The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) held a two-day meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) and pronounced as follows:

National Congress

The NEC confirmed that the 14th National Congress, the highest decision-making body of the union will take place between the 23^rd-26^th May 2012  at Emperor ‘s Palace followed by a report-back rally to be held at Savuka stadium in Carletonville. The theme of the congress is "30 years of unbroken revolutionary trade unionism struggle".

The congress will be attended by 1500 delegates with both local and international guests and would consider the organisational report, review policies as well as discuss the political, economic and international environment. The Congress will be addressed by ANC President Jacob Zuma, SACP General Secretary Blade Nzimande, COSATU President Sdumo Dlamini, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, Public Entreprise Minister Malusi Gigaba and International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. The 14^th National Congress of the NUM coincides with the NUM ‘s 30^th anniversary celebrations. 

Violence and Intimidation

The NEC expressed shock and disappointment at the ever-increasing levels of violence and intimidation at both Impala Platinum and Lonmin. The NEC appealed to both the companies and law enforcement agencies to take drastic action against criminals and not allow workers to commit crime with impunity. The NUM strongly warns the companies and law enforcement to not  allow a situation where sooner or later we will call on our members to defend themselves in the absence of lawful intervention. There has been several assault cases at Lonmin and many deaths at Impala.

Illegal operators

The National Executive Committee noted with serious concern the mushrooming illegal mining activity in the country and in particular in the Free State where a woman mineworker was killed and the illegal workers began attacking each other over territory. The NUM demand that dependants of mineworkers be compensated  irrespective of the cause of death and that the mining companies provide protection for the workers as sooner or later workers will refuse to go to work demanding that their safety be guaranteed first.

Eskom

The NEC called on the Minister of Public Entreprises to intervene over the lack of a minimum service level agreement at Eskom. The NUM feels that the lack of a minimum service level agreement disadvantages the Eskom workers and interferes with their right to strike. The issue of a minimum service level agreement has been outstanding for a long time with Eskom pushing workers and their unions from pillar to post.

Statement issued by Frans Baleni, NUM general secretary, May 3 2012

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