NUM's warning: 'Workers under attack!'

THE National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) calls on workers to unite ahead of May Day.

Num is urging Mzansi to stand together and defend their rights amid mounting pressure on the working class.

The union has urged its members to attend Cosatu rallies on Friday, 1 May, warning of what it described as "a systematic onslaught" against workers.

"The struggle for a living wage and job security is far from over," said Num spokesman Livhuwani Mammburu.

Union raises concerns over retrenchments

The union said industries such as mining, energy, construction and metal are being negatively affected by mass retrenchments and the growing use of contract workers.

Num accused companies of replacing permanent workers with contractors while paying what it called "slavery salaries".

"This is exploitation. Workers are losing job security, and safety standards are dropping," warned Mammburu.

The union also criticised what it called attacks on collective bargaining and government austerity measures affecting poor communities.

Workers facing mounting pressure

"All of this is crushing the working class," said Mammburu.

Cosatu prepares for national rally

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Meanwhile, preparations are under way for Cosatu's national May Day rally in Limpopo.

Speaking in Limpopo on Wednesday, 29 April, Cosatu Limpopo provincial secretary Angwani Masha'u said the province is proud to host the 2026 national rally in Polokwane.

The event will take place at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, with more than 5 000 workers expected to attend.

"This is a historic moment. This year marks the 140th anniversary of International Workers' Day, 40 years of Cosatu, and 32 years of democracy in South Africa," he said.

Call for worker unity

Masha'u reminded workers that May Day was achieved through struggle.

"It was fought for. Workers must honour those who came before us by showing up in numbers."

Despite the celebrations, he admitted many workers are still battling financially.

"Many are suffocating under the high cost of living. Making ends meet has become a daily battle."

He said May Day should unite workers and not divide them, especially during tensions within the ANC alliance.

"This is not a political conference. It's a workers' day. Alliance partners must support workers, not fight each other," he said.

The trade union federation said workers themselves will decide Cosatu's future direction during its 15th National Congress in September.

"For now, focus is unity. If workers are divided, we'll achieve nothing," Masha'u warned.

Musician Master KG is expected to entertain crowds during the rally.

Transport arrangements are already under way, while communities continue to mobilise for the event.