Num commemorates country’s worst mine disaster
Victims of the Kinross mine disaster that claimed 177 lives in 1986 will be commemorated on 20 September.
EVANDER – The local branch of the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) will lead the annual commemoration of the Kinross Mine disaster on 20 September.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Evander Gold Mine Shaft 8 where 177 mine workers were killed on 16 September 1986.
An acetylene tank sparked flames that swept through the mining tunnel, igniting plastic covering on the wiring.
The flames also set fire to polyurethane that is used to keep walls in the mine dry.
The burning plastic, combined with the burning polyurethane churned toxic fumes that filled the shafts, choking miners to death.
The disaster made it one of the worst gold mine disasters in the South African history.
Num complained about low safety standards after the disaster in the mines and organised a protest.
Mine workers staged one of the largest protests in the country on 1 October in the same year.
Workers stayed away from work and others held memorial services to mourn those who died in the accident.
The commemoration will be attended by Govan Mbeki municipal representatives and members from the ANC-led tripartite alliance.
Solly Moholo will be entertaining audiences with other local artists.
Locals are invited and entrance is free.
