Num To Support Sacp In Local Government Elections

The National Union of Mineworkers NUM says it has resolved to support and campaign for the South African Communist Party SACP in the forthcoming local government elections .

This follows the unions political council in Kempton Park in eastern Johannesburg.

NUM members discussed key political and economic issues that affect workers.

They lamented the state of the tripartite alliance which they say has over time failed to protect workers from job losses and harsh economic conditions.

"Comrades if we dont wake up as labour, we will be diminished and this is a step towards the right direction because we cannot be treated by the African National Congress as if we are not important in the struggle. We are equally important as a labour force and the sooner we reflect on that it shows that we are yet to exist and our independence must be and I will clarify it comrades, that NUM within Cosatu were autonomous. Our affiliation to Cosatu does not mean NUM cannot take a particular decision, independently without Cosatu, we can do that," says NUM President Daniel Balepile.