The NUM is angry that its health and safety leaders are prevented from participating in processes that are unfolding at Impala Platinum after the tragic incident

Media Statement, 30 November 2023

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is deeply concerned and worried that since the tragic incident at Impala Platinum where 12 mineworkers died and 74 were injured on Monday evening, its Health and Safety structure leadership both nationally and regionally have been deliberately blocked from accessing the mine. The NUM is not a recognised or a majority union at Impala Platinum, but it represents a lot of members at the mine. 

"The NUM is unhappy that since the accident happened on Monday evening, its Health and Safety leaders nationally and regionally have been deliberately blocked by the company and its security from accessing the mine. The NUM was not invited to participate in the in-loco inspection. What is disturbing is that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy inspectorate was aware that NUM was not invited and engaged by the company. The company is even refusing to give NUM the statistics as to how many members of the NUM have died and those who are injured," said Phillip Vilakazi, NUM Deputy President.  

Whenever there is a tragedy like this, NUM Health and Safety structures both nationally and regionally must lead the processes in terms of representing NUM members and participating in loco investigations that are being conducted. It is very sad that in this case NUM Health and Safety leaders are prevented from entering the mine and participating in processes that are unfolding after the tragic accident which is what they are expected to do.

The NUM is also saddened that another mineworker has died yesterday. The miner was hospitalised following the accident at Impala Platinum on Monday evening (27 November 2023). The confirmed fatality brings to 12 the total number of employees who have died due to the 11 Shaft accident. Of the 86 employees involved in the accident, 74 remain in hospital. 

The incident involved a problem with the shaft's conveyance system that hoists workers up and down the underground shaft.

The NUM sends heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those killed during this difficult time.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Phillip Vilakazi, NUM Deputy President, 076 981 1751

Masibulele Naki, NUM Health and Safety Secretary, 073 333 7745

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