NUM calls for the escalation effort to rescue the two remaining trapped miners.

NUM Press Statement, 29 August 2017

NUM calls for the escalation effort to rescue the two remaining trapped miners.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) calls for an escalation of the rescue operation to get to the remaining two miners who are still trapped underground. The NUM can confirm that three of the five miners trapped underground are NUM members.

"The NUM want to take this opportunity to applaud the brave miners who went underground with the Proto team who assisted in the recovery of the bodies especially the third body found early hours this morning. We respect the role and sensitivity of the work of the proto team," said Erick Gcilitshana, NUM Health and Safety Secretary

"One of the three deceased miners whose bodies were retrieved was a 25-year-old miner who buried his father last month and he left a three-month-old son. It is painful and sad for the family. The lives of workers must always be prioritized to save lives. A safe work place is a productive workplace. We believe that working as a collective team, we can save lives and achieve zero harm," Gcilitshana added.

The NUM conveys its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased during this difficult time.

For more information, please contact

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

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