16/06/2026
NUM Highveld Regional Secretary Reflects on the Roots and Resilience of Youth Structure at June 16 Lecture
WITBANK — In a powerful address marking the June 16 commemorations, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Highveld Regional Secretary, Comrade Tshilidzi Mathavha, delivered a poignant memorial lecture focusing on the birth, history, and evolving legacy of the NUM Youth Structure.
Speaking to an engaged audience of young workers and union members, Mathavha retraced the historical timeline that led to the formation of the Youth Structure. He emphasized that the body was not born out of mere convenience, but out of a historic necessity to give a distinct voice to young workers facing unique challenges within the mining, energy, construction and metal sectors.
"The NUM Youth Structure is built on the shoulders of giants," Mathavha noted, drawing parallels between the fearless student uprisings of 1976 and the contemporary struggle for economic emancipation and fair labour practices.
Key Highlights from the Lecture:
The Historical Genesis: A deep dive into the founding principles of the NUM Youth Structure and its role in radicalizing the labour movement.
Preserving the Legacy: The importance of understanding union history to effectively navigate modern workplace challenges.
A Call to Action: Empowering the current
generation of young miners and energy workers to take up the mantle of leadership and defend workers' rights.
Mathavha’s lecture served as both a history lesson and a strategic roadmap, urging the youth to remain resilient, unified, and politically conscious in an ever-shifting economic landscape.
