By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has elected Phillip Vilakazi as president, in a closely fought contest which saw Dan Balepile unseated.
Olihile Kgwari was elected as his deputy.
The union is holding its 18th National Congress in Boksburg on Thursday.
The ongoing conference has again laid bare the internal factions troubling one of the country’s oldest mining unions.
Its past two conferences were characterised by debilitating factional fights. The union, SA’s oldest at more than 43 years, is now a shadow of the mighty organisation that led the historic 1987 strike that lasted 21 days and paved the way for the eventual fall of the apartheid regime.
Vilakazi has served as deputy president of the union for over six years.
In his welcoming speech, he emphasised the difficulty of preparing a speech in an environment governed by democratic processes, saying it is difficult to believe that one would make it.
Vilakazi highlighted that his election marks a turning point for NUM, as he outlined a firm stance against internal power imbalances and promised reforms aimed at unifying the organisation.
“Do not expect to be loved; you are not money. Do not expect to be everywhere; you are not the Holy Spirit. By implication, it means we must pull together as a collective,” said Vilakazi.
Central to his vision is the restructuring of how power operates within the union, particularly challenging the influence of certain branch secretaries and leaders who have held sway over the union’s direction based on personal preferences.
Under his leadership, the NUM plans to conduct oversight visits to branches across the country, aiming to re-engage directly with members and communities.
He said the union would be expected to play an active role in recruitment drives, helping to grow the union’s membership base and reconnect with workers on the ground, without always having to ask for permission.
Vilakazi urged them to prioritise collective action and resilience, making it clear that leadership in the union is about service and commitment, not popularity.
Mpho Phakedi will run the union’s engine room as the general secretary and will be deputised by Phillip Mankge.Hellen Diatile returns as the national treasurer general.