By BONGANI FUZILE
Three Dimbaza men have spoken of their heartbreak at losing friends who worked with them at Dimbaza Foundries.
Kenneth Mbanga looks like he could be 90-years-old but in actual fact is only 49.
He is slowly losing movement in his legs, stutters when he speaks and suffers from memory loss.
Mbanga has been diagnosed with manganese poisoning, which he allegedly contracted while working for SCAW Metals Group at Dimbaza Foundries, in Dimbaza township, near King William’s Town.
According to online information, chronic exposure to excessive manganese levels can lead to a variety of psychiatric and motor disturbances – termed manganism.
Five of Mbanga’s close friends who worked at the factory have since died from illnesses allegedly related to their time employed at the company.
“All of my friends worked in that company and we were lucky to be employed there as many other young people our age couldn’t find work,” Mbanga said.
“But today you will be shocked if I tell you that all five of them have died. Why God is keeping me in this pain, I don’t know,” said Mbanga.
He joined the company at the age of 23 and was actively involved in community activities and sports.
“Today, I am bedridden and the company has failed to follow-up our health problems, while we inhaled dangerous dust without any protective gear at their factory.”
Mthatha-born Monwabisi Buswana, 55, worked at the company for more than 15 years and left when it closed its doors in 2011.
He also suffers from manganese poisoning and is losing his eyesight and memory.
“More than 100 of our former colleagues have died and many continue to die and by looking at us we are going to die as well,” he said.
Mzwandile Gelebe, who joined the company in 1989, worked there until December 2011.
“My legs are numb, I can’t walk more than 100m without taking a break. All men who worked at this company are very ill,” he said.
Gcinikaya Nxitywa, who is fighting for their rights, said: “These men don’t have medical aid and many have been left by their wives.
“They continue to die every day, we can’t keep quiet.” — bonganif@ dispatch.co.za
Sick and dying men blame foundry
Three Dimbaza men have spoken of their heartbreak at losing friends who worked with them at Dimbaza Foundries.
Kenneth Mbanga looks like he could be 90-years-old but in actual fact is only 49.
He is slowly losing movement in his legs, stutters when he speaks and suffers from memory loss.
Mbanga has been diagnosed with manganese poisoning, which he allegedly contracted while working for SCAW Metals Group at Dimbaza Foundries, in Dimbaza township, near King William’s Town.
According to online information, chronic exposure to excessive manganese levels can lead to a variety of psychiatric and motor disturbances – termed manganism.
Five of Mbanga’s close friends who worked at the factory have since died from illnesses allegedly related to their time employed at the company.
“All of my friends worked in that company and we were lucky to be employed there as many other young people our age couldn’t find work,” Mbanga said.
“But today you will be shocked if I tell you that all five of them have died. Why God is keeping me in this pain, I don’t know,” said Mbanga.
He joined the company at the age of 23 and was actively involved in community activities and sports.
“Today, I am bedridden and the company has failed to follow-up our health problems, while we inhaled dangerous dust without any protective gear at their factory.”
Mthatha-born Monwabisi Buswana, 55, worked at the company for more than 15 years and left when it closed its doors in 2011.
He also suffers from manganese poisoning and is losing his eyesight and memory.
“More than 100 of our former colleagues have died and many continue to die and by looking at us we are going to die as well,” he said.
Mzwandile Gelebe, who joined the company in 1989, worked there until December 2011.
“My legs are numb, I can’t walk more than 100m without taking a break. All men who worked at this company are very ill,” he said.
Gcinikaya Nxitywa, who is fighting for their rights, said: “These men don’t have medical aid and many have been left by their wives.
“They continue to die every day, we can’t keep quiet.” — bonganif@ dispatch.co.za
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