By Johnathan Paoli
In a dramatic and unexpected outcome at the National Union of Mineworkers’ (NUM) 18th national congress, deputy president Phillip Vilakazi unseated his superior Dan Balepile to become the new NUM president, winning by 80 votes.
NUM spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburu confirmed that the congress had resolved to prioritise elections over policy commissions, which would be completed at a special congress set for next month.
“The delegates agreed that elections must come first, and the declarations and resolutions will be finalised later,” Mammburu said.
The surprise result capped off three days of intense politicking, delayed programme items and unresolved tensions within the broader labour movement.
Vilakazi now leads a new top five leadership structure that includes Olehile Kgware as deputy president, Mpho Phakedi as general secretary, Phillip Mankge as deputy general secretary, and Hellen Diatile as treasurer.
The vote took place on Thursday after long delays, with results only
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