The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has strongly condemned the recent attacks, intimidation, and violence directed at African migrants living and working in South Africa, describing the incidents as divisive and a threat to African solidarity.
In a media statement issued on May 28, the union expressed deep concern over reports of property destruction, assaults, threats, and other xenophobic acts targeting fellow Africans across parts of the country.
The union stated that it would not remain silent while African migrants continue to face violence and harassment, stressing that peaceful protest should never be used as a cover for criminality or the targeting of vulnerable communities.
“Peaceful protest must never be used as a cover for lawlessness or the targeting of vulnerable communities,” the statement said.
According to the NUM, migrant workers have historically played a significant role in the growth and development of the union and the South African mining sector. The union noted that many of its founding members and early leaders were migrants from neighbouring African countries.
NUM said it continues to represent workers from countries such as Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini, Botswana, and Namibia, who work alongside South Africans in mines and other workplaces while collectively fighting for improved wages, safer working conditions, and labour rights.
The union further called on communities, workers, and political organisations to reject xenophobia and narrow nationalism, arguing that African workers share a common history of struggle against colonialism, apartheid, and exploitation.At the same time, the NUM acknowledged concerns raised by some South Africans regarding unemployment, crime, and border management.
The union urged the South African government to urgently address the country’s porous borders, strengthen immigration enforcement fairly, and implement policies aimed at job creation and crime reduction.
“The Government has a duty to respond to these concerns with the urgency and seriousness they deserve,” the union stated.
NUM also appealed to law enforcement agencies and community leaders to restore calm and ensure that individuals responsible for violence and destruction are brought to justice.
The statement concluded with a call for tolerance, solidarity, and peaceful coexistence among all workers and communities across South Africa.
