NUM dumps ANC ahead of next year's crucial municipal elections

Vilakazi says that capitalism created deep divisions

- By Boitumelo Kgobotlo

The ANC has lost a powerful ally in the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which decided not to campaign for the governing party in the upcoming 2026 local elections.

This move is a big deal as the NUM has always stood by the ANC's side, helping it win votes for many years.

Even though the union isn't telling its members to vote against the ANC, not supporting it is a blow to the party.

But the move is also a setback for the SACP, which a month ago seemed to enjoy full backing of the union.

NUM president Phillip Vilakazi told Sunday World that the current political environment has changed dramatically, forcing the union to reconsider its role.

He said that internal divisions, mistrust, and a failure of leadership has caused many within the union to question whether political alignment is still appropriate.

He highlighted that people have their personal choices to make when it comes to voting, despite them being politically affiliated to the ANC.

"At some point, people are going to take a resolution, and they are going to sit back and say, 'We are not going to vote because we don't see why we must vote.'

“We have reached that stage, but until we see that there is a problem in the house, we need to sit back and work together, or it's not going to get better,” said Vilakazi.