Tribalism+a+red+herring+to+a+leadership+contest,+Lekorotsoana,+NUM




 * NUM**


 * PRESS RELEASE, MAY 22 2006**

=TRIBALISM IS A RED-HERRING TO A LEADERSHIP CONTEST=

The report in the weekend paper, Mail & Guardian, regarding the leadership contest in the run-up to the National Congress - May 24 - 27, raises serious concern to the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). The union is disappointed by tribally inclined comments made in the article, attributed to its Deputy General Secretary, comrade Archie Palane.

“It is indeed unfortunate that statements of this nature are said to be made by one of the most senior leaders in the organisation. The union prides itself in being united and non-racial. This union suffered heavy human losses in the mines as a result of factional and tribal fights between isiXhosa and Sesotho speakers. We are aware that in moments of tension and heated contestations misleading and unfortunate sentiment easily come to the fore. We should, however, not fan such fires but focus on building our union”, said Gwede Mantashe, NUM General Secretary.

In the process of lobbying comrades may overstep the mark and begin to utter statements that are aimed at garnering support for various candidates. These should not be misconstrued to represent neither the organisation nor its principles. The union is opposed to factionalism and tribalism, together with what it represents. We have, for all intent and purpose, fought against these ills that were used to divide our people.

Similarly, the suggestion that one or the other candidate is either pro-Zuma or pro-Mbeki is both misleading and blowing things out of proportion. The union chooses leaders it believes are capable to lead it and confront challenges facing its constituency, the mining, energy and construction workers. At the same time, constitutional amendments on who leads the union are borne of the fact that the union has matured and developed a sufficient pool within its ranks, and such worker leaders can take it into the future.

“We call on our members not to be misled but to focus on the task ahead, building the union to make it a strong and a revolutionary weapon against capital”, said Mantashe.


 * Moferefere Lekorotsoana**


 * HEAD: PUBLICITY AND INFORMATION**


 * Tel: 27.11.377-2000 (reception), 27.11.377-2036 (direct)** **
 * Fax: 0866097515, Cell: 0828045041****
 * Homepage: [|www.num.org.za]**

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