NUM condemns violent intimidation of members at Impala Platinum South Shaft, distances itself from unprotected strike

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) strongly condemns the targeted attacks, intimidation, and harassment of its members at Impala Platinum’s South Shaft in Rustenburg. NUM categorically distances itself from the unprotected strike that commenced on Sunday, 31 May 2026. Our members are not part of this industrial action.

Since the beginning of the week, NUM members have been violently prevented from reporting for duty by alleged members of a rival union. Furthermore, our members are being subjected to unlawful ultimatums, including being banned from wearing NUM regalia on mine premises.

"From Monday, we have observed targeted attacks on NUM members, resulting in injuries. At the No. 6 shaft, one of our members was assaulted by alleged rival union members and ordered to strip of their NUM regalia. A criminal case has been officially opened with the police," says William Shiko, NUM Rustenburg Region Deputy Secretary.

NUM expresses deep disappointment and surprise at Impala Platinum management’s decision to issue the union with legal notices regarding an unprotected strike we have no involvement in. It is unacceptable that our members are being penalized while they are actively being blocked and intimidated from going to work.

The only action NUM is organizing is a lawful, peaceful march to hand over a memorandum to management—an action the employer has previously refused to accommodate. We maintain our stance to proceed with this peaceful march.

NUM remains resolute: we are not part of the current strike. We call on law enforcement and Impala Platinum management to urgently secure the shafts and protect workers who want to exercise their right to work safely.

For more information, please contact:

William Shiko, NUM Rustenburg Region Deputy Secretary, Cell: 073 259 9337

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