Sunday World reports that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has ushered in a new era of leadership, with Phillip Vilakazi elected as president at the union’s 18th National Congress held at Birchwood Hotel.

Vilakazi has served as deputy president of the union for over six years and will take over from outgoing president Dan Balepile. In his victory speech, Vilakazi highlighted that his election marked a turning point for NUM. He outlined a firm stance against internal power imbalances and promised reforms aimed at unifying the organisation. Under his leadership, the NUM plans to conduct oversight visits to branches across the country, aiming to re-engage directly with members and communities. Vilakazi 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. He urged members to prioritise collective action and resilience, making it clear that leadership in the union was about service and commitment, not popularity.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Boitumelo Kgobotlo at Sunday World

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