National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA)

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) is one of the country’s largest trade unions, representing workers in the metal, engineering, motor and related manufacturing industries. NUMSA was founded in 1987 when several metal and motor industry unions merged into one organisation.

Registered name

National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA)

Type

Trade union

Fields funded

Selected tertiary courses for members’ children

Website

numsa.org.za

From the anti-apartheid struggle to today

NUMSA’s founding mission was to unite workers across sectors, fight for better wages and conditions, and defend members’ rights and dignity. Through the 1980s and 1990s, NUMSA played a leading role in the struggle against apartheid and in building a democratic South Africa. NUMSA traces its roots in the fight for workers’ rights back to the 1970s, and says it has won higher wages, safer conditions and dignity at work.

Today NUMSA focuses on defending jobs by resisting retrenchments, short-time work and factory closures, and says employers and politicians continue to attack union power. NUMSA is an affiliate of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU).

What members receive

NUMSA offers members free professional legal support, from representation at workplace level through the bargaining council and the CCMA up to the Labour Court. NUMSA trains shop stewards to advise and represent members, and has secured sick pay funds that provide maternity benefits and paid sick leave. Members in good standing receive free funeral cover for themselves and their dependants, and NUMSA helps retrenched members gain skills or start cooperatives and small businesses.

The NUMSA bursary scheme

NUMSA describes its bursary scheme as an investment in members’ children’s futures, allowing them to study specific courses at tertiary level. BursariesAfrica’s older guide describes a scheme for dependants of NUMSA members and staff who are South African citizens with strong academic records and financial need, with priority for engineering, information technology, science and mathematics education, commerce and law. That guide has not been refreshed with verified 2027 dates or fields.

How members’ children can research the bursary

The best starting point is the parent’s shop steward or local NUMSA office, which can confirm whether the bursary is open, which courses qualify and what proof of membership is required. Make sure the parent’s membership is paid up and in good standing, since union benefits usually depend on it. Keep the membership number handy when you ask.

The Old Mutual Education Trust also funds union members’ children.