Institute
About the Unit
Vision
Our Vision
To become a globally recognised centre of excellence leading the transformation of occupational health through digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and predictive health systems.
Mission
Our Mission
To generate world-class research, develop innovative technologies, build future research leaders, influence policy, and create scalable digital health solutions that improve occupational health outcomes in mining and other high-risk sectors.
Unit Overview
A Flagship Interdisciplinary Research Unit
The mining industry remains one of the world's most strategically important economic sectors, yet workers continue to face complex and evolving occupational health challenges arising from exposure to physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial, and environmental hazards. These challenges are further compounded by rapid technological change, changing workforce demographics, climate-related risks, and the increasing demand for healthier, safer, and more sustainable workplaces.
The DHAIOH Unit was established to respond to these challenges by reimagining the future of occupational health through the strategic integration of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and scientific innovation — shifting from reactive, compliance-driven models towards predictive, intelligent, and worker-centred approaches.
The SAMRC–UNIVEN–MINTEK Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence for Occupational Health in the Mining Sector (DHAIOH Unit) is a flagship Extramural Research Unit and interdisciplinary collaboration dedicated to transforming worker health and safety in the mining industry through cutting-edge, data-driven innovation.
Co-led by Professor Lindiwe Zungu and Dr James Aluha, the Unit brings together expertise in public health, occupational health sciences, engineering, and data science to develop and deploy digital health technologies, artificial intelligence, and advanced surveillance systems.
Positioned at the intersection of digital innovation, health systems strengthening, and policy transformation, the Unit aims to enhance the prevention, early detection, and management of occupational diseases — while generating high-impact, policy-relevant evidence to inform industry practice and regulatory frameworks.
Focus Areas
Five Interconnected Thematic Areas
Digital Health for Proactive Occupational Risk Management
Developing integrated digital platforms that support real-time surveillance, worker monitoring, and evidence-based decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics
Leveraging AI and advanced analytics to predict occupational health risks, identify emerging hazards, and support proactive interventions.
Gender-Responsive Occupational Health Interventions
Advancing innovative solutions that address the unique occupational health, safety, reproductive health, security, and wellbeing needs of women in mining.
Policy and Regulatory Innovation
Translating evidence into policy, regulatory frameworks, industry standards, codes of practice, and national occupational health guidelines.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Translation
Empowering the next generation of African digital health scientists through postgraduate training, mentorship, and structured development programmes.
Governance & Leadership
Co-Directed Leadership
The DHAIOH Unit is co-directed by Professor Lindiwe Zungu (Unit Director, University of Venda) and Dr James Aluha (Co-Unit Director, Mintek), combining public health leadership and policy influence with engineering innovation and advanced technological solutions.
Meet the Leadership Team →Intellectual & Strategic Architecture
The DHAIOH Digital Transformation Framework
Ten strategic pillars driving our impact pathway — distinguishing DHAIOH from traditional occupational health initiatives and positioning it as a national innovation platform.
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
Digital Health Technologies
Big Data & Health Intelligence
Predictive Modelling & Risk Forecasting
Smart Medical Surveillance Systems
Wearable & Sensor-Based Health Technologies
Early Warning & Decision-Support Systems
Occupational Disease Prevention Technologies
Digital Occupational Health Platforms
Innovation, Technology Development & Commercialisation
SAMRC–UNIVEN–MINTEK
A Strategic Alliance for Continental Impact
The DHAIOH Unit is powered by a three-way partnership between the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the University of Venda (UNIVEN), and Mintek — combining strategic investment, academic leadership, and mining innovation to transform worker health through digital intelligence.
View All Partners →