Coalbrook mine disaster victims commemorated

After neglecting the Coalbrook Mine tragedy victims, several Free State government officials attended the commemoration ceremony for the first time.

SASOLBURG – For the first time in decades, the Free State government leadership took the initiative to attend the
Coalbrook Mine commemoration following an invitation by aggrieved residents of Holly Country.

This year marked 65 years since 437 miners perished during the collapse of the mine just outside Sasolburg.

Termed the biggest mine tragedy in the history of South Africa, locals claim the heritage is being brushed under the carpet, hence the need to continue commemorating the day on their own.

In a surprising turn, several political heads including the MEC for Sports, Arts, and Culture, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, and two mayors from Metsimaholo Municipality and Fezile Dabi District gathered at the site to commemorate the fallen miners.

During the proceedings, Mayor Jack Malindi delivered the welcoming address flanked by Dennis Khasudi and Ketso Makume.

Giving a keynote address, MEC Zanele Sifuba delivered a heartfelt speech that paid tribute to the resilience of the
affected families and emphasised the importance of preserving the miners’ legacy.

The commemoration was also a moment of reflection and remembrance, graced by an esteemed assembly of dignitaries, family members, and local leaders.

Adding a cultural and historical dimension, Morena Tello Temeki from the Phuting Kingdom shared words of wisdom, linking the tragedy to the collective strength of the community.

“We join you in this celebration of heroism and commemoration of lost lives at the time when the very same
industry of the Coalbrook Mine disaster continues to face even more challenges 65 years later. It should be the goal of humanity and our society that such accidents and disasters are eliminated,” said MEC Sifuba.

“A single tragedy that takes away precious lives and robs families of their loved ones should never be a feature in the landscape of human existence. The industry has to date lost so many other productive employees,
and not to disasters but to job losses,” she added.

In a new twist, community leader Kedibone Motlhasedi called on the government to commemorate the day in a
dignified manner. “Families are tortured as they haven’t properly buried their loved ones,” Motlhasedi said.

According to Motlhasedi the reason why residents of Zamdela are standing for this cause is “because this is our history and no one knows about it. It is important that we keep this day alive,” she said.

Posing a question to the government, Motlhasedi said: “No one in the presidency or government speaks about this ordeal. We see the government standing up and focusing on Stilfontein. In the past, a tragedy in Marikana took place when people died fighting for their rights. Our people died on duty; we don’t understand why this is
hidden. Why are they not remembered?”

Motlhasedi demanded that this day should be commemorated and a national heritage site erected.

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Sifiso Jimta

Sifiso Jimta is an experienced journalist of Ster North and Sedibeng Ster. He enjoys writing crime and feature articles. Email: sifiso@mooivaal.co.za

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