Free State premier to address NUM strategic planning review on key economic sectors

Welkom, Free State – [15 May 2025] – The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Free State Region will hold its pivotal Strategic Planning Review this Friday and Saturday, May 16-17, 2025, at the Kingdom Academy in Welkom. A significant highlight of this crucial gathering will be an address by the Premier of the Free State Province, Honourable MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae.

Premier Letsoha-Mathae is scheduled to address the NUM Free State leadership and key stakeholders on critical matters impacting the mining, energy, construction, and metal industries within the province. Her address, anticipated for Friday, May 16th, is expected to delve into vital issues such as: The current state and future prospects of the Free State mining sector.

Key challenges and opportunities facing mineworkers and related industry employees.

The significant role of these sectors in the Free State's economic landscape. Potential avenues for strengthened collaboration between the provincial government and the union.

This intensive two-day Strategic Planning Review will commence on Friday, May 16, 2025, and conclude on Saturday, May 17, 2025. During this period, the NUM Free State regional leadership will engage in comprehensive discussions, in-depth assessments, and strategic planning sessions to define the union's future direction and priorities for its members within the region's vital industries. Key areas of focus will include:

Comprehensive Review of Current Challenges: Thorough analysis of the obstacles affecting mineworkers and employees in related sectors, including safety protocols, job security, wage negotiations, and overall working conditions.

Strategic Goal Setting for the Future: Defining clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives for the NUM Free State region across the short, medium, and long term.

Enhancing Member Engagement and Growth: Developing innovative strategies to increase member participation, improve recruitment efforts, and strengthen communication channels within the union.

Strengthening Stakeholder Relations: Building and fortifying relationships with mining companies, energy providers, construction firms, metalworking enterprises, government bodies, and other relevant stakeholders to effectively advance the interests of NUM members.

Proactive Policy Advocacy: Identifying critical policy areas requiring attention and formulating robust advocacy strategies to influence legislative and regulatory frameworks relevant to the represented industries.

Investing in Skills Development and Training: Exploring and promoting opportunities to enhance the skills, adaptability, and long-term employability of workers in these evolving industry landscapes.

The NUM Free State Region plays a fundamental role in representing the rights and interests of thousands of workers in a province with a deep-rooted history in mining and significant activity in energy, construction, and metal industries. This Strategic Planning Review, with the valued participation of Premier Letsoha-Mathae, underscores the critical importance of robust collaboration and forward-thinking strategies in navigating the complexities of these sectors and ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for the workforce.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Zakhele Kontsane, NUM Free State Regional Chairperson, 072 827 9304

Tshepo Molibeli, NUM Free State Regional Secretary, 073 901 9205

Sizwe Mokoena, NUM Free State Deputy Regional Secretary, 072 795 7400

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

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