South Africa: NUM charts new course, sets strategic policy direction

Johannesburg, South Africa — The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) held a Policy Conference on 11-13 June at the Birchwood Hotel in Johannesburg. The event saw participation from key stakeholders, including Garikanai Shoko, the Assistant Regional Representative for Africa and the Middle East from the Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI).

As NUM prepares for its congress in 2025, the policy conference was crucial in setting the strategic policy direction for the union. NUM, known for its strong advocacy for workers' rights and well-being, covering multiple sectors and industries, including construction. The conference emphasised the union's commitment to ensuring safe and healthy workplaces and fostering a more just and equitable society. 

"We must engage on issues that are affecting workers and society in general," said Mpho Phakedi, NUM Deputy General Secretary, highlighting the union's proactive stance on pressing social and labor issues.

The event coincided with the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva held on 3-15 June. The ILC discussions focused on renewing the social contract to uphold workers' rights, enhancing social dialogue, navigating multiple transitions, and addressing violations of workers' rights.

Shoko urged NUM to champion a just transition towards climate-resilient infrastructure development. This initiative aims to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat and other weather events that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable workers, particularly in sectors represented by BWI.