NUM celebrates the 75th birthday of founding president Dr James Motlatsi: A living legend's clarion call against opportunism and xenophobia

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) extends its warmest, most profound congratulations to its visionary founding President, Dr James Motlatsi, who celebrates his milestone 75th birthday today.

Dr Motlatsi founded the NUM during the height of the brutal apartheid regime a time when organizing black mineworkers was not only deeply unfashionable, but exceptionally dangerous. Against all odds, he shattered the tribal divisions engineered by the apartheid state to unite mineworkers into a formidable, revolutionary force.

Marking this milestone at his home, during a visit by NUM General Secretary Comrade Mpho Phakedi, Dr Motlatsi reflected on the current socio-political landscape with the same fierce clarity that defined his youth.

"To be quite honest, if I could turn back the clock," said Dr Motlatsi. "I would love to stand before the upcoming NUM Central Committee meeting at the Birchwood Hotel and address it. I say this because our country is currently plagued by opportunists masquerading as leaders. If you ask where they were during our darkest, most difficult hours, you will find no answer. Comrades, it is now your sacred responsibility to ensure that mineworkers are never misled again."

In a profound charge to the current leadership, Dr Motlatsi issued an urgent directive to combat the rising tide of xenophobia and lawlessness targeting documented foreign nationals.

"Your responsibility is to go outside the hostels and stop this anarchy against documented foreigners. We have lived and worked together for generations. Since 1883, when gold and diamonds were discovered, the wealth of South Africa has been built by workers from across the entire SADC region. We know one another better than anyone else does. We must sit down, talk, and find a unified solution to this problem."

The NUM receives this counsel with deep humility and unwavering commitment. Dr Motlatsi’s words serve as a timely reminder that the unity of the working class knows no borders, and that opportunistic division must be resisted at all costs.

The NUM wishes our stalwart, Dr James Motlatsi, a joyful 75th birthday, robust health, and many more years of revolutionary wisdom. His legacy is the bedrock upon which this union stands, and his vision remains our guiding light.

For more information, please contact:

Mpho Phakedi, NUM General Secretary, 082 882 3452
Livhuwani Mammburu, NUM National Spokesperson, 083 809 3257

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/10086002340