VP Mphoko to lead Kamandama Mine disaster commemorations

Fairness Moyana Hwange Correspondent
VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko will tomorrow grace Hwange Colliery Company (HCC)’s 43rd commemorations of the Kamandama Mine disaster where more than 400 miners died after an explosion at Number Two Colliery in 1972.The explosion, which claimed 472 miners on June 6, was caused by a methane gas explosion which was followed by a cold-dust explosion. It remains the country’s worst mine disaster.

HCCL managing director Thomas Makore yesterday confirmed the holding of the commemorations in the mining town of Hwange.

“The commemorations are on this Saturday starting at 8AM. There will be a high powered government delegation accompanying the guest of honour. This will be the 43rd anniversary of the disaster and as is the norm we will also be graced by chiefs, widows as well as our customers and suppliers,” Makore said.

Over a third of those who perished were citizens of Zimbabwe’s neighbouring countries of Malawi, Namibia, Mozambique and Botswana.

Following the explosion which also claimed 36 Europeans, teams from all over Africa and Europe responded within hours of hearing the news in a desperate bid to rescue the trapped miners.

However, a painful decision was made to seal off the mine to avoid further deaths from poisonous fumes, entombing forever the bodies of the miners.

The commemorations are an annual event held at the site of the blast, which was turned into a monument in remembrance of those who perished.

Makore said the event would be preceded by a fundraising golf tournament where he will lead 108 golfers in the Kamandama Memorial Golf tourney.

The proceeds of the tournament go towards the welfare of the surviving widows and their children.