Andrew Chirwa
President
Andrew Chirwa joined NUMSA in September 2001 on his first day of employment at Ford Motor Company in Tshwane. A committed activist since his student years, he quickly immersed himself in union structures, driven by a belief in working-class unity and collective ownership of the means of production.
Key Focus Areas
- Strategic organisational leadership
- Automotive sector bargaining
- Worker control and democratic mandates
Elected as a shop steward in 2003, Andrew rose through regional leadership, serving as Regional Deputy Chairperson and later Chairperson of Hlanganani Region. In 2012 he was elected 2nd Deputy President, and in 2013 he was elected President following the Special National Congress.
He has chaired the National Bargaining Forum in the automotive sector, served on the MERSETA Board, and participated in national federation structures.
Leadership Philosophy
Andrew believes the working class must be its own defender, advancing unity and disciplined organisation as the foundation of lasting change.
“The working class are its own defenders… forward we go, backwards never.”