NUMAW
National Union of Miners and Allied Workers
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National Union of Miners and Allied Workers
Since 2003, the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers has been the leading voice for miners and allied workers, advocating for safety, fair wages, and dignified working conditions across the mining industry.
The National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) was registered on 23rd May 2003 by a pioneering group of miners at Nchanga Mine, including Mundia Sikufele (late), Shadreck Mwape, Albert Mando, and many others. That December, the union held its first bi‑annual conference in Kabwe, where Mundia Sikufele was elected President, Albert Mando became National Secretary, and a full leadership structure was established. Since then, NUMAW has held regular quadrennial conferences, evolving its leadership while remaining true to its slogan: “United We Bargain – Divided We Beg.”
Today, NUMAW represents mining and allied workers across nearly all Zambian mining houses, including KCM, Mopani, Lubambe, Kansanshi, and many more. The union’s vision is to become the largest, most powerful worker‑centric trade union in Zambia’s mining industry, focused on collective bargaining, meeting production targets, and strengthening the national economy. Its current executive includes President Simujika Saul, National Secretary Mwaanga Stephen, and National Treasurer Lillian Sangamba Kasonde. NUMAW remains committed to dialogue as the primary means of resolving disputes, while reserving the right to strike when all other alternatives fail.
Guiding principles that drive NUMAW's work every day
To become the biggest and power packed WORKER CENTRIC Trade Union in the Mining Industry of Zambia with the ultimate goal of ensuring that:
• We collectively bargain for better salaries and other conditions of service for our members.
• We encourage mine workers to meet their production targets as set by the mining companies and eventually help in strengthening our economy.
As a Trade Union, we shall embark on a revolution to efficiently and effectively represent our members through dialogue by engaging key stakeholders.
To help in achieving this, we aim to create mutual trust and co-operation between all members within the Union and make NUMAW a place of refuge for Mine Workers. We recognize that workers are our most valued resources and in line with this spirit believe that the following principles will be of value to all.
We will work as co‑partners with the government of the day and management in running the affairs of both the nation and any companies that have Recognition Agreements with us. We shall consider management and the government as our social partners, committed above all to maintaining industrial harmony.
To achieve this, we shall encourage workers to meet set production targets while also helping to create a safe working environment for everyone. These principles guide our approach to balanced, respectful, and productive labor relations.
Key objectives we are working towards to strengthen NUMAW and better serve our members.
Expand our membership base across all mining and allied sectors through targeted outreach and member‑driven campaigns.
Develop sustainable revenue streams to reduce dependency on membership dues and fund union activities.
Construct a state‑of‑the‑art NUMAW headquarters to serve as a central hub for operations and member services.
Provide ongoing training on labour rights, safety, financial literacy, and leadership skills.
Acquire additional vehicles for branch offices and maintain existing fleet from Head Office.
Maintain an up‑to‑date website to inform members and the public about union activities and resources.
Organise regular safety seminars and workshops to reduce workplace accidents.
Secure land for future union projects and member facilities.
As outlined in our constitution, NUMAW is committed to the following objectives:
To unite members in the mining and allied industries and speak with one voice regardless of race, creed, nationality, religion, age, sex, health or any other status.
To advance the interests and protect the integrity of members through mutual co‑operation, collective bargaining, promotion of good legislation, and provision of benefits (sickness, victimisation, accidents, legal assistance, funeral, etc.).
To promote safe and healthy working conditions and advocate for an annual Miners' Day to honour those who have died on duty.
To engage in legislative efforts for laws that protect and enhance the welfare of our members.
To establish and run businesses or undertakings and to advance members' education where practically possible.
To source funding from institutions or cooperating partners for the furtherance of union objectives and day‑to‑day operations.
To obtain and maintain proper rates, wages, hours of work, and other labour conditions, including recognition of all national holidays as gazetted by Zambian law.
To regulate relations and settle disputes between members and employers, and between members and other workers, through amicable agreements whenever possible.
The principles that guide every action and decision at NUMAW.
We are committed to working with effectiveness, efficiency, and long‑term sustainability in all our endeavours.
We value the principle of collective bargaining and the empowerment of mine workers across Zambia.
We solve members’ conflicts and build peace and deep fellowship among all mine workers.
We believe in the power of committed workers who want to contribute to a sustainable development of the mining industry and the nation.
We are committed to co‑partnership with government and mining companies that have Recognition Agreements with us.
We believe all people, regardless of sex, age, nationality, creed, or physical/mental handicap, are entitled to equal opportunities and treatment.
Our impact and reach in the mining industry.
Active Members
Safety Inspections Annually
Compensation Won Last Year
Meet the dedicated individuals who lead NUMAW in advocating for mining workers nationwide.
Elected to lead NUMAW with a focus on collective bargaining and worker safety.
Oversees union administration, communications, and member records.
Manages union finances, member dues, and benefit funds.
We work with leading organisations to protect workers' rights and promote safety in the mining industry.
