Num youth structure adopts resolute programme of action to defend jobs, reject energy privatization, and end worker exploitation

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) convened in Midrand on 21–22 August 2026 to address the critical socio-economic crises impacting young workers and the working class across all organized sectors. In response to mounting workplace and economic pressures, the National Youth Committee (NYC) adopted a decisive programme of action to confront these challenges head-on.

Sub-Contracting and Labor Brokering in Mining

The NYC condemns the aggressive expansion of sub-contracting aimed at replacing permanent, core operational functions in the mining sector. Sub-contractors continue to subject workers to severe exploitation, substandard wages, and zero benefits—effectively operating as rebranded labor brokers. The youth structure will immediately engage the relevant government departments to enforce strict regulatory compliance and safeguard permanent jobs. Should institutional engagements fail, the NYC will mobilize progressiveformations for mass street action.

Rejection of Eskom Unbundling and Privatization

Reaffirming NUM National Executive Committee (NEC) resolutions, the youth structure outrightly rejects the privatization and unbundling of the national electricity grid. The NYC will launch a nationwide public education campaign on the socio-economic risks of privatizing strategic state assets. Alongside supporting ongoing legal challenges, the NYC will convene an Extraordinary Progressive Youth Alliance Summit to build a unified resistance front and coordinate direct action.

A Balanced Just Energy Transition and Coal Security

The NYC strongly opposes the rushed phase-out of coal energy. South Africa's energy security has depended on coal for over a century, with significant domestic reserves remaining. Coal currently accounts for 70% of the country's electricity generation, while South Africa contributes only roughly 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than abandoning domestic coal resources while exporting them abroad—government and industry must invest in clean coal technologies alongside renewable initiatives to ensure national resources directly serve the domestic economy and its people.

Preserving Jobs in the Diamond Sector

The NYC demands urgent, coordinated intervention from mining houses, government, and industry stakeholders to halt looming mass retrenchments in the diamond industry. In the face of catastrophic youth unemployment, the country cannot absorb further job destruction.

Health, Safety, and Mining Fatalities

The recent spike in mining fatalities is entirely unacceptable. The NYC calls for immediate regulatory crackdowns on non-compliant mining operations, with specific scrutiny directed at the safety record of Impala Platinum. Fatal incidents must never be normalized. Working alongside the union's Health and Safety structures, the NYC demands rigorous compliance audits, strict regulatory enforcement, and full accountability from mine management.

Conclusion

The NUM National Youth Committee stands firm in its mandate to eradicate worker exploitation. Where conventional negotiations fail to produce tangible outcomes, the youth structure will actively deploy constitutional rights to protest and public mobilization. We urge all progressive youth formations and allied labor bodies to stand together in safeguarding the rights and economic future of the working class.

For more information and media inquiries, please contact:

•Xolani Mkhabela, NUM Youth Structure National Secretary: 064 226 0342

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