About Us
A workers' movement built by workers.
Workers Forum was founded in 1997 by shop stewards who believed South African workers deserved a democratic, independent voice.
Our Story
From a small gathering of shop stewards in Johannesburg, Workers Forum has grown into a national movement representing more than 120,000 workers across manufacturing, mining, transport, retail and the public service.
We are organised in all nine provinces of South Africa, with provincial offices, regional locals and active workplace structures. Our national congress, held every four years, sets the political and organisational direction of the union.
At workers-forum.org we believe that the dignity of working people is non-negotiable. We are independent of any political party, accountable only to the workers who elect our leadership.
Our Values
- Worker control and democracy
- Solidarity across race, gender and sector
- Independence from political parties and employers
- Honest and transparent leadership
- A commitment to non-violence and the rule of law
National Structure
National Congress
Held every four years. The supreme decision-making body of Workers Forum, attended by elected delegates from all provinces.
National Executive
Day-to-day leadership of the union, elected by congress and accountable to members between congresses.
Provincial Structures
Provincial Executive Committees in all nine provinces, supported by regional locals and workplace shop stewards councils.
National Leadership
Meet our National Chairperson
Cde Prince Nkomo
National Chairperson · Workers Forum
Prince Nkomo serves as the National Chairperson of Workers Forum, leading the union's national executive and representing more than 120,000 members across all nine provinces of South Africa.
A long-standing shop steward and worker activist, Cde Nkomo has dedicated his life to building democratic, member-driven structures rooted in the principle of Umuntu Wesizwe — a person of the nation. Under his chairpersonship, Workers Forum continues to fight for safe jobs, a living wage and the dignity of every worker.
"Our strength has always been our unity. From the factory floor to the national congress, every worker has a voice in this movement." — Prince Nkomo
Cde Emily Van Jaarsveld
Finance Officer · Workers Forum
Emily Van Jaarsveld serves as the Finance Officer of Workers Forum, safeguarding the financial integrity and accountability of the union on behalf of its members in all nine provinces.
She oversees membership subscriptions, budgeting, audits and the transparent reporting that keeps Workers Forum independent and member-controlled. Every cent contributed by workers is accounted for under her stewardship.
