SowetanLive reports that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has confirmed that its Gauteng leader and five young members have died following a car accident on the N4 toll road between Middelburg and Emalahleni in Mpumalanga.

They were returning from the NUM National Youth Structure Conference in Mbombela. NUM spokesperson Luphert Chilwane advised: "The comrades were driving together with the NUM PWV [Gauteng] regional secretary comrade Bonginkosi Mrasi, well-known as “Bongz”. The other five comrades were NUM Youth Structure members at Kloof branch and delegates to the Youth Structure conference. All the deceased are employees of Sibanye Stillwater. The others who have died are NUM Youth Structure leaders and members who are based at the mine's Kloof branch in Westonaria, southwest of Johannesburg. The deceased are treasurer Zukile Maskot, chairperson Lulama Madyosi, secretary Thantaswa Sikani, deputy secretary Retshidisitswe Mbirha and member Dumisani Futshana." Chilwane lamented that the deadly accident happened when the union was preparing to host its 40th anniversary celebration on Saturday at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo. He said although the high-profile event would not be postponed, the union would assist the families of the deceased to carry out a memorial service and funerals.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mpho Sibanyoni at SowetanLive

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