NUM Condemns Impala Triple M for Undermining Organizational Rights and the Rule of Law

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) strongly condemns the ongoing refusal by Impala Triple M to recognize and implement the union’s legally earned organizational rights. NUM maintains that rights acquired under the Labor Relations Act (LRA) are non-negotiable mandates for compliance, not subjects for employer manipulation.

On 27 February 2026, a CCMA verification report confirmed that NUM exceeded the required 40% membership threshold at Impala Triple M. Despite this legal certification, the employer continues to shift goalposts and obstruct the union’s access to its members.

The NUM is deeply concerned by the following developments:

• CCMA’s Regulatory Failure: Under Section 150 of the LRA, the CCMA is tasked with resolving disputes through the rule of law. Instead, the Commission has improperly encouraged "negotiations" over rights that are already legally due, effectively emboldening employer non-compliance. The CCMA must enforce compliance of the law and not persuade parties to negotiate.

• Employer Collusion: During today’s urgent interdict proceedings at the Johannesburg Labor Court, the conduct of Impala Triple M suggests they are actively defending the interests of a rival union, despite that union not being a party to these court proceedings.

• The Fight for Freedom of Association: In this Freedom Month, workers at Impala Triple M are not striking for wages, but for the fundamental right to choose their own representation without employer interference.

NUM’s Formal Position:

1. Immediate Implementation: Organizational rights must be activated immediately in accordance with the LRA and the existing CCMA verification.

2. Statutory Accountability: The CCMA must fulfill its duty to enforce compliance rather than facilitating unlawful delays.

3. Escalation of Action: The strike action will continue and intensify from tomorrow. NUM remains resolute; we will not retreat until the constitutional rights of our members are fully realized. NUM President comrade Phillip Vilakazi will also address the workers tomorrow in Rustenburg.

The NUM rejects any narrative suggesting that certified membership thresholds are open to renegotiation. The law has spoken, and the time for compliance is now.

For more information, please contact:

William Shiko, NUM Rustenburg Region Deputy Secretary: 073 259 9337
Wageng Mochwaedi, NUM Rustenburg Region Deputy Chairperson: 071 139 4615

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