The Pan African Mines rescue team is gearing up to make a powerful statement at the upcoming national mine rescue competitions after finally being commissioned following nearly a decade of preparation, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
The team’s manager, Rukudzo Dehwah, expressed his excitement and confidence in the team’s capabilities, promising that they will deliver a top-tier performance in the competition.
“It’s been a long time coming with the commissioning. We established this team in 2016, and back then, I was still with Brigadesmen. It’s taken us almost 10 years to get commissioned,” Dehwah said.
The delay, however, has not dampened their spirit, and now that they are officially part of the Mine Rescue Association of Zimbabwe (MRAZ), the team is ready to showcase its skills on the national stage.
Dehwah also took the opportunity to thank both the Mine Rescue Association and Pan African Mining’s management for their unwavering support throughout the years of preparation. “We appreciate the Mine Rescue Association for being patient with us and Pan African Mining’s management for the support,” he said.
Now, with the team officially commissioned, Dehwah is focused on the upcoming national mine rescue competitions.
“We will definitely participate in the national competitions, and we hope to come out as one of the best teams in the competitions and proceed to the next stage—if there is a next stage,” he stated with optimism.
The Pan African Mining fresh air rescue team’s participation in the competitions has been long anticipated, and their presence adds to the growing field of rescue teams representing Zimbabwe’s mining sector. Mine rescue competitions test teams’ skills in handling emergencies, including underground rescues, firefighting, gas detection, and first aid, under realistic and intense conditions.
With Pan African’s team now officially in the running, expectations are high. Their extensive preparation and commitment to excellence make them strong contenders in the competition, and Dehwah’s promise of “fireworks” has raised excitement across the sector.
The national mine rescue competitions are not only a platform for showcasing rescue skills but also serve as a critical opportunity for knowledge sharing and learning from the best teams across the country. With the support of MRAZ, these competitions help elevate Zimbabwe’s standards in mine safety and emergency preparedness.
As the countdown to the competition begins, all eyes will be on Pan African Mining’s rescue team, eagerly waiting to see whether they can live up to their promise of delivering a stellar performance and making their mark on the national mine rescue scene.
