Media Statements

27 MARCH 2025

METAL MINING AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA (MMAWUSA) OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED AS A REGISTERED TRADE UNION

The Metal Mining and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (MMAWUSA) is proud to announce its official launch as a fully recognised and registered trade union.

After a rigorous and challenging process, the Registrar of the Department of Employment
and Labour has finally approved our application for registration in terms of Section 95 of the Labour Relation Act (LRA) of 1995, as amended. This is a significant milestone for our members, workers, and the labour movement.

Our journey towards formal recognition has been a testament to our perseverance. We have worked tirelessly to meet all the requirements set by the Registrar of Labour.
Despite numerous obstacles, we have received the official certificate to operate as a legitimate trade union.

This victory is a testament to our members’ strength, resilience, unwavering commitment, and desire to serve workers and the working class.

MMAWUSA arose from the ashes of becoming the voice of the oppressed, unprotected, and marginalised workers within the following sectors:

Iron, Steel, Engineering & Metallurgical industries, Electrical Engineering industry, Electrical Contracting Industry, Plastic industry, Mining industry, Renewable energy industry, Industrial chemicals, Cleaning, Paper & Packaging, Building and Construction, Forestry and woodwork, Base and Precious Smelting, Scrap metal, Battery manufacturing industry, Tyre and Rubber Manufacturing Industry, Motor industry, Automobile manufacturing industry.

Our primary mission is to represent workers who have long been undermined by unscrupulous and arrogant employers, as well as other unions that undermine worker control and democracy within the union’s general membership.

MMAWUSA is dedicated to being a progressive and contemporary trade union model, adapting to the evolving needs of workers in today’s rapidly changing labour landscape. We pledge to protect, empower, and advocate for all workers, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security. By embracing innovation, inclusivity, and worker-driven representation, we strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. Our commitment is to build a dynamic and militant union that not only defends workers’ rights but also actively shapes the future of labour relations in South Africa and beyond.

MMAWUSA is also proud to engage with members and supporters through our social media platforms. Follow us to stay updated and connect with us:

• Instagram: mmawusa_media : https://www.instagram.com/mmawusa_media/
• Facebook: MMAWUSA : https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552134098309
• X(twitter): @mmawusa2023: https://x.com/mmawusa2023
• TikTok: mmawusa : https://www.tiktok.com/@mmawusa?_t=ZM-8v0njmIGYPG&_r=1
• WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb5kz4o3bbV2Z7I3Ej3p
• LinkedIn: MMAWUSA on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/metal-mining-and-allied-workers-union-of-south-africa-mmawusa/about/?viewAsMember=true
• Website: https://mmawusa.co.za/

We invite all workers in the sector we organise, who share our mission and values, to join us in this vital work. MMAWUSA’s offices are available both in Gauteng and Cape Town;
• The Gauteng office is located at 70 Lambert Street, 1st Floor, Germiston, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, and
• The Cape Town office is located at 398 Albert Road, Salt River, Cape Town. Office • Contact number: +2769 982 7399.

Statement issued by MMAWUSA

MMAWUSA OUTRAGED OVER INJUSTICE FOR CWECWE, DEMANDS SAPS AND NPA FOR ACTION.

THE METAL MINING AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA (MMAWUSA) OUTRAGED ABOUT THE INJUSTICE FOR CWECWE AND DEMAND SAPS TO GET JUSTICE FOR HER.

MMAWUSA is deeply outraged by the horrific and inhumane ordeal that CweCwe endured at the tender age of seven. Schools should be places of learning, growth, and safety, where children can experience their childhood free from harm—not sites of unimaginable violence.

The epidemic of rape and gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa continues to escalate, yet government institutions, particularly the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities , remain silent and fail to treat this crisis with the urgency it demands. It is unacceptable that the very bodies entrusted with protecting the vulnerable are neglecting their duty.

According to Stats SA, in 2022/23, there were 19,418 reported cases of common assault and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) against children, making up 45% of all reported crimes against minors. Rape was the most frequently reported crime, accounting for 38.3% of cases. Among these atrocious acts is the horrific rape and sodomy of seven-year-old CweCwe, a tragic reminder of the brutal reality children face in a society that claims to protect them. While there has been a slight decrease in reported incidents, the numbers remain alarmingly high, exposing the ongoing failure to safeguard the rights and lives of our most vulnerable.

During the 2025 State of the Nation Address, the government reiterated its commitment to intensifying the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), with President Cyril Ramaphosa once again describing it as South Africa’s “second pandemic.” However, this commitment remains largely rhetorical when the brutal rape and sodomy of a seven-year-old child, CweCwe, have yet to be acknowledged as part of this crisis.

CweCwe’s mother did everything a parent should—she turned to law enforcement to seek justice for her child, yet she was met with negligence and failure. Her desperate plea for protection and accountability was ignored, highlighting the deep-rooted dysfunction within the very institutions that are supposed to safeguard the vulnerable. If GBVF is truly being taken seriously, then why has the epidemic of child rape not been declared a national emergency? The government’s inaction sends a clear message: the safety and dignity of children remain a low priority.

Even more concerning is that Since October 2024 when Poor Cwecwe’s safety was violated , the school where this horrific violation took place has faced no consequences from the Department of Basic Education. No investigations, no sanctions, no accountability—just silence. This glaring lack of action from an institution responsible for the welfare of children is both disturbing and unacceptable. Schools are meant to be places of learning, safety, and growth, yet when violations occur within their walls, they are met with impunity. Only now, since October, is the Department of Education attempting to impose sanctions against the school—not out of genuine concern, but because the case has gained international attention on social media. Their last-minute scramble to appear competent is nothing short of pathetic. This delayed response exposes a system that prioritizes public image over the actual safety and justice of children. If they truly cared, action would have been taken immediately, not as a performative reaction to external pressure. The department must do better—because the lives and dignity of children should never be an afterthought.

The South African Government and Leaders cannot claim to be combating GBVF while failing to protect its youngest and most vulnerable. The systemic failure in CweCwe’s case is a damning indictment of a government that continues to offer empty promises while failing to act decisively against the atrocities committed against children. If we do not demand urgent and meaningful intervention, how many more children will suffer before real change is made?

MMAWUSA calls for immediate and decisive action to ensure justice for CweCwe and to hold perpetrators accountable. This cannot be ignored any longer—our children’s lives and futures are at stake.

Statement issued by MMAWUSA

THE METAL MINING AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA (MMAWUSA) WISHES WORKERS A SAFE AND BLESSED EASTER WEEKEND

The Metal Mining and Allied Workers’ Union of South Africa (MMAWUSA) extends heartfelt wishes for a safe and joyous Easter weekend to all workers and their families. As millions of South Africans travel to their various destinations—whether to visit loved ones, attend places of worship, or enjoy well-deserved rest—MMAWUSA urges everyone to prioritize safety on our roads.

Road Safety is a Shared Responsibility
The Easter weekend often sees a sharp increase in road traffic, accompanied by tragic accidents. According to the Arrive Alive campaign, South Africa records some of the highest road fatalities during this time of the year, with statistics highlighting reckless driving, speeding, and fatigue as key contributors. In 2024 alone, over 1,200 lives were lost on the roads during holiday periods, leaving countless families devastated.
We urge all road users to observe traffic laws, avoid speeding, and rest when fatigued. Together, we can reduce these alarming statistics and ensure that every journey ends safely.

A Call for Government Action on Safer Roads
While road users bear the responsibility of driving safely, the government must prioritize road maintenance, traffic law enforcement, and infrastructure improvements to ensure safer journeys for all. Potholed roads, inadequate signage, and non-functioning traffic lights are hazards that can and should be addressed. MMAWUSA calls upon the Department of Transport to intensify road safety campaigns and improve the conditions of our roads, particularly during high-traffic seasons like Easter.

Recognizing the Contributions of Workers
Workers are the backbone of our nation, driving its economy and sustaining its communities. The Easter weekend provides an opportunity for workers to rejuvenate, whether by spending quality time with family, reflecting in places of worship, or simply enjoying a moment of peace. MMAWUSA acknowledges the tireless dedication of South Africa’s workforce and emphasizes the importance of rest and togetherness for their well-being.

AWarm Message for Easter
As you embark on your travels this weekend, may you be surrounded by love, safety, and warmth. MMAWUSA wishes you a blessed Easter filled with joy, hope, and renewal. For those observing religious traditions, may your time of worship bring spiritual fulfillment and unity.
Let this weekend remind us all of the strength found in community, faith, and shared humanity.

Travel Safe, Stay Safe

We call on every traveller to plan their journeys responsibly, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and remain vigilant. Let us work together to make this Easter weekend a time of celebration and not tragedy.
From all of us at MMAWUSA, we wish you safe travels and a joyous Easter holiday.

In solidarity,
Statement Issued by MMAWUSA

METAL MINING AND ALLIED WORKERS’ UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA (MMAWUSA)Joins the National Campaign to Scrap Anti-Worker Labour Law Amendments

MMAWUSA, unequivocally opposes the recently proposed amendments to South Africa’s labour laws, particularly the Draft Code of Good Practice on Dismissal. As an Independent union we believe that these regressive changes, crafted behind closed doors, constitute a blatant attack on the rights and dignity of workers—a betrayal of the values that underpin our nation’s hard-won labour protections.

As we speak, workers are struggling with companies that exploit exemptions, refusing to comply with bargaining council conditions and frustrating efforts to secure fair and equitable working environments. Among the troubling proposals is the recommendation that companies employing fewer than 50 workers be exempted for two years from complying with bargaining council conditions. This exemption not only undermines collective bargaining structures but also creates a breeding ground for worker exploitation.

Anti-Worker Provisions in the Draft Code

1. Facilitated Dismissal Without Due Process

• Small Business Loophole: The Draft Code allows small businesses to dismiss workers without disciplinary hearings or investigations. Shockingly, the term “small business” is undefined, creating opportunities for large corporations to exploit this loophole through restructuring or outsourcing.
• Informal Dismissals: Workers could face termination following mere written exchanges, stripping them of their fundamental rights to representation, formal hearings, or cross-examination.

2. Weakened Protections for Workers on Probation

• No Performance Reviews: Employers can terminate probationary workers without offering performance assessments, feedback, or opportunities for improvement.
• Lack of Representation: Probationary workers are denied union representation during dismissal discussions, leaving them isolated and vulnerable.
• No Investigation: Employers are no longer required to investigate performance issues or explore alternatives such as training or mentorship

.

3. Dismissals for “Incompatibility”

• Vague and Subjective Grounds: The term “incompatibility” introduces an arbitrary basis for dismissal, allowing employers to target workers under the pretext of not “fitting in.”
• Removal of Safeguards: Employers are no longer obliged to consider alternative roles, workplace adjustments, or corrective measures before dismissal.

MMAWUSA’s Stance: Standing Firm Against Injustice

MMAWUSA is resolute in rejecting these amendments, which dismantle the rights of workers, tip the balance of power overwhelmingly in favour of employers, and threaten decades of progress achieved through collective action and democratic reform.

This is not just a legal battle—it is a fight against a broader neoliberal agenda aimed at weakening unions, casualizing labour, and exploiting the vulnerable under the guise of “efficiency” and “flexibility.”

As a union committed to organizing small and medium companies in the metal and engineering industry, we are deeply concerned about the proposed exemption that allows companies employing fewer than 50 workers to disregard bargaining council conditions for two years. Such measures undermine collective bargaining structures and create conditions for unchecked exploitation. We must stand firm and united in rejecting these provisions, which threaten the very workers we aim to empower.

A Call to Action

MMAWUSA calls on all its members to lead the charge in resisting these regressive changes. We urge our members to join the picket lines and mobilize within their communities to amplify the fight for worker justice.
This is also a call to our comrades—workers across all sectors, trade unions, and progressive forces. Join the Scrap Labour Amendments Campaign to demand fairness, justice, and dignity in the workplace. Together, we can resist these unjust laws and protect the future of workers in South Africa.
Let us stand united to safeguard our rights, our security, and our futures!
No to Dismissals Without Hearings!
No to Exploitation of Probationary Workers!
No to Incompatibility as a Weapon Against Workers!
Yes to Worker Representation, Fairness, and Justice!

Statement Issued by MMAWUSA

MMAWUSA Celebrates and Honors the Contributions of Mothers on Mother’s Day

The Metal Mining and Allied Workers’ Union of South Africa (MMAWUSA) joins the global community in celebrating Mother’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring the selAless contributions of mothers who shape our families, communities, and workplaces. On this special occasion, we extend our deepest gratitude and admiration to all mothers, particularly those in our workforce, whose resilience and dedication continue to inspire us all.
Mothers play a dual role as caregivers and contributors to the economy, often juggling demanding responsibilities at home and in the workplace.

Despite numerous challenges, including gender inequality, lack of adequate support systems, and unsafe working environments, they remain steadfast in their efforts to uplift and sustain their families and communities.
MMAWUSA recognizes the critical importance of advocating for policies and practices that protect and empower working mothers. This commitment includes Aighting for:

*Fair labor practices that ensure equal pay and opportunities for women, including those returning to work after maternity leave.

• Family-friendly workplace policies such as paid maternity leave, Glexible working hours, and accessible childcare facilities.
• Safe and inclusive environments free from harassment, discrimination, and exploitation.

We also take this opportunity to acknowledge the challenges faced by single mothers, who shoulder the burden of caregiving alone, as well as those working in high-risk sectors such as mining and metal industries. These mothers exemplify courage and determination, often going above and beyond to provide for their families while navigating dangerous and physically demanding work environments.
As a union, MMAWUSA remains unwavering in its resolve to address these challenges through collective bargaining, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders. By prioritizing the rights and welfare of mothers in the workplace, we not only honor their sacriAices but also contribute to building stronger, more equitable societies.

This Mother’s Day, we call on employers, policymakers, and society at large to recognize the invaluable role of mothers and to join us in creating a future where they can thrive. Celebrating mothers is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a call to action to ensure that their rights and dignity are upheld in every sphere of life.
To all the mothers who wake up each day with determination and love in their hearts, know that your efforts are seen, valued, and celebrated. Your strength is the foundation of our collective progress.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible women who inspire and lead us forward!

Statement Issued by MMAWUSA
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MMAWUSA CONDEMNS DEEPENING UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS: CAPITALISM IS FAILING THE WORKING CLASS

The Metal Mining and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (MMAWUSA) condemns the latest unemployment statistics released by Statistics South Africa for the first quarter of 2025. With the official unemployment rate at a shocking 32.9% and over 8.2 million people jobless, this crisis is not a tragedy—it is the predictable outcome of a capitalist system that thrives on inequality, exploitation, and mass unemployment.

This crisis is not new, nor is it accidental. It is the result of a failed neoliberal agenda that continues to enrich a few elites while the working class is pushed deeper into poverty. The ruling class and their capitalist backers are waging economic war against the poor and working people of this country.

The provincial numbers expose the rot even further. While minimal gains were recorded in the Western Cape (49,000), Gauteng (9,000), and Free State (4,000), job bloodbaths are ravaging KwaZulu-Natal (104,000 lost), Eastern Cape (83,000), North West (57,000), Limpopo (55,000), Mpumalanga (43,000), and Northern Cape (12,000). These figures reflect a systemic assault on working-class provinces—especially those with extractive industries—where economic exploitation goes hand-in-hand with joblessness and underdevelopment.

The situation in the North West province is especially disgraceful. How can a province rich in mineral wealth top the unemployment charts? It is an indictment of mining corporations and government collusion. Mining companies rake in billions from our land but refuse to employ local people, leaving behind devastated communities. This is economic looting—plain and simple.

MMAWUSA declares: the mining sector must not only be held accountable—it must be transformed. The minerals under our soil belong to the people, not to a handful of shareholders. We demand a mining industry that serves the people, not profit.

We are witnessing a ruthless wave of retrenchments, mechanization without a just transition, union-busting tactics, and the destruction of secure jobs. This is corporate terrorism. Workers are not machines. They are human beings with families, responsibilities, and rights.

MMAWUSA demands:

• A total moratorium on retrenchments in mining and manufacturing.
• Enforced local hiring laws in mining areas—jobs must go to those who live where wealth is extracted.
• Immediate implementation and enforcement of social and labour plans, with community oversight.
• Radical land and mineral resource redistribution.
• Massive state-led investment in mineworker upskilling, beneficiation, and industrialization under democratic worker control.

To the mining bosses: your profits are soaked in the suffering of our people. To the government: enough empty promises—we want action now. If this system won’t provide decent jobs and dignity for all, then the system must fall.

MMAWUSA stands shoulder to shoulder with the unemployed, the retrenched, and the precarious. The fight for jobs is the fight for justice. We will organize, mobilize, and resist until every worker is treated with dignity and every community reclaims its right to live and thrive.

Issued by MMAWUSA

MMAWUSA REJECTS THE 2025 BUDGET 3.0 SPEECH:
A BETRAYAL OF THE WORKING CLASS

The Metal Mining and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (MMAWUSA) unequivocally rejects the 2025 Budget 3.0 Speech. We do so not with disappointment but with utter contempt. The finance minister may insist this is not an “austerity budget,” yet the facts tell a different story.

Under the guise of fiscal responsibility, the fuel levy’s inflation rate hike directly attacks the workers and the poor. For instance, a factory worker will now have to spend an additional amount on transportation due to the fuel price hike, a significant burden on their already meagre income. Meanwhile, the wealthy and big business are shielded from such impacts. This is not a people’s budget; it is a corporate-friendly fiscal agenda dressed up in the language of prudence.

FALSE CLAIMS OF NO AUSTERITY
Despite government denials, this budget continues the trend of underfunding essential public services, enforcing below-inflation wage adjustments, and failing to expand social grants meaningfully. “Fiscal discipline” should never come at the cost of people’s lives. A prudent fiscal policy should focus on strategic investment in development, not pleasing ratings agencies or appeasing the wealthy elite.

TAXING THE POOR, REWARDING THE RICH
While VAT remains unchanged, indirect taxes such as the fuel levy continue to weigh heavily on workers. Rising fuel prices inflate the cost of food, transportation, and other basic needs. Meanwhile:

• Corporate tax remains at a low 27%.
• No new income taxes are imposed on the wealthy.
• Public sector wages lag behind inflation, a disguised wage cut.
• Social grants fail to keep up with the rising cost of living.
• Instead of schools, clinics, and roads, R1.3 trillion is spent on servicing debt.

THE RISING COST OF LIVING: WORKERS CARRY THE BURDEN
Transportation costs have surged, placing immense pressure on workers who rely on public transport. In April 2025, the average Household Food Basket hit R5,420.30, a 1.7% monthly and 1.6% annual increase. Prices for basic foods like tomatoes (26%), carrots (20%), and onions (11%) are soaring.

Meanwhile, even after the recent increase to R560, the Child Support Grant remains far below the Food Poverty Line (R796) and the actual cost of a nutritious diet for a child (R973.25). This means that a single mother in the rural areas receiving the grant still struggles to provide her child with a balanced diet, let alone cover other essential expenses. This exposes the profound disconnect between budget allocations and real household needs.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE MUST PRIORITISE WORKERS AND THE POOR
While the finance minister raises concerns about global trade tensions, MMAWUSA urges a shift in focus toward building trade relations that directly benefit workers and people experiencing poverty, not just multinational corporations.

Trade policy must be shaped to protect local industries, create decent and secure jobs, and promote inclusive economic growth. We call on the Minister to prioritise fair and equitable trade agreements that uplift working-class communities and contribute to sustainable development.

REDIRECTING FUNDS TO FIGHT CORRUPTION AND STRENGTHEN JUSTICE
South Africa scored 41/100 on the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 82nd globally. Over the past 15 years, South African taxpayers have been forced to pour an estimated R521 billion into bailing out dysfunctional and corrupt state-owned enterprises (SOEs), with no meaningful return or improvement in services.

This staggering waste of public funds results from systemic corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of accountability. Instead of throwing money into a broken system, the government must urgently channel all available resources into fighting corruption by strengthening oversight institutions, prosecuting those responsible, and ensuring that public funds are used to serve the people, not to enrich the politically connected.

MMAWUSA REJECTS ANTI-POOR BUDGET – DEMANDS ECONOMIC JUSTICE NOW
MMAWUSA strongly rejects the 2025 Budget 3.0, which is not a development plan but a neoliberal blueprint designed to appease markets and protect elite interests. It blatantly ignores the daily struggles of South Africa’s working class and offers no path to justice, dignity, or economic transformation.

We refuse to remain silent while low-income communities carry the weight of so-called “fiscal consolidation.” Enough is enough.
MMAWUSA demands a people-centred budget that:

1. Redistributes wealth to reduce inequality,
2. Puts people before profits,
3. Builds an inclusive economy that benefits all, not just the privileged few,
4. Fixes the healthcare crisis by urgently addressing doctor and nurse shortages, especially in rural areas.
5. Revitalises education by repairing infrastructure and ensuring dignified learning conditions for all learners.
6. Invests in public transport, including rescuing Rea Vaya and Autopax, to guarantee safe, affordable, and reliable mobility for working people.
7. Fills the 166,365 vacant public service posts, over 75% of which are in key provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. These unfilled positions severely undermine service delivery and overburden existing staff. This is not a question of capacity but a political decision to neglect the people.

The time for rhetoric is over. South Africa needs a bold, redistributive budget that serves the people, not the powerful.

Issued by MMAWUSA