The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has sent a clear message for a fair, respectful and dignified leadership campaign as the union’s 18th fiercely contested National Elective Congress gets closer.
NUM President Dan Balepile has accused his fellow contenders of running malicious campaigns, destroying the union in the process.
His plea comes ahead of the two-day congress which will be held on 24-26 June at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
Balepile, who is seeking re-election to lead the union for the second stint, was addressing scores of his supporters on the last days of his campaign, accusing his challengers of allegedly deliberately destroying the union in the quest to lead it.
“They’re occupying the media space and ba bua matlakala ka union (speaking nonsense about the union) and that must be rejected with contempt.
Because comrades don’t care about the damage they’re causing to the union when speaking bad of fellow contenders.
But you’re the first to know this, I have issued a brief, it will be out if it is not out already, clarifying the position of the union, because I hate a person who doesn’t play a ball but plays the man.
It is always those comrades’ baba senang di nomoro (comrades without substantial support) on their site, hoping for a miracle to happen in Birchwood Hotel.
Miracle will not happen, we will beat them with their malicious campaign of theirs, and we’re going to beat them,” Balepile told his supporters.
He said it is embarrassing that the malicious campaigns are perpetuated by officials who currently hold senior positions within the union.
“If it was possible we would quickly call a special congress and suspend them because they don’t assist the union in any way.
One of them who is contesting the position of the President boldly told the media that he doesn’t care whether he will divide the union by contesting or not.
How could a leader say such a reckless statement?” asked Balepile.
Balepile is adamant that he will return as the union president after the elections.
“After defeating them during the elections at the congress, I will remain the president of the NUM.
Unity of the organization to me is important, and growth of membership of the union to me is important.
When we become lenient to comrades trying to show them love and the way of doing things, they take that for granted.
I’m one person who likes peace at all costs, but comrades will push you to the urge, and now in defence of this union I will do everything,” warned Balepile to the applause of the crowd.
Balepile is expected to face off against his deputy, Phillip Vilakazi.
Meanwhile, the congress comes at the time the union is amid a bruising factional battle, which some say is a fight over substantial union funds.
The union’s General Secretary, William Mabapa, was suspended in July 2023, apparently for authorizing a flight for a delegate from the Eastern Cape to attend a conference of the union’s youth wing in Johannesburg.
The union said that the congress will serve as a critical platform to debate the challenges confronting workers in the mining, construction, energy and metal sectors, and will also address the current political and economic landscape in the country.
