Overview: A Subtle but Significant Decline
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), one of South Africa’s largest mining trade unions, has recorded a 1% decline in membership for the 2024 financial year—losing over 1,400 members.
This drop may appear modest in percentage terms, but it reflects deeper systemic issues bearing on the health of the mining industry and, in turn, its union representation
2. Key Factors Behind the Membership Dip
Several reasons were outlined in the NUM secretariat report presented during the 18th Elective Congress in Boksburg:
2.1 Retrenchments & Company Restructuring
Mining firms continue to implement cost-cutting measures, citing persistent load shedding, fluctuating commodity prices, and logistical bottlenecks—especially rail transport issues at Transnet—as justifications for layoffs.
2.2 Technological Displacement
Automation and advanced mining technologies reduce demand for manual labor, leading to a gradual decline in union-affiliated membership.
2.3 Member Dissatisfaction
Budget cuts, shift schedules, and perceived failure in supporting safety or workplace conditions have prompted some workers to defect to rival unions or withdraw from membership.
2.4 Safety & Fatalities
Mining remains one of South Africa’s most dangerous occupations. The human toll—from on-site fatalities or injuries—continues to erode confidence in both companies and unions.
3. Insights from the 18th Elective Congress
Held from 24–26 June 2025 in Boksburg, the National Union of Mineworkers’ 18th Elective Congress convened under the theme: “The Epoch for the Dictatorship of the Proletariat: Now or Never.” Delegates tackled core concerns—membership trends, political alliances, and economic pressures.
- NUM Acting General-Secretary Mpho Phakedi underscored the importance of addressing declining figures and committed to engaging stakeholders to develop responsive strategies.
- NUM also ratified formal calls for government intervention to resolve issues with Transnet’s mineral transport logistics—a factor affecting mine closures and retrenchments.
- ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula reaffirmed the ANC–NUM alliance, advocating for local beneficiation of minerals to spur job creation and curb union attrition
4. Broader Industry Trends & Global Context
Beyond the union’s internal dynamics, NUM operates in the context of major macro shifts:
- Coal phase-out: As Eskom gradually retires coal-fired power stations, mining communities face economic disruption.
- Global economic pressures: Geopolitical instability, trade tensions, and commodity price swings affect employer strategies and union security.
- Automation & safety integration: The shift toward automated, digitalized mining offerings enhances efficiency yet destabilizes job retention among manual laborers.
5. NUM’s Action Plan: From Congress to Implementation
5.1 Government Engagement
NUM pledged to work with Transnet and other state-owned enterprises to resolve logistics and power reliability issues affecting mine viability.
5.2 Reinvigorated Bargaining
Delegates called for a recommitment to collective bargaining for safety measures, equitable pay, and retrenchment protections—especially for women and youth.
5.3 Political Solidarity
NUM leaders reaffirmed alliances with COSATU, SACP, and ANC to push for pro-worker public policies.
5.4 Safety First Initiatives
Members emphasized collective refusal of unsafe working conditions and aggressive pursuit of fatalities inquiry protocols.
6. What This Means for Workers & Companies
For Mineworkers:
- Continued uncertainty around job security and union representation.
- The need for vocational retraining as automation grows.
For Companies:
- Addressing structural challenges could stabilize employment and boost production.
- Sharing value through beneficiation partnerships may help retain workforce loyalty.
For NUM:
- Membership erosion must be halted via active outreach, safety advocacy, and political engagement.
- Innovation—such as digital member services and inclusive representation—will be crucial.
7. Strategic Recommendations
- Outreach Campaigns: Conduct mine-based visits to highlight union benefits.
- Training Programs: Offer reskilling in digital mining operations.
- Safety Alliances: Partner with regulators to enforce stricter MHSA compliance.
- Policy Advocacy: Demand state investment in rail, energy, and beneficiation.
- Member Support: Provide legal assistance, trauma care, and job placement aid.
9. Conclusion
The NUM’s loss of over 1,400 members in 2024 highlights a convergence of structural, technological, and socio-political pressures reshaping the mining industry. Through renewed external advocacy, internal reform, and strengthened alliances, NUM aims to halt the decline and champion a safer, fairer future for mineworkers.
Table of Contents
Thnaks for reading For more news please visit our website africaheritagevoice.com
This post By sabcnews.com
