NUM to Commemorate 30th Anniversary of the Tragic Vaal Reefs Mine Disaster, Highlighting Persistent Workplace Dangers

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) will solemnly commemorate the 30th anniversary of the devastating Vaal Reefs No. 2 Shaft mine disaster on Saturday, 10 May 2025, where 104 mineworkers tragically lost their lives. The 1995 incident remains one of South Africa's deadliest mining accidents, a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those working in the industry. The disaster occurred when a runaway locomotive plummeted down a shaft, striking a cage carrying miners. Subsequent investigations revealed a critical brake failure attributed to inadequate maintenance and a potential design flaw.

The commemoration will serve as a poignant moment to honour the memory of the deceased and to underscore the NUM's ongoing commitment to fighting for safer working conditions across all sectors.

Details of the Commemoration:

• Date: Saturday, 10th May 2025
• Venue: Umzimuhle Shopping Complex, Matlosana (Klerksdorp)
• Time: From 10:00 AM

The event will feature a powerful keynote address from NUM President, Comrade Dan Balepile. Also addressing attendees will be former NUM President, Comrade Joseph Motisetse, who served as a board member of the Vaal Reefs Trust Fund and was a key figure during the aftermath of the 1995 tragedy. Importantly, families of the deceased miners, including beneficiaries of the J.B. Marks Trust, will be present to pay tribute to their loved ones.

The NUM emphasizes that this commemoration is not merely a remembrance but a crucial call to action. Despite the passage of time, the South African mining industry continues to grapple with unacceptable fatality rates. Recent statistics paint a grim picture: 42 fatalities in 2024, 55 in 2023, and 45 in 2022. These figures starkly illustrate that the "occupational death chambers" within the mining sector persist.

The union asserts that these "atrocious mining death footprints" demand more than just mourning; they must galvanize all stakeholders in the mining, energy, construction, and metal sectors to intensify preventative measures and exert greater pressure to end this "business savagery."

The NUM firmly believes that achieving "Zero Harm" is not just a vision but a tangible goal that requires unwavering commitment and action. The union will be rolling out further memorial events as part of a renewed campaign for Zero Tolerance to occupational harm, particularly given the concerning rate of approximately 19 fatalities recorded in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

Media representatives are invited to attend and cover this important commemoration.

For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Masibulele Naki NUM Health and Safety Secretary Cell: 073 333 7745 or 066 475 2220

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/10086002340216