On October 27 2002 , Numsa's Western Transvaal region suspended its Vanderbijlpark Local from operating as a Local in terms of Numsa's Constitution, Chapter 5, clause (3)(vi). The Local had no met for more than six months. But three months later, on February 17, "through the collective efforts of staff we have managed to gather 60 shop stewards to relaunch it," Joewy Maake, the regional organiser told assembled shop stewards. Items on the agenda included elections of office bearers. The mood and morale was so high it defied the drizzling rain. Make, the convenor, told those present of the importance of the empowerment of shop stewards and women in particular, service, recruitment, and how they must put their ears to the ground. Songs and toyi-toying opened the way to elect office bearers using the set-down rules. Abram "one-way" Motau from Cape Gate was elected the chairperson, Sam Mkhwanazi, Iscor, vice chairperson, Sibusiso Namane, also from Iscor was named Secretary. The camera flashed as the new office bearers were shown their seats. Delivering his first speech the Chairperson said: "the problem that we have as South Africans is that we are very good planners and we are equipped with strategising skills but we fail on the implementation part and our local is no exception." "The local we are relaunching today used to be a pillar of our region but then we failed. Let us not repeat the same mistake," said the Secretary. "We are all aware of our roles and responsibilities," said the vice chairperson, "let us adapt or ship-out. "Comrades, re kopane the! Azozwa amabhunu, (our unity will shake the bosses)", added Iscor shop steward, Rudolf Mollo, from the floor.
Source
Numsa News