NUM and COSATU mark historic milestones: four decades of fighting for South Africa’s workers.

This week, two of South Africa’s most powerful labour organizations, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and its federation Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), will mark foundational anniversaries, celebrating their enduring role as the voice and vanguard of the working class.

The NUM will commemorate its 43rd Anniversary on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Great Noligwa Moab Khotsong in Motlosana. COSATU will celebrate its 40th Anniversary on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto. All workers are urged to join these historic celebrations.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM): 43 Years of Power and Expansion

Founded on December 4, 1982, in Klerksdorp, the NUM rapidly became the dominant force for black mineworkers in South Africa. Its early success was driven by the powerful founding “triad”: General Secretary Cyril Ramaphosa, President James Motlatsi, and Deputy President Elijah Barayi.

• Under their leadership, the NUM grew explosively, securing formal
recognition from the Chamber of Mines in 1983 and becoming one of the fastest-growing unions globally.

• The NUM was a key architect in the formation of COSATU in 1985.

• While rooted in mining, the NUM has consistently expanded its mandate and now organises across Mining, Energy, Construction, and Metal industries, reflecting its broad role across critical economic sectors.

COSATU: 40 Years at the Forefront of the Struggle

Since its formation on December 1, 1985, COSATU has been a pivotal player in South Africa’s political and labour history. The federation played a crucial role in dismantling apartheid and continues to shape the progressive labor landscape today.

• NUM founding Deputy President Elijah Barayi was elected COSATU’s first President in 1985, famously declaring that “a giant has risen” to oppose the apartheid government.

• Under Barayi's leadership, COSATU unified fragmented unions under the principle of "one industry, one union" and spearheaded campaigns for political freedom, the release of political prisoners, and the Living Wage Campaign.

• Today, the Federation remains the leading voice for the working class, championing landmark achievements from the National Minimum Wage to improved social protections and working conditions.

We call upon all NUM members and the broader working class to
attend and celebrate these legacies:

• NUM 43rd Anniversary: Thursday, December 4, 2025 | Great Noligwa Moab Khotsong, Motlosana.
• COSATU 40th Anniversary: Saturday, December 6, 2025  | Dobsonville Stadium, Soweto.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Mpho Phakedi, NUM General Secretary, 082 882 3452
Livhuwani Mammburu, NUM National Spokesperson, 083 809 3257
Luphert Chilwane, NUM Media Officer, 083 809 3255

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/10086002340216