Leadership

Daniel Goitsemodimo Balepile was born in Pampierstad, in the year 1966. He completed his matric at Kgomotso High School. Balepile started to work at Impala Mines in 1984. He joined the NUM in 1984, and he was subjected to the brutality of the then-Bophuthatswana regime for being an activist. He was part of the recruiters and participated in the 21 days strike of 1987.

In 1991 he was elected the Shaft Chairperson and ultimately the NUM Branch Chairperson of Impala North. In 1996 he was elected as the NUM Regional Chairperson of Rustenburg until 2006. He was Regional Chairperson when the NUM was attacked by the Mouthpiece. The NUM defeated the monster after several shop stewards were brutally killed through the barrel of the gun.

He left employment with Impala and rejoined mine at Redpath mining as Shift Supervisor and was elected Branch Chairperson. In 2018 he was reelected as the NUM Regional Chairperson. He was then reelected in 2021. In 2022 NUM National Congress elected the NUM President.

Comrade Phillip Vilakazi has been elected as the new President of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), a pivotal moment for one of South Africa's most influential trade unions. His election took place at the union's 18th National Congress, held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg from June 24th to 26th, 2025. President Vilakazi assumes leadership with a clear vision for growth, unity, and a renewed commitment to member engagement.

Rooted in the Mines: A Journey of Leadership

Vilakazi's deep understanding of the labour movement stems directly from his experience as a mineworker. He began his career in 2003 as a Rock Drill Operator at Modikwa Platinum Mine, simultaneously joining the National Union of Mineworkers. His unwavering commitment to workers' rights and the power of collective action quickly became evident, propelling him into various leadership positions from the grassroots upwards.

His ascent through NUM's ranks showcases a consistent dedication to the union's principles and its members:

• 2003: Joined NUM as a Rock Drill Operator at Modikwa Platinum Mine.
• 2006: Appointed Community Liaison Officer (CLO).
• Four Terms: Served as NUM Modikwa Platinum Branch Secretary.
• 2011: Elected NUM North East Regional Chairperson, automatically becoming a Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member of COSATU in Limpopo.
• June 2018: Elected Deputy President of the NUM during the 16th NUM National Congress.

Beyond his union roles, Comrade Vilakazi also demonstrated broader political and community involvement, serving as an ANC branch chairperson in Hoepakrans village for five years.

A Vision for Growth, Unity, and Member Empowerment

wealth of experience and a profound grasp of the challenges confronting workers across the mining, energy, construction, and metal sectorsHaving served as Deputy President for over six years, Phillip Vilakazi brings a . In his inaugural address as President, he articulated an ambitious agenda focused on revitalizing the union and enhancing its impact:

• Driving Growth and Unity: President Vilakazi has pledged to significantly increase NUM's membership, aiming to surpass the two hundred thousand marks. He underscored the critical importance of internal unity, vowing to address power imbalances and implement reforms to unify the organization.

• Direct Member Engagement: A paramount priority, particularly within his first 100 days, is direct engagement with members. He committed to conducting oversight visits to all NUM branches across the eleven regions to ensure robust and solid service delivery.

• Championing Sectoral Challenges: Recognizing the severe turbulence impacting NUM's sectors – including massive job losses, questionable retrenchment processes, stagnant wages, and critical safety concerns – his leadership is resolute in championing the cause of its members in confronting these issues head-on.

• Fostering Collective Action: Vilakazi urged members to embrace collective action and resilience, reiterating that true leadership within the union is about selfless service and unwavering commitment, not personal popularity.

Comrade Phillip Vilakazi's election as NUM President signals a renewed drive to strengthen the union's formidable position, significantly enhance its service delivery to members, and vigorously confront the pressing socio-economic challenges faced by the working class in South Africa. His extensive background and clear, actionable vision position him to lead NUM into a dynamic new era of advocacy, growth, and member empowerment.

Comrade Mpho Phakedi was elected as the new General Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) at the union's 18th National Congress, held from June 24-26, 2025. This pivotal moment marks a new chapter for one of South Africa's most influential trade unions.

Phakedi began his career in the mining industry in 1997, progressing from a general worker through various departments at mines like Old Lorraine, Winkelhak, and Venterspost. His dedication to workers' rights quickly emerged; he became a shop steward in 1998, then branch secretary in 1999, serving full-time until 2008.

His leadership journey continued with roles such as PWV Regional Deputy Secretary of Education (2002), and both Deputy Chairperson and Chairperson of the Goldfields mining House shop steward council (2005-2008). In November 2008, he became the Regional Secretary of the PWV region.

Duncan Luvuno was NUM deputy branch Secretary at Kriel Power Station between 2006 and 2009. In between, he also acted as branch secretary. He took over the position of branch secretary in 2010 until 2012. In 2013, he was elected deputy branch chairperson. During the period, he also served as Highveld Regional Youth Structure Chairperson. He assumed the responsibility of being a branch chairperson from 2013 to 2015 and re-elected Highveld Regional Youth Structure Chairperson.

In the same period, he was elected a National Youth Structure Chairperson. He was elected as NUM National Chairperson Health & Safety at the 16th National Congress held at Birchwood hotel from the 20-22 June 2018.

We're proud to announce that Comrade Olehile Kgware has been elected as the new Deputy President of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). This significant election took place at the union's 18th National Congress, held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg from June 24th to 26th, 2025.

Comrade Kgware's journey as a dedicated activist began early. Born in Welkom on March 13, 1978, he became involved in political activism with COSAS around 1990 while still a student. His commitment deepened when he joined the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in 1994, where he steadily rose through the ranks. He was elected as an ANCYL Regional Committee member in 2002 and became a PEC member in 2007. Comrade Kgware also served as a Branch Committee member of the ANC Dora Tamana Branch, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and participation at the grassroots level.

His impressive career with the NUM began in 2008 at the ST HELENA PRIVATE HOSPITAL BRANCH, then owned by Goldfields. His dedication quickly became evident. In 2010, he was elected as the NUM full-time AIDS Coordinator, showcasing his commitment to critical social issues affecting mineworkers. By 2013, he was elected as the branch secretary of the NUM.

Comrade Kgware's leadership continued to blossom within the union. On April 28, 2013, he made history as the first NUM Free State Region Youth Chairperson. His national recognition came in June 2018 when he was elected as the NUM National Education Secretary at the NUM's 16th National Congress, also held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.