National Union Of Mineworkers
Conference in Cape Town

The opening speech by the President of the National Union of Mineworkers Senzeni Zokwana during its 14th National Congress 2012 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park.
National Union of Mineworkers South Africa.

The National Union of Mineworkers was founded in Its birth was facilitated by comrades Cyril Ramaphosa who rose to be its first General Secretary, James Motlatsi who turned to be its first President, and Elijah Barayi who became its Vice President and later the President of Cosatu in 1985 when the federation was formed. Its birth was facilitated by comrades Cyril Ramaphosa who rose to be its first General Secretary, James Motlatsi who turned to be its first President, and Elijah Barayi who became its Vice President and later the President of COSATU in 1985 when the federation was formed. The history of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is a history of class struggle. This struggle is embedded in the inherent contradictions that exist between capital and labour. For their own survival and dignity, the workers learned through history that unity was strength hence the logic of forming trade unions at the workplace.This alone has cemented the spirit of coming together, but more so the believe of victory through solidarity. The success of this solidarity in the mining industry made NUM grow and its fighting spirit to permeate into both energy and construction sectors. It continues to effectively drive and monitor the training and skills development of its members.It also conducts its own training and educational programmes for shop stewards and members at its institute called the Elijah Barayi Memorial Training College. 1.7.1 to recruit and unite into a single labour organisation all workers employed in the mining, energy, construction and allied industries in order to enhance their economic and social welfare\. 1.7.6 to foster unity and co-operation amongst all workers in the mining, Construction and energy industries and other industries. 2.2.1 Only members in good standing are entitled to the benefits of membership. 2.2.2 Members in good standing are members who are not more than 3 months in arrears with their subscription fees. 2.2.3 Members who are between 3 and 6 months in arrears with their subscription fees remain members of the union subject to the approval of the branch but are not entitled to the benefits of membership. 2.3.1 Workers must apply for union membership to the Branch Committee with jurisdiction over the area where they are employed or are about to be employed, or if there is no Branch Committee with jurisdiction, to the Regional Committee with jurisdiction. 2.4.1 If the Branch Committee rejects an application for membership, the worker may appeal against the decision at the next meeting of the Regional Committee. 2.5.1.1 persons who are not employed in the mining, energy construction or allied industries but who have professional expertise or qualifications relevant to these industries or to the union\. 2.5.1.3 persons who have made a particular contribution to the union or whose work advances the aims and objectives of the union or similar aims and objectives. 2.5.2.1 be admitted to official proceedings of the union as observers; and. 2.7.2.1 If a Branch Committee is of the opinion that a member has conducted himself or herself in a manner which is harmful to the interests of the union or its members then the Branch Committee must hold an inquiry into that member’s conduct. 2.7.2.4 Within 7 days of the Branch Committee notifying the member of the disciplinary action they have chosen the member may lodge an appeal to the Regional Committee with jurisdiction. 2.7.3.2 The member is exempt from paying subscription fees until he or she is re-employed or reinstated, or until the Branch Committee so determines. 3.1.1 Only members in good standing are entitled to the benefits of membership. 3.1.2 Members who are in good standing are not more than 3 months in arrears with their subscription fees. 3.1.4 Members who are more than 6 months in arrears lose their membership.