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13 April, 2022IndustriALL Global Union affiliate, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which organises workers in mining, energy, cement, construction and other sectors, held its 17th national congress under the theme: “Back to basics is when we defend and advance to build a radical movement.”
The congress, which was attended by 750 delegates, took place from 30 March to 1 April in Johannesburg. The union leadership for the next three years was also elected as follows: Daniel Balepile, president, Phillip Vilakazi, deputy president, William Mabapa, general secretary, Mpho Phakedi, deputy general secretary, Helen Diatile, treasurer general, Olehile Kgware, education chairperson, Lefty Mashego, education secretary, Duncan Luvuno, health and safety chairperson, and Masibulele Naki, health and safety secretary.
The diverse issues on the congress agenda included the adoption of resolutions on organizational capacity building, membership recruitment strategies, membership retention through better service and representation, strengthening collective bargaining through forums and workshops, workers’ education, health and safety, confronting unfair labour practices, and equal representation of women and youth in the union structures. The delegates said the union should support the domestication of Convention 190 to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work which was ratified by South Africa. There were also discussions on the union’s 10-year plan.
The union also discussed the role of labour in the post-Covid 19 economic recovery in the mining sector inclusive of sustainable job creation and skills development for miners. Additionally, there was emphasis on union engagement through social and labour plans to ensure that communities in mining areas are beneficiaries and that mining companies adopt sustainable methods as prescribed by the laws.
The NUM congress discussed the union position paper, Just Transition and the Energy Sector, which is anchored on the decent work agenda: social dialogue, social protection, rights at work and employment protection and creation. Delegates at the congress concurred that a Just Transition should preserve jobs of coal miners and reskill workers. The union wants a Just Transition that will not create ghost towns in the areas where the coal mines are located but one that stimulates industrialization through renewable energy industries.
The NUM also celebrated its 40-year anniversary at the congress and paid tribute to 13 of its members and shop stewards who were killed in the last 10 years for conducting union work.
Speaking at the congress, Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President, said what has not changed in the union’s history is the recognition of the workers’ power. This is visible in the
“potential that is unleashed when workers like yourselves assert themselves, build organisations that are resilient like NUM, when they embrace change and are active drivers of change, and when they unite in pursuit of common objectives. The mining and the construction industries are the lifeblood of the South African economy […] and are our most important sectors which account for a substantial share of our export earnings.”
In his solidarity message to the congress, Kemal Özkan, IndustriALL assistant general secretary said:
“This congress is an important platform to discuss the workers’ struggle and the crucial role of the unity of the working class. Globally we are confronted by a wage crisis. In South Africa, I have noticed the devaluation of the currency, and the increasing inflation. In this respect, IndustriALL supports the strike at Sibanye Stillwater for living wages, and that the NUM should continue fighting for better working conditions for its members.”