NUM to commemorate Kinross Mine disaster at Evander in Mpumalanga tomorrow

NUM Press Statement,  15 September 2016

NUM to commemorate Kinross Mine disaster at Evander in Mpumalanga tomorrow

The National Union of Mineworkers  (NUM), Chamber of Mines, Department of Minerals Resources (DMR) and Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Kinross Mine disaster tomorrow the 16th of September 2016.

On the 16th of September 1986, 177 mineworkers were killed at Kinross Mine in South Africa in one of the South African worst mine disasters. Apart from the 177 mineworkers killed, 235 were injured and 2 400 workers were rescued.  After the disaster, the  NUM complained about low safety standards in the mines and organised a protest. On 1st October 1986, mine workers staged one of the largest protests in the country. Workers stayed away from work and others held memorial services to mourn those who died in the mine accident.

The commemoration will be hosted at Evander Gold Mine 2 shaft at Evander in Mpumalanga. Evander is a town in the Mpumalanga, 8 km north-west of Secunda.  

The program will start at 9 am. 

Peter Bailey, NUM Health and Safety National chairperson, Mike Teke, President of the Chamber of Mines, David Msiza, Chief Inspector and Chairperson of Mine Health and Safety Board, David Mabuza and Mosebenzi Zwane, DMR Minister are going to attend and will address the event. DMR Minister Mosebenzi Zwane will deliver a keynote address.

About 4000 people are expected to attend the commemoration .

The team will also be unveiling tombstones at Winkelhaark that have been unmarked for years since the Kinross Mine disaster happened. 

Media is invited to attend and report

For more information, please contact: 

Erick Gcilitshana: NUM Health and Safety Secretary: 082 809 3105

Livhuwani Mammburu:  083 809 3257- NUM National Spokesperson: 083 809 3257

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/100860023402167