The United Democratic Movement (UDM) expresses its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues of the eleven mine workers who tragically lost their lives in a horrific tragedy at Impala Rustenburg 11 Shaft on Monday afternoon.
It is reported that on Monday, 27 November 2023, the 11 Shaft personnel conveyance was hoisting employees to surface at the end of their shift when the conveyance unexpectedly started descending. Its rapid descent was stopped by the conveyance counterweight becoming trapped by the jack catches.
The UDM is calling for the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, to conduct an inquiry to determine whether or not carelessness was a contributing factor in the tragedy. The safety and health of mineworkers should be the government’s top priority.
The UDM policy on minerals and energy acknowledges the necessity of controlling and regulating the potential drawbacks of energy and mineral operations, including harm to the environment and worker health and safety.
Our hearts go out to the families of the departed; may the Lord be with them during these difficult times and the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace. We wish those who have been admitted to hospital a swift recovery and back to good health.
Issued by:
UDM National Office
Mr Yongama Zigebe
UDM General Secretary
