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The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union [NEHAWU] takes this opportunity to congratulate our sister union, the National Union of Mineworkers [NUM] on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. The NUM was formed on the 4th December 1982 in Klerksdorp, North West Province. 

The 40th anniversary celebration is held under the theme: “NUM, The Shield and Spear that Defend Mine, Energy, Construction and Metal Workers. The Weapon Used to Fight Capitalism”.

Indeed, the NUM since its formation has been a shield and spear of mineworkers, workers in general and the broader working-class. The NUM has an impeccable track record of waging a relentless struggle for mineworkers in order to improve their wages and working conditions whilst improving their economic and social welfare. 

In the 40 years of its existence, NUM has been a fighting and campaigning union that places the interests of workers at the centre against the super exploitative mining, construction and energy conglomerates, which have subjected workers to unbearable and inhumane working conditions and poverty wages all in the name of profit maximisation. 

NUM has been instrumental in waging campaigns in mining, construction and energy industry for the benefit of workers. These include amongst others: better wages, fighting retrenchments and privatisation, defending collective bargaining, health and safety in the workplace, retirement funds benefits, and educational bursaries through the JB Marks Education Trust. 

As NEHAWU, we congratulate NUM on this historic milestone of 40 Years being a shield and spear of mineworkers and working-class in general. 

Long Live NUM!!!! 

Happy 40th ANNIVERSARY. 

Issued by NEHAWU