Randfontein — Randfontein is an old mining town that was founded in the 1800s. Naturally it was a common profession in the area.
Considering that most of the town’s men were miners, their vitality had to be protected through some form of emergency service or families would lose fathers, sons, and brothers.
“Voluntarily I serve,” is the motto of the Mines Rescue Service (MRS) that was honoured with a fancy dress awards ceremony on Saturday 8 November. It is this service that has served minors in Randfontein.
The 90 Years of Service event was held at the highly prestigious Randfontein Country and Golf Club.
The night gave honour to seven men in particular not excluding their partners that have been with the MRS for five and ten years respectively.
Christo de Klerk, general manager of the MRS says this particular line of work is not just a job for these employees and their partners who lay awake at night worrying about their safety; therefore they too should be honoured.
Prior to the awards, a brief history was given of mining and those who protect and rescue trapped miners.
The MRS does not protect miners exclusively but also the public and illegal miners.
Attendees took to the dance floor after dinner. Sokkie, line dancing, as well as the famous Macarena were performed informally by very formally dressed guests.
The event was a success and it gave hard-working MRS members a chance to let down their hair while and being honoured for doing a thankless job.
