Regional leaders of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) are demanding a meeting to scrutinize the conduct of General Secretary Irvin Jim. In a letter dated September 21, the leaders, representing a majority of the union's national executive committee (NEC), set a deadline of September 23 for the meeting. The letter stated that if the meeting is not convened, they will consider approaching the courts or convening the meeting themselves. Sedibeng regional secretary Kabelo Ramokhathali confirmed that no response has been received yet.
The demand for a meeting comes amid growing discontent with Jim's leadership. A former leader, Ruth Ntlokotse, accused him of financial impropriety, labour law violations, and fostering a culture of intimidation. The Numsa Investment Company's suspended CEO, Khandani Msibi, has also challenged the union to convene its central committee to explain Jim's ownership of a 60% stake in the investment company. Numsa, with over 460,000 members, is an affiliate of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu).
The regional leaders' letter to Numsa president Andrew Chirwa and other national office bearers stated that they were writing to record their final demand for a special NEC meeting. The agenda items proposed include Jim's conduct, alleged threats and assaults on regional leaders, and the suspension of the Sedibeng regional secretary. The letter noted that despite a response to the president on September 6, no meeting has been scheduled. The NEC is required to meet once every three months, but no meeting has been convened in the past 18 months.
The regional leaders accused the national office bearers of breaching the constitution and frustrating the regions from proceeding to their regional congresses. They warned that if action is not taken, they will approach the courts or convene the virtual special NEC themselves and make the resolutions public. The letter stated that the resolutions taken at the meeting will be made public through a press statement and media briefing.
The crisis within Numsa has been ongoing, with a resolution by the central committee calling for a return to Cosatu triggering deep divisions within the top leadership and regional structures. Analysts said the resolution, championed by Jim, marked the end of his credibility in the union movement and could mark the beginning of the end of his long period as general secretary.
The union's constitution provides for the NEC to meet every three months, but this has not been adhered to. The regional leaders said this was a deliberate act to frustrate the regions and that they will take action if the meeting is not convened. Jim did not respond to a request for comment, and the union's spokesperson, Mbali Ngwenda, has also been approached for comment.
The developments within Numsa have significant implications for the labour movement in South Africa. As one of the largest unions in the country, Numsa's internal conflicts can have far-reaching consequences. The union's leadership and internal democracy have been called into question, and it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.
Key points
- Numsa leaders demand a meeting to scrutinize General Secretary Irvin Jim's conduct.
- The union's NEC has not met in 18 months, breaching the constitution.
- The crisis within Numsa has significant implications for the labour movement in South Africa.
