The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) declares its full and unequivocal support for the landmark class action litigation being pursued by attorneys Richard Spoor and George Kahn on behalf of coal-affected communities.
This legal action is a decisive step toward securing justice for thousands of workers and residents who have endured the devastating health, environmental, and socio-economic impacts of coal mining and power generation.
Masibulele Naki, NUM National Health and Safety Secretary, states:
“For decades, mineworkers and their communities have carried the burden of unsafe conditions and corporate negligence. The resulting respiratory illnesses and environmental decay have hit working-class families the hardest. This litigation is about ensuring that human dignity and worker safety are never again sacrificed for profit.”
Demanding Accountability
While acknowledging coal’s role in South Africa’s economy, the NUM maintains that economic development cannot come at the cost of human life. The union believes mining companies must be held liable for any negligence or failure to meet legal and environmental standards.
This class action serves as a vital mechanism to:
. Ensure justice and compensation for affected individuals.
. Promote corporate accountability within the mining sector
. Strengthen enforcement of occupational health and environmental laws.
. Advance the broader struggle for a just transition that protects workers and communities.
A Call to Action
The NUM stands in solidarity with the courageous individuals coming forward and commends the legal team leading this pursuit of constitutional rights.
The Union calls for:
- Mining Companies to engage constructively and take responsibility for historical and current harms.
- Government to intensify oversight and enforcement of safety and environmental regulations.
- Stakeholders to prioritize a “worker-centered” transition that leaves no one behind.
The NUM remains committed to advocating for the health, dignity, and rights of mineworkers across South Africa.
Issued by NUM