NUM calls on new Ministers to start working now
3 July 2024
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has noted the newly appointed cabinet ministers of the government of national unity announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday 1 July 2024. The union welcomes this decision as it ends anxiety amongst many who exercised the right to vote.
NUM characterises itself as a revolutionary trade union. In line with its character the union, while welcoming the formation of government, has reservations. Firstly the NUM believes that the success of any form of government must be premised on patriotism. Th NUM is not convinced that all the parties to the GNU are obsessed by this national commitment and ethical commonality. Without it remains parochial opportunism not good in building a South Africa for all based on dignity and equality.
There is some resemblance of hope. The appointment of Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as the Minister of Electricity and Energy , Gwede Mantashe as the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources represents continuity and patriotism.
We are also disappointed that former Minister of Public Works Sihle Zikalala has be sacrificed on the alter of expediency. He has been doing a very excellent work and does not deserve adverse relegation. His presence was a beacon of hope in stabilising the construction sector and eliminating the scourge of organised crime that has been destabilising the trade. The disruption of construction project by organised criminals affects jobs and the economy . Those mafias continue to demand the 30% contracts beneficiation which is supposed to benefit the communities. Infrastructure development is a major boost to the country!s economy.
We also welcome the appointment of Ronald Lamola as the new Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. The NUM is a global trade union, and the appointment of Lamola would strengthen its global solidarity network and collaboration such as demanding two state solution instead of genocide of Palestinians by the Zionist government and settlers.
We further welcome the appointment of Sindisiwe Chikunga as Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities. These are vulnerable social categories in our country that remain vulnerable and easy to prey on by criminals . Thus need such a designated office.
As the NUM we wish to express our disappointment to John Steenhuisen for being given the position of Minister of Agriculture. It is clear we do not respect our national symbols and their meaning. Mr Steenhuisen was accused of publicly burning the country’s national flag which undermined the history of sacrifices embodied in the national flag by advocates of democracy. Furthermore, we wish to remind the Ministry of Agriculture that South Africa remains a food insecure country at homestead level. We therefore expect this department to commit more effort to relieve families trapped in hunger who happen to be the African majority.
We look forward to a government that provides certainty and stability by creating jobs and food security.
Issued by Luphert Chilwana, Media Officer, NUM, 3 July 2024
