Page 25 - 25 Reasons

Dr Nothando Moyo-Mubayiwa says there is no point in giving Rolls-Royce treatment to employees while ignoring the community they come from

“Teamwork” are some of the blurbs. slowly reducing the stigma born of ignorance.
Down the corridor from her office are hearing, “Employees and their families are more
vision and lung test areas, and a room where accepting of their diagnosis and treatment
X-rays are taken. modalities. Our employees no longer have to hide
Sishen’s employees have regular medical tests at their conditions and can freely discuss their issues
the Occupational Health Centre that Moyo- with their families. This is important. For example,
Mubayiwa and her team manage. Those antiretroviral medication can make you dizzy, and
employees who are considered at a higher risk – the person taking them might be working at
workers exposed to high noise levels and airborne heights, which is obviously a big risk. Making sure
pollutants and chemicals – are tested every six that an employee is well enough to work, and is
months. Low-risk groups – such as office-bound safe while working – that is what occupational
staff – are tested every second year. Sishen’s Occupational Health Centre, where health is all about.”
“Those found with any illness are referred to the Dr Nothando Moyo-Mubayiwa is based Moyo-Mubayiwa cites writer Paulo Coelho as a
appropriate healthcare practitioners for further source of inspiration: “I loved The Alchemist, which
medical assistance. We also pay great attention to boat cruise and a holiday at the Palace of the Lost is about a young shepherd boy who goes on a
the community – our employees’ aunts, uncles, City at Sun City in North West. journey and quest for treasure to realise his
spouses, children, parents and grandparents. These “With the Oresome Me weight-loss challenge, ‘personal legend’. The theme I loved in The
people are an important part of our ecosystem. we encourage our employees to lose weight in a Alchemist is that one should always follow his or
There is no advantage in giving Rolls-Royce safe and sustainable way,” says Moyo-Mubayiwa. her heart’s desires. When you do what your heart
treatment to employees while ignoring the “We also encourage staff to complete the weekly desires, you wake up every morning fired up to do
community they come from. So when we have 5km park run here in Kathu.” more. It also taught me about not giving up. You
campaigns at the mine, we pull them through to Managing and reducing the incidence of HIV- may fail, but you must get up and try again.”
the Kathu community. This ensures that our related diseases and TB is integral to Moyo- She quotes: “The secret of life, though, is to fall
community moves at the same pace as our Mubayiwa’s task. To this end, she attended the seven times and to get up eight times.”
employees. They get to learn about HIV, TB and ninth SA Aids Conference – under the theme Her job in medicine is, without a doubt, a
wellness issues, and can provide informed Unprecedented Innovations and Technologies: HIV passion: “Working at Kumba Iron Ore has been a
encouragement and support to our employees.” and change – in Durban in June. great opportunity for me. I enjoy the work I do
In fostering better general community health “At Anglo American Sishen mine we would like and I feel every bit makes a difference,” she says. “I
and wellness, the broader community’s spirit is to be ahead of the curve in adopting newer and get to influence employees and the community at
raised and its values are enhanced. This, she says, better HIV management techniques,” she says. large to live healthily.”
ultimately increases productivity at the mine. “There are discussions on how to reduce stigma, Looking back on her adrenalin-filled days at
At Sishen, one of the programmes that has and how to encourage community acceptance Helen Joseph Hospital, Moyo-Mubayiwa is at
been developed so that employees live healthy and support for HIV-positive members. There are peace with her decision to move into occupational
lifestyles is the Oresome Me weight-loss challenge, also new drugs available that make treatment health at Sishen.
which offers boot camp classes, aerobics days and adoption very easy for people living with HIV and “Here, I get to look after an entire town. As a
consultations with dieticians for mine employees. their families to manage.” medical professional and a mother, being able to
Participants are weighed weekly at Sishen’s Moyo-Mubayiwa says they have worked hard to help build a better life for all the families in my
auditorium. In November, those who have lost the reduce the stigma around HIV: “By training community here, while also having quality time
most weight will receive prizes, including a holiday employees as well as the community, we are with my own family, is highly rewarding,” she says.
ANGLO AMERICAN 25 REASONS TO BELIEVE 25