a growing commitment to responsible mining and community partnership – supporting initiatives that contribute to education, skills development, health awareness, and local socio-economic upliftment. These efforts reinforce the understanding that sustainable mining success is inseparable from the wellbeing of the communities in which we operate.
Professionalism and capability development remained a key strength of the Association.
Throughout 2025, SACMA continued to provide platforms for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and professional development – supporting mine managers, overseers, professionals in training, and emerging leaders. Engagement through general meetings, regional forums, and technical visits strengthened competence, ethical leadership, and peer learning across the industry.
As we look ahead to 2026, we do so from a position of strength. My focus as incoming President will be to build on the solid foundation established in 2025, deepen collaboration, strengthen leadership capability, and ensure that
SACMA remains relevant, credible, and firmly grounded in the realities of the coalface to add professional value to our members .
SACMA’s greatest asset remains its people – professionals who understand
the responsibility that comes with leading operations, managing risk, and protecting lives. I look forward to serving alongside the Council, regional leadership, and members as we continue this journey together.
Yours in safety, leadership, and service,
WELCOME NOTE
We are honoured and delighted to welcome all the eminent speakers, fellow colleagues from different mining houses across the country, service providers, subject matter experts, partners, and exhibitors to COAL SAFE 2025. The success of the conference depends ultimately on the committee that worked on planning and organizing the entire event. Recognition should go to all the committee members for their inputs and commitment, as well as our adjudication panel, partners, speakers, and attendees. My heartfelt appreciation goes to all of you, THANK YOU.
Theme
“One Voice, One Industry, One Sustainable Future”
The Coal Safe 2026’s theme “One Voice, One Industry, One Sustainable Future “ is more than a theme; it is a unifying call that every speaker, every leader, and every stakeholder can carry forward throughout this Coal Safe. It speaks to a shared language, a shared responsibility, and a shared destiny for coal mining in a rapidly evolving world.
One Voice reminds us that safety must remain our loudest and most consistent message. It is about clarity, discipline, and the courage to act decisively when conditions are unsafe – because safety is not negotiable. It requires leadership at every level and a culture where every individual feels responsible and empowered to protect life.
One Industry calls on us to move beyond organisational boundaries. Whether we represent different companies, regulators, organised labour, or partners, we are united by a common purpose. Through platforms like Coal Safe and the Tripartite Forums, we must continue to share lessons, strengthen standards, and support one another- because when one part of the industry fails, we all feel the impact.
One Sustainable Future challenges us to think beyond today. As the global energy landscape shifts, coal remains critical in supporting baseload power and economic stability, particularly in South Africa. But our future depends on how responsibly we operate – embracing innovation, improving environmental performance, empowering our people, and strengthening our communities. Sustainability is no longer optional; it is fundamental to our continued relevance.
This theme is not just for today – it is a message that must echo in every discussion, every panel, and every commitment made during this Coal Safe. It challenges us to lead with purpose, act with accountability, and collaborate with intent.
Words From SACMA:
The South African Colliery Managers’ Association is looking forward to bringing together the state, employer, labour members and service providers to share best practices, collaborate and network. We trust that you will find this conference stimulating, rewarding and meaningful.
Yours in HSEC
Mangaliso Sethethi
SACMA President
About Coalsafe
𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 has become an annual staple of the 𝗛𝗦𝗘𝗖 calendar, transforming into a hybrid conference that welcomes invited attendees to a physical venue while incorporating a live-streaming feature. This allows for an even broader audience to join and contribute.
The tripartite structure’s involvement has been instrumental in the conference’s success, coupled with industry leaders from various mining houses discussing matters related to industry performance, health, and safety. The presence of the Chief Inspector of Mines, offering crucial insights into the industry’s overall performance, regulatory frameworks, and changes, has also been vital.
Representatives from organised labour, sharing their dedication to safety in the industry, aligning with our 𝗭𝗘𝗥𝗢 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗠 journey, and collaborations with a wide range of service providers have further elevated the conference’s success. At the event, we honour exceptional achievements in Safety, Occupational Health, Environmental Management, and Community Development through the HSEC award ceremony. This remains a highlight, as we recognise top performers within the coal mining industry.
COAL for Hope
The South African Colliery Managers’ Association needs your help to continue with the COALforHOPE campaign to have a sustainable impact in our industry and the communities that we work in. This will focus on supporting the underprivileged people in our communities that are not supported by any mine’s Social Labour Plans or CSI programs.
We believe that assisting people to learn and develop skills will enable them to get income and create sustainable jobs that will support more families.
Please dig deep in your pockets and support “Coal for Hope” so we can create sustainable change in our communities. This on one of the ways we can Move Forward Together with our communities.
Visit the “Coal For Hope” tab on the Coalsafe TAB to support the initiative.
Proof of payment: raymondvdb@mpas.org.za
Reference: CoalforHope
To find out more about the initiative or how you can participate beyond your donation. Please contact Raymond van der Berg at raymondvdb@mpas.org.za
REASONS TO ATTEND
COALSAFE 2026 : “One Voice, One Industry, One Sustainable Future”
