The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) has suspended several regional leaders following an emergency meeting of its national executive committee. The move comes after the regional leaders, defying the union's general secretary Irvin Jim, convened a central committee meeting and suspended the national office-bearers. Numsa's NEC has rejected the "bogus" central committee meeting and its decisions, citing a lack of proper mandates from regional executive committees.
The power struggle within Numsa escalated after regional leaders from Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Sedibeng held a central committee meeting despite Jim's instruction to cancel it. The meeting resulted in the national office-bearers being stripped of their delegated powers and functions. Jim has described the actions of the regional leaders as "gross misconduct" that poses serious reputational damage to Numsa.
The suspended regional leaders include Andile Bloko, Nkosinathi Makhanya, and Andile Nqilingwane. Staff members Mncedisi Kwababa, Mziyanda Twani, Mzamo Khoza, and Collen Mahlangu are also facing disciplinary measures. Jim stated that the NEC has called for swift action against those involved, in line with the union's disciplinary code and constitutional provisions.
The conflict within Numsa may be linked to the recent firing of Khandani Msibi as CEO of the Numsa Investment Company. Numsa president Andrew Chirwa suggested that the national office-bearers were targeted in connection with Msibi's dismissal. Msibi had been at odds with Jim and had challenged the union to convene its central committee to explain his ownership of a 60% stake in the investment company.
According to Jim, there have been serious allegations of theft and looting of union assets, and he claimed that Numsa is facing a "Khandani Msibi brigade" working with external forces to liquidate the leadership. The Numsa Investment Company board had resolved to fire Msibi, citing irregularities in his management of the company.
However, Makhanya, the Numsa Mpumalanga regional chair, disputed Jim's claims, stating that the NEC meeting did not have a quorum and that their own NEC would address the issue. Makhanya indicated that the regional leaders' actions were within their constitutional powers.
The suspension of regional leaders and the ongoing power struggle within Numsa have raised concerns about the union's stability and its ability to represent its members. The situation remains unresolved, with both sides appearing entrenched in their positions.
Key points
- Numsa's NEC has rejected the central committee meeting and its decisions
- The power struggle may be linked to the firing of Khandani Msibi as Numsa Investment Company CEO
- The suspensions have raised concerns about the union's stability and representation of its members
