NUMSA strips Jim and Chirwa of powers amid leadership crisis

By Simon Nare

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has stripped general secretary Irvin Jim and president Andrew Chirwa of their powers, accusing the two leaders of neglecting their duties and undermining the union’s Central Committee.

The decision was taken at a special Central Committee meeting amid growing internal tensions over the conduct of the union’s national office-bearers.

Inside Politics has learnt that some union leaders have accused Jim, one of the union’s longest-serving leaders, of abusing his powers. Some members are reportedly calling for an elective conference and want him removed.

Jim did not respond to phone calls and text messages seeking comment.

An internal statement circulated after the meeting said the Central Committee had established a Task Coordinating Team, which has been empowered to convene a special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to consider the conduct of Jim and Chirwa.

The statement accused the national