The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), the largest trade union in the public sector, extends its revolutionary message of solidarity and support to the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) as it convenes its 18th National Elective Congress from 24 to 26 June 2025. The Congress will take place at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng.

We recognise that NUM as a critical ally in the broader progressive trade union movement and in the fight for social justice, workers’ rights, and economic transformation. As SADTU, we stand united with NUM in our shared struggle to dismantle capitalist exploitation and to advance the interests of the working class.

Convened under the powerful and urgent theme, “The Epoch For The Dictatorship of The Proletariat Now or Never,” this Congress comes at a time when the working class continues to face unprecedented attacks on wages, job security, and dignity. We are inspired by NUM’s unwavering commitment to building working-class power and leading the call for a socialist future in which the wealth of our country benefits the many, not the few.

SADTU calls upon all delegates attending the Congress to deepen unity, sharpen class consciousness, and emerge from this gathering with renewed energy to confront neoliberalism and defend the historic mission of the working class. We believe the outcomes of this Congress will resonate across the labour movement and help steer our collective efforts as trade unions towards meaningful change.

Forward with worker solidarity! Forward with revolutionary trade unionism!!

Long live NUM!!!

ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat

CONTACT: General Secretary, Dr Mugwena Maluleke: 082 783 2968

Deputy General Secretary, Nkosana Dolopi: 082 709 5651

Media Officer, Nomusa Cembi: 082 719 5157