# Former National Union of Mineworkers deputy president Phillip Vilakazi has been elected as the union’s new president, unseating Dan Balepile by a difference of 80 votes at the 18th National Congress in Boksburg. Balepile was running for a second term. Olihile Kgwari is the new deputy president, Mpho Phakedi is the general secretary, and the treasurer general is Hellen Diatile. Vilakazi has promised reforms aimed at unifying the union, emphasising that leadership in NUM is about service and commitment, not popularity.
Phillip Vilakazi elected NUM’s new president