By Lindani Maseko
The mining sector in Eswatini is set for a major transformation with the introduction of advanced safety technology, following a strategic partnership between Booyco Electronics, a South African leader in safety solutions, and Yebantfu Eswatini (Pty) Ltd.
This collaboration promises to transform the mining sector, prioritize worker safety, and stimulate industrial innovation.The partnership comes at a crucial time. With the increased demand for commodities and price volatility driving mechanization in mines, the risks to human life have also escalated. Eswatini, like many mining-dependent nations, faces the challenge of ensuring worker safety in increasingly complex environments.
Booyco Electronics is a South African company that develops advanced safety solutions for industries utilizing mobile equipment. It specializes in Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) and collision avoidance technology, crucial for high-risk operational environments catered for the mining sector. Their systems use advanced sensors to provide real-time alerts, preventing vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-person, and vehicle-to-environment collisions.
“Booyco Electronics has been at the forefront of implementing PDS technology in mines across Southern Africa and beyond. Our solutions are widely used in both surface and underground mining environments, significantly reducing accident rates,” stated Sello Ntsihlele, Booyco Electronics Country Manager.
The country manager stated that the company’s commitment extends beyond technology. He said that through strategic collaborations with local businesses, they aim to drive sustainable growth, knowledge transfer, and job creation, contributing to Africa’s economic development.
“Our expansion into Eswatini represents a significant step toward advancing safety technology within the country’s natural resources and energy sectors,” he said.
Their technology proactively prevents collisions by providing real-time alerts and automated interventions in hazardous environments. Utilizing a combination of sensor technologies, Booyco’s PDS systems detect potential risks and warn operators and pedestrians, ensuring compliance with both South African and global safety standards.
According to Ntsihlele, Yebantfu Eswatini will not only provide PDS and mine safety equipment but also offer a broader portfolio of mining solutions from the WTF Group, including:
- Industrial HVAC systems for mobile applications in mining, rail, military, and marine sectors
- Conveyor belt accessories, including non-metallic rollers for mining operations
- Failsafe braking systems for mobile mining machines and commercial vehicles through HYDSTAR
“Yebantfu will employ local talent, sourced from universities and technical training institutions while leveraging its proximity to Booyco Electronics in South Africa,” he added.
Anton Lourens, Chief Executive Officer of Booyco Electronics expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome from the Eswatini people.
“What we do in the mining space is mostly related to people,” Lourens said. “We have equipped over 56,000 personnel with tags and installed over 6,200 PDS systems, making us a market leader. “
He highlighted the company’s commitment to customer support, which includes 250 field technicians and alignment with Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table guidelines.
Further, former Minister of Labour and Social Security, and Director of Yebantfu Eswatini, Lutfo Dlamini, commended the advanced technologies manufactured in Africa, capable of minimizing mine accidents. He recounted the partnership’s origins.
“When they told me they wanted to introduce Yabathu since it’s another company working hand in hand with Booyco, I told them Yabathu sounds Sisuthu and we have nothing to do with this language. We are emaSwati here. So, let us incorporate a company that will partner with Booyco Electronics,” Dlamini said, explaining how the partnership and the name came about.
Dlamini encouraged mining conglomerates to partner with Yebantfu Eswatini, highlighting the company’s potential to create jobs and enhance safety.
“As a former Minister of Labour and Social Security, I have seen lots of mining accidents,” he said, emphasizing the need for proactive safety measures.