NUMSA marches to presidency over high energy costs

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) on Monday marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, calling on the government to intervene urgently to address high energy costs affecting the smelter sector.

The march includes members from Samancor, Glencore, and Almar Investments. NUMSA says the issue is of such seriousness that it requires attention at the highest level and is therefore directing its demands to the office of the Presidency of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

NUMSA is demanding that the government implement a 62 cent per kilowatt-hour electricity tariff for the smelter industry. The union notes that South Africa has abundant coal, a strategic mineral, and says this tariff would make the sector more competitive and profitable.

In addition, NUMSA is calling for the nationalisation of the smelter industry. The union is urging the government to take ownership of shares in the sector while ensuring that workers also hold a stake. According to NUMSA, this would allow the government to benefit from dividends and tax revenue while also enabling workers to gain from the value of their labour.

Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, NUMSA’s national spokesperson, said the union sees these measures as essential to sustaining the industry and protecting the livelihoods of workers. She highlighted that providing an affordable and competitive electricity tariff is critical for the long-term stability and profitability of smelters in South Africa.

The union is promoting the campaign on social media with hashtags including #SaveSASmelters, #ForTheLoveofTheWorkingClass, and #WorkersUnite.

NUMSA said the march demonstrates the urgency of the matter and reflects the collective concerns of workers across the smelter sector. The union has called on the government to engage directly with its representatives to discuss the proposed tariff and the possibility of nationalisation, stressing that the measures are intended to benefit both the economy and workers.

The march is ongoing, with participants expected to reach the Union Buildings later today. NUMSA has said it will submit its formal demands to the Presidency and will continue to monitor government response to ensure that the energy tariff and nationalisation issues are addressed.

The union added that its campaign aims to create a sustainable smelter industry while supporting the working class and ensuring that the benefits of industrial production are shared between workers and the state.