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NUMSA

Numsa (National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa) is South Africa's largest metalworkers' trade union and one of the most influential labour organisations in the country. The union represents workers across the metals and engineering sectors, including automotive manufacturing, steel production, metal fabrication and related industries. Numsa is affiliated to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), though it has at times had a contentious relationship with the federation and was expelled in 2014 before later being readmitted. The union is known for its militant stance on workers' rights, wage negotiations and broader socioeconomic issues, often leading high-profile strikes and industrial action. Numsa has historically aligned itself with leftist political positions and has been critical of government economic policy, particularly on issues of privatisation, labour law reform and industrial strategy. The union's membership is estimated at several hundred thousand workers, making it a significant force in South Africa's labour movement. Numsa's leadership and structures operate through regional and national offices, with elected shop stewards representing members at workplace level. The union was established in 1987 through the merger of several metalworker unions during the apartheid era, and it played an active role in the broader struggle for political and economic transformation in South Africa.

NUMSA Updates

Glencore Merafe confirms counter proposal to Eskom’s ‘unworkable’ 62c/kWh conditions

25th March 2026 By: Terence Creamer

The Glencore Merafe Chrome Venture has confirmed that it has submitted a “final counterproposal” to Eskom in relation to the terms and conditions associated with the electricity utility’s 62c/kWh...

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Projects

Chery manufacturing plant, South Africa

5th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Strandfontein Pavilion refurbishment project, South Africa

5th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Salayea to Konia road project, Liberia

5th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Tuas South incineration plant retrofit, Singapore

5th June 2026 By: Sheila Barradas

Latest Multimedia

BMI webinar unpacks grid constraints, considerations

8th June 2026 By: Tasneem Bulbulia

BMW rolls out pilot studies on humanoid robot use in US, German plants; no deployment planned for SA

8th June 2026 By: Irma Venter

Zululand Energy Terminal director Oliver Naidu

Eskom signs agreement with Zululand Energy Terminal as it seeks to advance 3 GW Richards Bay gas-fired power project

5th June 2026 By: Terence Creamer

On-The-Air (05/06/2026)

5th June 2026 By: Martin Creamer

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