The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) will on December 03, 2022 commemorate its 40th Anniversary under the theme “NUM, The Shield and Spear that Defend Mine, Energy, Construction and Metal Workers. The Weapon Used to Fight Capitalism” at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane in Limpopo.

Established on the 4th December 1982 in Klerksdorp, now known as Matlosana, the NUM has throughout the years been the only voice of the voiceless workers. 

Under the leadership of the tried and tested leaders such as Cyril Ramaphosa as General Secretary, James Motlatsi as President and Elijah Barayi as Deputy President, the NUM became the fasted growing trade union around the world with a membership of well above 300 000 black mineworkers in the early 1980s. The NUM became a key stakeholder in the formation of the country’s biggest federation of trade unions, COSATU, in 1985.

It played a critical and unique role in that process that ended the apartheid regime with the first democratic elections in South African history in 1994. It is through the NUM gallant fight that miners who have for many years of service given only a helmet and a pair of boots on their retirement and are today able to receive various benefits.

There will be a Presidential Networking Session (Gala Dinner, which will consist of a panel discussion about the history of this mighty NUM ) on the night of December 2, 2022 at Meropa Casino. The Presidential Networking Session will set a tone to the main 40th anniversary celebration at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The Presidential Networking Session will be attended by former NUM leaders which include founding President James Motlatsi and former General Secretary Gwede Mantashe. Also, captains of the industry are invited to express their dealings and interactions with the NUM since it was founded 40 years ago.

The Executive Mayor of Polokwane comrade John Mpe is set to welcome guests at the Presidential Networking Session at Meropa Casino.

The NUM President Daniel Balepile is set to be the main speaker at the 40th National Anniversary Celebration at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. There will be messages of support from COSATU President comrade Zingiswa Losi, SACP General Secretary comrade Solly Mapaila and the ANC deployee NEC member, and also from the international fraternal trade union organisations.

The Limpopo Premier comrade Chupu Stanley Mathabathe will welcome the crowd at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. 

The crowd at the stadium are set to be entertained by various local artists that included King Monada and Makhadzi.

Members of the media are invited to cover the event.

For more detailed information, please contact:

Daniel Balepile, NUM President, 074 439 9752

Mpho Phakedi, NUM Deputy General Secretary, 082 882 3452

Livhuwani Mammburu, NUM National Spokesperson, 083 809 3257

Luphert Chilwane, NUM Media Officer, 083 809 3255