Thaba Nchu – The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) has been unsuccessfully trying to negotiate “organisational rights” at Lesedi Aluminium/Big Cookware in Thaba Nchu, Free State.
NUMSA wants Lesedi Aluminium to recognise and grant the union organisational rights to represent workers at the company.
However, the union has been unable to communicate directly with the owner of Lesedi Aluminium, which employs about 300 workers.
Andile Zitho, the NUMSA Regional Secretary, Northern Cape and Free State, on Monday, 4 August 2025, said the company has no concrete response.
That is because Lesedi Aluminium is managed by Johan Botha, while the owner “Mr. Pan” is based in Shanghai, China.
Botha has referred the union to Mr. Pan.
Unhappy with the run-around, NUMSA took the matter to the CCMA.
“We deadlocked with the employer over organisational rights in the workplace and the CCMA granted the union a certificate to strike,” said Zitho.
NUMSA is calling on all workers at Lesedi Aluminium to support the strike and to unite behind their demands.
“We expect all companies, whether they are owned by Chinese nationals or Europeans, to adhere to the laws of this country, including the constitution and labour laws,” stated Zitho.
“We condemn the owners of the company for their stubborn refusal to recognise the union, and for going as far as attempting to limit the constitutional right of workers to join the union of their choice.
“We have signed up 270 workers out of a workforce of approximately 300, and the strike is an indefinite strike until this demand has been met.”
