Date: 10/05/2005
Source: North West Provincial Government
Title: Yawa on behalf of E Molewa: Anniversary AGM of Vaal Reefs disaster
Speech by MEC for Public Works, Mr Howard Yawa, on behalf of Premier Edna Molewa on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary AGM of the Vaal Reefs disaster at Kosh, Orkney
Programme Directors
Chair of the Vaal Reefs Disaster Trust, Mr Kuseni Dlamini
Chair of Anglo Gold Ashanti, Mr Bobby Godsell
Members of the Vaal Reefs Disaster Trust Families, children and widows of those we remember today
Reverend Caroline Jack and all religious leaders present
Executive Mayor of Kosh and local government representatives
Representatives from organised labour, The National Union of Mineworkers and other labour organisations
The Community of Orkney
The Premier of the North West, Ms Edna Molewa, has requested me to deliver this address on her behalf. I am humbled and extremely honoured to be able to do so.
I am deeply honoured to be with you on this historic occasion to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Trust. I hope, on this tenth year, the Trust will build on the experience of the last decade and move from strength to strength.
I wish to congratulate the National Union of Mineworkers for initiating the Vaal Reefs Disaster Trust. This trust is a concrete expression of solidarity and unity amongst the working people. It gives practical meaning to our rallying cry: "An injury to one is an injury to all!" I am confident that I am speaking on behalf of the 115 widows and 316 children who were left without husbands and fathers.
Although we meet on a very sombre and touching occasion today, ten years after this tragedy that took away our hard-working breadwinners and fathers, we are nevertheless heartened and find solace in the fact that their memories were not buried with their bones. Their memories will live forever with us.
We are also pleased by this joint gesture of the Vaal Reefs Disaster Trust, in particular the National Union of Mineworkers and Anglo Gold Ashanti, and many others, who by giving these benefits to families, widows and children, have demonstrated that their lives were not lost in vain.
Together, these partners have also reassured all of us that children and families of the deceased should not be condemned to a life of want and suffering forever, due to the tragic loss of their breadwinners. We are most appreciative of these benefits and the unmistakable gesture of goodwill they represent.
We are here to commemorate this day, remember and honour these brave men, for their ultimate sacrifices as well as those sacrifices surviving workers continue to make so that our country and province reap the rich minerals for the betterment of South Africa's economy.
As we pay tribute to these fallen men, we also pay tribute to workers all over the country, and mine workers in particular, whose toil has ensured that South Africa continues on a steady economic growth for the benefit of all its citizens.
Comrades and compatriots, the Vaal Reefs Gold Mine Disaster that took place ten years ago will remain indelible in the memories of all of us.
It was a tragedy of massive and unprecedented proportions in the mining industry. It took with it 104 mine workers. We became poorer as a result. We lost parents, husbands, friends, relatives, colleagues, neighbours and comrades. We also lost the skills and the experience of these patriots.
The economy of our country, residing as it does on the shoulders of the working class, suffered a major setback especially in the mining sector.
The Vaal Reefs disaster is a vivid reminder of the long and protracted struggle for workplace safety and security. Ensuring a safe working environment is both a humane and the only right thing to do. It is also in the self-interest of the employer to address questions of health and safety in the workplace.
Today, as we are assembled here, we must state loudly and unequivocally that: "Never again will our country see another Vaal Reefs disaster." Indeed, all of us must collectively ensure that health and safety in the workplace becomes a reality.
Collectively, we must ensure that we work towards an environment where mineworkers no longer have to work under conditions of fear and uncertainty. No longer must our workers have to look over their shoulders every time they enter their workplaces, expecting disaster to strike at any time.
Friends and comrades, workplace safety does not come by accident. As employers and employees. We need to work towards it. We must strive together to ensure the maximum safety conditions for these workers and actively seek to prevent such disasters from happening again in future.
This will entail safety and precautionary measures by all of us involved in the mining industry.
The provincial government notes with appreciation the concerted efforts by the Minister of Minerals and Energy to create a climate of safety in the mining sector. We thank and support her for placing the issue of safety firmly on the agenda of this sector.
I would like to once again thank Members of the Vaal Reefs Disaster Trust, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Anglo Gold Ashanti and other partners for keeping hope alive for these families and children and for making a better life possible for them.
Programme Director, it is fitting that we are meeting here nine days after May Day. That day reminds us of the journey we have travelled over the last twenty years in building working class unity, in fighting relentlessly for workplace democracy, and in consolidating the rights of millions of South Africa's workers. As we remember May Day, the NUM can afford to walk tall because its name remains synonymous with the heroic struggles and the gains made by the workers of our country.
We will always be reminded that the democracy and freedom that we enjoy and celebrate today was gained through the sweat and toil of the 103 mineworkers who perished ten years ago. We will therefore never abandon the cause for which many of them sacrificed their lives.
So in this year of the Freedom Charter and twenty years since the launch of Cosatu, all progressive masses of our people are proclaiming, in one united voice for all to hear: "There shall be work and security!"
I thank you. Enquiries:
Cornelius Monama
Cell: 082 578 6043
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
10 May 2005
Source: North West Provincial Government
Title: Yawa on behalf of E Molewa: Anniversary AGM of Vaal Reefs disaster
Speech by MEC for Public Works, Mr Howard Yawa, on behalf of Premier Edna Molewa on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary AGM of the Vaal Reefs disaster at Kosh, Orkney
Programme Directors
Chair of the Vaal Reefs Disaster Trust, Mr Kuseni Dlamini
Chair of Anglo Gold Ashanti, Mr Bobby Godsell
Members of the Vaal Reefs Disaster Trust Families, children and widows of those we remember today
Reverend Caroline Jack and all religious leaders present
Executive Mayor of Kosh and local government representatives
Representatives from organised labour, The National Union of Mineworkers and other labour organisations
The Community of Orkney
The Premier of the North West, Ms Edna Molewa, has requested me to deliver this address on her behalf. I am humbled and extremely honoured to be able to do so.
I am deeply honoured to be with you on this historic occasion to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Trust. I hope, on this tenth year, the Trust will build on the experience of the last decade and move from strength to strength.
I wish to congratulate the National Union of Mineworkers for initiating the Vaal Reefs Disaster Trust. This trust is a concrete expression of solidarity and unity amongst the working people. It gives practical meaning to our rallying cry: "An injury to one is an injury to all!" I am confident that I am speaking on behalf of the 115 widows and 316 children who were left without husbands and fathers.
Although we meet on a very sombre and touching occasion today, ten years after this tragedy that took away our hard-working breadwinners and fathers, we are nevertheless heartened and find solace in the fact that their memories were not buried with their bones. Their memories will live forever with us.
We are also pleased by this joint gesture of the Vaal Reefs Disaster Trust, in particular the National Union of Mineworkers and Anglo Gold Ashanti, and many others, who by giving these benefits to families, widows and children, have demonstrated that their lives were not lost in vain.
Together, these partners have also reassured all of us that children and families of the deceased should not be condemned to a life of want and suffering forever, due to the tragic loss of their breadwinners. We are most appreciative of these benefits and the unmistakable gesture of goodwill they represent.
We are here to commemorate this day, remember and honour these brave men, for their ultimate sacrifices as well as those sacrifices surviving workers continue to make so that our country and province reap the rich minerals for the betterment of South Africa's economy.
As we pay tribute to these fallen men, we also pay tribute to workers all over the country, and mine workers in particular, whose toil has ensured that South Africa continues on a steady economic growth for the benefit of all its citizens.
Comrades and compatriots, the Vaal Reefs Gold Mine Disaster that took place ten years ago will remain indelible in the memories of all of us.
It was a tragedy of massive and unprecedented proportions in the mining industry. It took with it 104 mine workers. We became poorer as a result. We lost parents, husbands, friends, relatives, colleagues, neighbours and comrades. We also lost the skills and the experience of these patriots.
The economy of our country, residing as it does on the shoulders of the working class, suffered a major setback especially in the mining sector.
The Vaal Reefs disaster is a vivid reminder of the long and protracted struggle for workplace safety and security. Ensuring a safe working environment is both a humane and the only right thing to do. It is also in the self-interest of the employer to address questions of health and safety in the workplace.
Today, as we are assembled here, we must state loudly and unequivocally that: "Never again will our country see another Vaal Reefs disaster." Indeed, all of us must collectively ensure that health and safety in the workplace becomes a reality.
Collectively, we must ensure that we work towards an environment where mineworkers no longer have to work under conditions of fear and uncertainty. No longer must our workers have to look over their shoulders every time they enter their workplaces, expecting disaster to strike at any time.
Friends and comrades, workplace safety does not come by accident. As employers and employees. We need to work towards it. We must strive together to ensure the maximum safety conditions for these workers and actively seek to prevent such disasters from happening again in future.
This will entail safety and precautionary measures by all of us involved in the mining industry.
The provincial government notes with appreciation the concerted efforts by the Minister of Minerals and Energy to create a climate of safety in the mining sector. We thank and support her for placing the issue of safety firmly on the agenda of this sector.
I would like to once again thank Members of the Vaal Reefs Disaster Trust, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Anglo Gold Ashanti and other partners for keeping hope alive for these families and children and for making a better life possible for them.
Programme Director, it is fitting that we are meeting here nine days after May Day. That day reminds us of the journey we have travelled over the last twenty years in building working class unity, in fighting relentlessly for workplace democracy, and in consolidating the rights of millions of South Africa's workers. As we remember May Day, the NUM can afford to walk tall because its name remains synonymous with the heroic struggles and the gains made by the workers of our country.
We will always be reminded that the democracy and freedom that we enjoy and celebrate today was gained through the sweat and toil of the 103 mineworkers who perished ten years ago. We will therefore never abandon the cause for which many of them sacrificed their lives.
So in this year of the Freedom Charter and twenty years since the launch of Cosatu, all progressive masses of our people are proclaiming, in one united voice for all to hear: "There shall be work and security!"
I thank you. Enquiries:
Cornelius Monama
Cell: 082 578 6043
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
10 May 2005
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