NUM and JB Marks Education Trust Fund to Celebrate 15th Annual Graduate Awards Ceremony

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the JB Marks Education Trust Fund is proud to announce that the 15th Annual Graduate Awards Ceremony, taking place on Friday, 21 August 2026, at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre, from 17h30 for 18h00 to 22h00. The theme of the event is “Where change is initiated and its impact progressively expands”. This prestigious event will honor 133 graduates from the 2025 academic output, celebrating their academic achievements and the transformative power of education in changing lives, families, and communities.

The ceremony will be attended by senior NUM National Office Bearers from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), including the NUM President, Mr Phillip Vilakazi; NUM Deputy President, Mr Olehile Kgware; NUM General Secretary, Mr Mpho Phakedi; NUM Deputy General Secretary, Mr Phillip Mankge; and NUM Treasurer General, Ms Helen Diatile.

The keynote address for the evening will be delivered by the Minister of Higher Education, Hon. Buti Manamela, whose presence will further underscore the importance of education, skills development, and youth empowerment in advancing South Africa’s future.

Established by the National Union of Mineworkers in 1997, the JB Marks Education Trust Fund continues to serve as a significant source of financial support for tertiary education, benefiting workers in the mining, energy, metal, and construction sectors, as well as their dependents. The Fund is primarily financed by the Mineworkers Investment Trust (MIT), which derives its income largely from dividends generated by the Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC).

Since its inception, the Trust has invested approximately R910 million in education funding and has awarded a total of 6,844 bursaries. Its impact is reflected in the growing number of completed students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, with 2,206 graduates having completed their studies to date. This includes 2 217 undergraduate graduates in mainstream qualifications and 201 postgraduate graduates across a diverse range of fields, this includes 151 Honours graduates, 48 Master’s graduates, and two PhD graduates. Among the undergraduate graduates supported by the Trust are: 34 medical doctors 6 qualified pilots.

The JB Marks Education Trust Fund continues to empower the children of mineworkers, energy, construction, and metal workers through bursaries and academic support, while fostering excellence, opportunity, and long-term socio-economic development. This annual ceremony is more than a celebration of academic success. It is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and brilliance of the Trust’s beneficiaries, and to the enduring commitment of the JB Marks Education Trust Fund to uplift communities through education. In addition to celebrating the achievements of graduates, the Trust continues to pursue strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing its impact within the communities it serves.

These partnerships include support through sponsorships, employment opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and broader developmental initiatives that further empower beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to society.

Media Accreditation & RSVP

Journalists planning to attend are requested to RSVP in advance:
Siphathiseni Madikane, JB Marks Education Trust Fund, Stakeholder Relations Officer, 082 089 5414, sipha@jbmarksedutrust.co.za

For media inquiries, please contact:

Bongani Dlamini, Acting Principal Officer, JB Marks Education Trust Fund, 082 540 1747, Bongani@jbmarksedutrust.co.za

Join the celebration online by following us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for real-time updates, inspiring graduate stories, event highlights, and memorable moments from this prestigious occasion. #15thAnnualJBMarksAwards

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

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