sector
Glenda Daniels
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) president, James Motlatsi, who stepped down at the union’s 10th national congress in Pretoria this week, is expected to join the Mine Workers Investment Company.
The union would not confirm Motlatsi’s move to the private sector, but sources said this was the case.
The veteran trade unionist and founder of the 250 000-strong NUM stepped down voluntarily after 18 years of service. Motlatsi said his departure would pave the way for a new leader with fresh ideas.
“When popular and prominent leaders who have performed their duties beyond expectations leave their positions, they leave behind standards which compel those taking over to exceed such standards.
“This ensures that the services rendered by an organisation such as NUM are not compromised, but highly safeguarded for the interest of the organisation and its members,” he said.
Motlatsi said that to understand future trends all unions should understand the industries in which they operate. “New employment creation and sustaining existing jobs will always be first on our agenda as a trade union because we at NUM realise that without employment all the neglected rural areas will never develop economically.
“We need to also emphasise the need for high productivity, which should result in higher wages and high tax returns for the government. This will ensure that resources for development and services delivery are available.”