Intense leadership infighting in SA’s biggest trade union, the 340 000 member-strong National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), on the eve of its 11th national elective congress, has sparked strong fears of a mushrooming splinter group. This threatens to weaken the umbrella body, the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), and the broader…
Intense leadership infighting in SA’s biggest trade union, the 340 000 member-strong National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa), on the eve of its 11th national elective congress, has sparked strong fears of a mushrooming splinter group.
This threatens to weaken the umbrella body, the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), and the broader labour movement. According to sources within Numsa, a decision by the union’s special central committee (SCC) to suspend about 30 elected leaders and shop stewards, including newly elected Saftu president Ruth Ntlokose, also serving as the union’s second deputy, has heightened concerns that a split.
