NUMSA’s Big Stand - “Cut Tariffs or We Lose 7,000 Jobs”

NUMSA took its fight straight to the Union Buildings, demanding urgent intervention to save South Africa’s smelting industry. With electricity tariffs crippling operations, the union wants energy for smelters cut to 62 cents per kilowatt-hour, warning that companies like Samancor, Glencore and Almar could retrench around 7,000 workers next year. Government’s counteroffer? 87 cents - not enough, says NUMSA. The union is also pushing for nationalisation of smelters with workers given priority shares.
Phemelo speaks to NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola on why this battle could decide the future of thousands of livelihoods.