NUM NEC asserts leadership on key sectoral challenges

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) successfully convened its scheduled constitutional meeting on the 22nd and 23rd of April 2026 at the NUM's College Elijah Barayi Memorial Training Centre (EBMTC).

As the highest decision-making body between National Congresses, the NEC met to deliberate on critical issues impacting our members in the mining, construction, energy and metal sectors. In a climate of shifting economic pressures and evolving industrial landscapes, the NEC has taken a firm stance on several key issues aimed at protecting the livelihoods and dignity of the working class.

The NEC hereby pronounces on the following matters:

ON HEALTH AND SAFETY: ENFORCING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR MINE FATALITIES.

The NEC expresses its deep outrage at the continued loss of life within the mining sector. For the NUM, these are not merely statistics; they are human beings, breadwinners, and our members whose lives are being sacrificed for profit.

To curb this carnage, the NEC has resolved to take an uncompromising stance on the implementation of Section 72 of the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA). The union will no longer tolerate the shelving of inquiry recommendations.

Key NEC Resolutions:

• Mandatory Implementation: The NUM demands that all findings and safety recommendations arising from Section 72 inquiries be implemented immediately by employers to prevent the recurrence of similar tragedies.
• Legal Action & Prosecution: The NUM will aggressively pursue the legal route to ensure that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) acts on inquiry findings. Where negligence is identified, we demand the criminal prosecution of those responsible.
• Transparency: We insist that all Section 72 reports be made accessible to workers and displayed at mines as mandated by law.

The era of "investigate and forget" is over. The NUM will use every legal mechanism at its disposal to ensure that every worker returns home alive and unharmed.

ECONOMIC CHALLENGES

The NEC also reflected on the economic challenges faced by the country, workers and broader society. The impact of retrenchments in the mining and metal sectors is a concern to us as an organization. Since 2024, there has been a bloodbath of job losses. The impact on the ferrochrome sector is very high, as both Glencore and Samancor are currently engaging in a retrenchment process.

The NEC resolved to embark on campaigns against the cost of living and outsourcing /subcontracting by mining companies. The workers are highly affected by the cost of living while they are employed; the situation is worse for the unemployed. The cost of electricity, fuel, food prices, and transport continues to escalate.

ESKOM WAGES

The NEC welcomed the conclusion of wage negotiations and applauded the team. We acknowledge the difficulty that parties have gone through in this process.  Wage negotiations by their nature are not an easy process, but a give-and-take process. The NUM will continue to prioritize workers' interests and challenge employers who put profit before workers. We further condemn employers who pay themselves handsome bonuses and salaries and continue to pay workers peanuts.

With regard to unbundling and privatization of Eskom, the NEC resolved to continue to fight the intended privatization by the government. We call upon all formations of society to come together to fight this battle. Workers cannot fold their hands when the electricity utility is privatized; this will lead to expensive electricity to consumers, sectors that are electricity dependent, and high consumers will be negatively affected, leading to job losses across all sectors. The union is ready to defend the interests of workers, including litigating against privatization.

PARLIAMENTARY WORK

The NEC reflected on the work of the parliament in relation to workers and the broader society as the revolutionary union. We are noting with concern the deterioration in portfolio committees in transforming and developing the country economically. Portfolio committees are focusing on administration issues that are not improving or changing the lives of poor people and workers. The NEC was critical of the work of portfolio committees in our sectors and came to one conclusion. The impact of GNU seems to be looking at the interests of business and those who are against the poor and the workers.

The NEC further agreed to intensify its work on parliamentary work through our parliamentary office. We will engage all progressive formations in the society with a view to lobby them to support our submissions and common issues of interest.

COSATU MAY DAY RALLIES

As the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) prepares to join the COSATU May Day Rallies ON MAY 1, the NEC has expressed grave concern regarding the systematic onslaught currently facing the working class.

The Crisis of Retrenchments and Casualization. The NEC notes with deep anger that workers in the mining, energy, construction, and metal sectors are facing mass retrenchments. We are witnessing a disturbing trend where companies are discarding permanent employees only to replace them with contractors. This is a blatant attempt to bypass labor rights, resulting in "slavery salaries," extreme exploitation, and deteriorating health and safety standards in the workplace.

The Attack on the Working Class The NUM further condemns the coordinated attack on collective bargaining by both the public and private sectors. Coupled with harsh austerity measures, the government is failing to provide essential services to working-class communities. These systemic failures are exacerbated by:

• The Rising Cost of Living: Decimating the disposable income of workers and their families.
• Unemployment: A staggering 33% unemployment rate that remains a national crisis.
• Crime: Unchecked crime rates that threaten the safety of our members and their households.

A Call to Mobilize The struggle for a living wage and job security is far from over. The NUM calls on all its members to mobilize and attend the COSATU May Day Rallies on May 1. We must stand united against the erosion of our hard-won rights. 

FREEDOM DAY

The NEC reflected on the significant gains of our democracy as South Africa prepares to commemorate Freedom Day this Monday, 27 April 2026. While acknowledging the progress made since the 1994 democratic breakthrough, the NEC remains acutely aware of the persistent challenges facing the majority of our people.

The NEC deliberated extensively on the "triple challenges" of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, which continue to weigh heavily on the working class and local communities. Despite years of democratic governance, these issues remain prevalent and require urgent, decisive action.

In reviewing the evolving political landscape, the NEC noted the impact of the recent General Election, which resulted in the Government of National Unity (GNU), as well as the various municipal coalitions arising from previous local elections. As we celebrate our freedom, the NUM remains vigilant and "alive" to the socio-economic pressures facing workers. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that this shifting political climate does not compromise the interests of the poor or the hard-won rights of the labor movement.

INTERNATIONAL FRONT

MIDDLE EAST WAR OVER NATURAL RESOURCES.

The NEC reflected on the war in the Middle East led by imperialist USA and its ally, the apartheid Israel.  We strongly condemn the war waged based on economic interest disguised as justice and peace. We applaud the international communities, including religious formations that did not shy away from condemning the US President Donald Trump administration and his friends.

We are noting with concern the negative impact of the global economy due to this war. The hiked oil price continues to affect workers and society at large, particularly in countries of the South.

The NEC, resolved to continue to support the people of Iran and Venezuela against the imperialist attack, the leadership will visit both embassies to give a message of support.

CUBA

The NEC reiterate its support for the people of Cuba against the economic USA blockade. The impact is perpetuated by the attack by the USA on Venezuela and the oil blockade. The NEC applauded Russia for its bravery in intervening in Cuba during a difficult time by supplying oil in support of the country. The NUM will continue to support Cuba in any way possible in appreciation of what they have done for the liberation of the country and the support given upon the dawn of democracy.

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/10086002340216