Puleng Phaka
2nd Deputy President
Puleng Phaka currently serves as the Second Deputy President of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), bringing extensive organisational experience and a deep commitment to the labour movement. Her journey within the union reflects her dedication to workers’ rights. She rose through the ranks from serving as Kimberley Local Deputy Secretary to holding key leadership positions, including Northern Cape Regional Deputy Chairperson and Regional Chairperson. Her transition to national leadership represents a career devoted to championing workers at every level of the organisation.
Within the workplace, Puleng has been a strong advocate for safety and service excellence at Eskom. As a dedicated shop steward and NUMSA representative on the Eskom SHEQS Committee for the Central East Cluster, she has prioritised the health and safety of her colleagues. Her professional expertise is further demonstrated through her role as an Eskom System Trainer for Customer Service, where she has helped ensure that operational standards meet the needs of the community while protecting the dignity of the workforce.
Puleng’s professional background is rooted in community service and administrative excellence. Before and during her career at Eskom, where she served in various positions, including Senior Clerk and Customer Service Officer across the Stella, Kuruman, Vryburg and Bloemfontein hubs, she remained committed to public service. Her early career included working with the Independent Electoral Commission, volunteering as a field worker and complaints officer at the Itireleng Advice Centre, and serving as a project coordinator for the Botlhale-Lesedi Project. These roles strengthened her passion for social justice, community development and administrative integrity.
Her leadership is supported by a strong academic foundation. Puleng holds a Bachelor of Administration degree from the University of North West and a Social Theory Certificate from Wits University. Committed to continuous development, she completed specialised training as a Political Educator through the Landless Rural Workers Movement in Brazil. She also holds several safety certifications, including RCat, firefighting and first aid. This combination of academic knowledge, technical expertise and grassroots activism defines her as a strategically minded leader who remains deeply connected to workers on the shop floor.