Workers should not be misled by populists

NUM Press Statement, 12 November 2014

Workers should not be misled by populists

The National Union of Mineworkers Youth Forum (NUM-YF) appreciate the fact that Numsa went to their special congress to resolve on some of the issues particularly on Cosatu stance, in that regard we must also remind them that the resolutions of Numsa are not bigger than those of the federation and its constitution. 

So far, the federation hasn't gone to any congress to change its resolutions and founding principles of "one industry, one union". The CEC had no choice but to act on the contravention, Numsa has already started organising in those sectors outside its scope.

It is not a complete shock to observe personal attacks by Numsa to particular leaders in the alliance. These attacks by Irvin Jim are purely informed by a lack of organizational discipline. We thus call on all workers and members of Cosatu affiliates to exercise maximum discipline and abide by the CEC decision.

We appeal to Numsa membership to distance themselves from destruction by populists, political celebrities who want to appear smart on TV as if they are fighting for workers while they are on business using workers money. These political celebrities have become heroes in the mainstream media and the same anti majoritarian media is uncritical of their lack of discipline. 

They willingly brought this to themselves when they went against the constitution of the federation. NUM-YF is not rejoicing and will not gloat about the expulsion of Numsa from the federation. We know that divided working class has severe consequences on the struggle for economic emancipation of workers. NUMYF will tirelessly work towards the unity of Cosatu and to strengthen the alliance that is led by the ANC. 

We call upon workers to be united in defence of our Cosatu and the entire mass democratic movement ( MDM ).

For more information, please contact: 

Sabelo Mgotywa: 076 022 1756/083 678 2557 :NUM-YF National Secretary

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/100860023402167