Today, 6 December 2023, Impala Platinum Holdings Limited (Implats) is holding a memorial service at its Impala Rustenburg operation to remember and honour the employees – sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, uncles and beloved friends – who passed on, following the Impala Rustenburg 11 Shaft tragedy which took place on 27 November 2023.
Implats CEO Nico Muller said: “In the wake of the tragic passing of our colleagues, this is an incredibly difficult time for the company and its employees as we come to terms with their loss. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and loved ones of those who have been affected.
“We are committed to providing support and assistance to those who need it during this time of mourning, and we stand together in honouring their memory and providing solace to one another.”
Implats has released the names of the colleagues who suffered fatal injuries due to the accident. The company extends its deepest condolences to their families – friends and co-workers as all process this enormous loss – asking for privacy and respect for the grieving families.
In memoriam
Khayalethu Joel Bhekamane (41), a rock drill operator from Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for four years.
Vuyane Dangazele (45), a rock drill operator from Libode in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for four years.
Mcingeni Dlabone (42), a scraper winch operator from Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 19 years.
Mncedisi Hukwana (48), a rock drill operator from Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 18 years.
Eric Fanisile Libada (48), a rock drill operator from Libode in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 14 years.
Morena Mohlomi (33), a miner from Carletonville in Gauteng. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for one year.
Petrus Nare (44), a scraper winch operator from Rustenburg in the North West. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 10 years.
Mandisi Nkulwana (44), a rock drill operator from Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 11 years.
Zwelethu Nomsuka (43), a scraper winch operator from Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 16 years.
Raselebedi Elias Ntoi (40), a panel operator from Maputsoe in Lesotho. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 17 years.
Siyabulela Nzume (53), a scraper winch operator from Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 22 years.
Lethola Qebe (59), a development rock drill operator from Quthing in Lesotho. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 22 years.
Marumo Shasha (51), a rock drill operator from Butha-Buthe in Lesotho. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 11 years.
May their souls rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to families and colleagues who have lost these beloved men. The industry grieves with you.