Former NUMSA spokesperson, who resigned citing threats to her life, joins MISA
Renowned communications specialist and unionist Phakamile Hlubi-Majola has joined MISA.
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Seasoned communications specialist and unionist Phakamile Hlubi-Majola has joined the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) as its spokesperson.
This comes days after Hlubi-Majola resigned suddenly from the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA), following alleged threats to her life from unknown sources.
On February 3, NUMSA released a statement outlining the circumstances surrounding her resignation.
It said that on January 27, 2026, Hlubi-Majola was due to join NUMSA General Secretary Irvin Jim in a Parliamentary Committee in Cape Town, which centred around the implementation of the South African Automotive Master Plan.
But before departing from her hotel, she received a message from an unknown number warning her to be careful, as people “were following her, knew all her movements and were paid to kill her,” NUMSA revealed.
Instead of attending Parliament, she took the next flight back to Johannesburg, and also forwarded a screenshot of the threatening message to Irvin.
Following her resignation the following day, NUMSA condemned the assassination threats and, in an internal memo, stated that two other NUMSA members had received similar threatening messages.
Her departure sent ripples through the labour movement, as it highlighted growing concerns around the personal safety threats that union officials face in South Africa.
In her resignation letter, she stated that this was the third threat made against her life, The Star reported.
Hlubi-Majola, who is also a former journalist, said she was grateful for the opportunity to continue serving workers and their families at MISA. The union represents over 75,000 workers in the motor retail space.
"Together with the very capable MISA communications team, that is led by Sonja Carstens, I look forward to elevating the organisation and to achieving even greater things," she said.
MISA’s Chief Executive Officer, Martlé Keyter, said the union partnered with Hlubi-Majola’s communications company with the aim of taking its Media and Communication Department to new heights.
“MISA is excited to welcome Hlubi-Majola on our team. We share a deep commitment to defending the rights of workers. Our partnership is key to ensure that the voices of MISA’s members are amplified," Keyter said.
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