“We Are Not a Political Union. We Are a Workers’ Union.”

ByHannes du Buisson

The Founding Vision of BEMAWU

In the early 1990s, as South Africa’s political and institutional structures were undergoing seismic shifts, a new voice emerged in the broadcasting sector—one that sought not just to represent workers, but to redefine how representation itself should function.

The Broadcasting, Electronic, Media & Allied Workers Union (BEMAWU) was born out of frustration with existing unions, particularly SABSA, which many felt had become too entangled in political affiliations and internal power struggles.

“We are not a political union. We are a workers’ union. We are not aligned to any political party or ideology.”

This declaration wasn’t just rhetorical—it was a strategic pivot. BEMAWU positioned itself as a non-partisan, member-driven organization focused on transparency, accountability, and direct service to its members.

Why BEMAWU Was Formed

The document outlines several core motivations:

  • Disillusionment with SABSA: Members felt sidelined, uninformed, and unprotected during critical disputes, including the 1993 lockout.
  • Lack of Communication: Decisions were made without proper consultation or ballot ratification.
  • Unfair Representation: Shop stewards were allegedly removed or silenced for questioning leadership decisions.
  • Need for Constitutional Reform: The union’s own rules were seen as outdated and undemocratic.

“We were told to resign from SABSA to get our salaries. We were told to sign declarations. We were not consulted. We were not protected.”

BEMAWU emerged as a response to this breakdown in trust.

Principles and Structure

The union’s founding principles were clear:

  • Democratic Decision-Making: No binding agreements without member ballots.
  • Transparency in Negotiations: All offers and counteroffers to be shared with members.
  • Protection of Individual Rights: Grievances to be handled promptly and fairly.
  • Non-Racial, Non-Sexist, Non-Political: A union for all workers, regardless of background or belief.

“We believe in unity through diversity. We believe in consultation before confrontation.”

The document also outlines a proposed structure for regional representation, grievance handling, and executive accountability.

Strategic Goals

BEMAWU’s early goals included:

  • Gaining recognition from the SABC and other media employers.
  • Establishing a clear procedural agreement that protected strike rights and bargaining power.
  • Building alliances with other non-political unions and federations.
  • Educating members on labour law, workplace rights, and union processes.

“We will not be a union that meets only when there is a crisis. We will be a union that builds, educates, and empowers.”

🧠 Legacy and Relevance

This document is more than a founding charter—it’s a manifesto for ethical unionism. It reflects a moment when workers in the media sector demanded not just better wages, but better representation. It also laid the groundwork for BEMAWU’s enduring role in defending fairness, transparency, and member autonomy.

Similar Posts