11/08/2026
SINGUMKHONTO WABASEBENZI NPC
(THE SPEAR OF WORKERS)
OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP POLICY
Effective Date: 11 August 2026
"Know Your Rights. Protect Your Rights. Stand Up For Your Rights."
1. PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY
This Membership Policy establishes the different ways in which an individual may become connected with and participate in Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC (The Spear of Workers).
The policy explains:
how individuals may register with the organisation;
the different membership categories available;
membership contributions;
benefits attached to each membership;
once-off service membership;
continuous monthly membership;
accompaniment benefits;
membership waiting periods;
missed monthly contributions;
membership suspension and reactivation;
non-contributing/general membership;
volunteering;
the referral programme;
member accounts and the online member portal; and
the general conditions applicable to all members.
This policy is intended to ensure that every person joining or working with Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC understands exactly what the organisation offers and what is expected from its members.
2. ABOUT SINGUMKHONTO WABASEBENZI NPC
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC, also known as The Spear of Workers, is an independent workers' support organisation established to promote workers' rights awareness, education and access to procedural and paralegal assistance.
The organisation assists workers through activities including:
workers' rights education;
workplace rights guidance;
case assessment and review;
procedural guidance;
document preparation;
administrative assistance;
case-file organisation;
assistance with referrals to appropriate institutions;
communication and correspondence assistance;
case progress support;
workplace and dispute-process accompaniment where applicable;
educational support concerning labour processes; and
other activities falling within the organisation's mandate.
Important organisational position
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC:
is not a trade union;
is not a law firm;
is not a firm of attorneys;
is not affiliated with the CCMA or Department of Employment and Labour; and
does not replace an attorney, advocate, trade union or other legally authorised professional where such professional representation is required.
Members remain responsible for their own legal decisions, submissions and cases.
Where a matter falls outside our mandate or requires professional legal representation, the member may be advised to approach an appropriately qualified professional or institution.
3. EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO REGISTER
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC welcomes individuals who wish to connect with the organisation.
A person does not necessarily have to begin by selecting a paid monthly membership package.
Through the organisation's website, an individual may register an account and become part of the organisation's growing community.
There are therefore two broad categories:
A. CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS
These are members who select and maintain one of the organisation's membership or service contribution arrangements.
B. NON-CONTRIBUTING / GENERAL MEMBERS
These are registered individuals who have an active organisation account but have not selected a monthly membership package at that particular time.
A person may register as a general/non-contributing member and later request permission to update their account and select a membership package when they are ready.
4. WEBSITE MEMBER ACCOUNT
Every person who successfully registers through the Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC website may receive access to their own member account/portal, subject to the organisation's registration and account-activation procedures.
The member portal may provide features including:
personal member dashboard;
membership information;
case information and updates;
document uploading;
messages;
appointments;
assistance requests;
new case reporting;
referral link;
referral code; and
other features introduced by the organisation from time to time.
Important
Having a website account does not automatically mean that the person has activated paid membership benefits.
The member's account status and membership package determine which benefits are available.
5. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC currently provides the following principal membership/service options:
1. Basic Continuous Membership
R100 per month
2. Standard Continuous Membership
R150 per month
3. VIP Continuous Membership
R250 per month
4. Once-Off Service Membership
R380 once-off contribution
5. General / Non-Contributing Membership
No monthly membership contribution
6. Volunteer Participation
Volunteers may participate in approved organisational activities according to their skills, availability and the organisation's requirements.
6. BASIC CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP
Contribution: R100 per month
Basic Membership is the organisation's standard continuous membership option.
A Basic Member receives the organisation's ordinary membership benefits within the organisation's mandate.
These may include:
workers' rights education;
workers' rights guidance;
case consultation;
case review;
procedural guidance;
administrative assistance;
document-related assistance within the organisation's mandate;
assistance with organising case information and evidence;
guidance concerning appropriate labour institutions and procedures;
member portal access and available member services; and
other ordinary membership benefits introduced by the organisation.
Accompaniment
Basic Membership does not include physical accompaniment.
Where a Basic Member requires an accompaniment service that is not included in the Basic Membership package, the organisation may advise the member of the applicable service arrangement before the assistance is provided.
7. STANDARD CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP
Contribution: R150 per month
Standard Membership includes all Basic Membership benefits.
In addition, Standard Members may receive accompaniment to:
workplace hearings;
workplace investigations;
CCMA proceedings; and
Labour Court sessions,
within the organisation's mandate and subject to the organisation's availability and applicable procedural limitations.
Province requirement
At present, Standard Membership accompaniment is available only to members located in provinces where Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC has an operational office/branch capable of providing such physical accompaniment.
As of the effective date of this policy:
Mpumalanga is currently the province with an operational Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC office for this purpose.
As the organisation grows, the establishment of additional provincial offices will progressively expand the availability of Standard and VIP physical accompaniment.
The organisation's objective is to reach a minimum organisational membership threshold of approximately 100 members in a province before establishing an operational branch there, subject to the organisation's resources, capacity and management decisions.
Member transport responsibility
Under Standard Membership:
The member remains responsible for their own transport costs associated with accompaniment.
This may include transport to:
workplace hearings;
investigations;
CCMA proceedings;
Labour Court sessions; or
other approved appointments.
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC provides the applicable accompaniment support, but Standard Membership does not include payment of the member's transport expenses.
8. VIP CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP
Contribution: R250 per month
VIP Membership provides the member with:
Basic Membership benefits
PLUS
Standard Membership benefits
PLUS
Paid accompaniment transport support
Where physical accompaniment is approved and provided under the VIP Membership, Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC covers the applicable accompaniment transport cost for the member, subject to organisational procedures, availability and reasonable limits.
VIP Membership is therefore designed for members who want the highest continuous membership level currently offered by the organisation.
9. STANDARD AND VIP MEMBERSHIP WAITING PERIOD
A new member who chooses Standard or VIP Membership does not immediately receive the additional accompaniment benefits.
The member first receives the Basic Membership benefits immediately after their first successful membership contribution.
The three-month waiting period works as follows:
Month 1
Member pays:
Standard: R150, or
VIP: R250
The member immediately receives Basic Membership benefits.
The additional Standard/VIP accompaniment benefits are not yet active.
Month 2
Member makes their second monthly contribution.
The member continues receiving Basic Membership benefits.
The waiting period continues.
Month 3
Member makes their third monthly contribution.
Once the third required contribution has successfully been made, the applicable additional Standard or VIP membership benefits become available, subject to the organisation's procedures and capacity.
Therefore:
Standard and VIP Members must complete three consecutive monthly contributions before their additional accompaniment benefits are unlocked.
This requirement does not prevent the member from receiving Basic Membership benefits during the waiting period.
10. BASIC MEMBERSHIP HAS NO WAITING PERIOD
Basic Membership operates differently.
A worker who chooses Basic Membership and successfully pays the required R100 contribution receives Basic Membership benefits immediately, subject to the organisation's normal procedures.
There is no three-month waiting period for Basic Membership benefits.
11. ONCE-OFF SERVICE MEMBERSHIP
Contribution: R380 once-off
The Once-Off Service Membership is designed primarily for workers who want assistance with a particular workplace matter without immediately committing themselves to continuous monthly membership.
The contribution is:
R380 once-off
The standard Once-Off Service Membership period is:
Three months
During this period, the organisation may provide assistance relating to the member's particular matter within its mandate.
The Once-Off Service Membership is therefore not intended to operate as a permanent monthly membership arrangement.
12. EXPIRY OF THE ONCE-OFF SERVICE MEMBERSHIP
Under the ordinary rule, the Once-Off Service Membership ends after the standard three-month period.
If the member's matter has not been resolved by the end of that period, the member may choose to continue receiving assistance by selecting an appropriate continuous membership package, provided they meet the applicable membership requirements.
The member may choose:
Basic — R100 per month;
Standard — R150 per month; or
VIP — R250 per month.
13. IMPORTANT EXCEPTION — WORKERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR INCOME
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC recognises that some workers approach the organisation after already losing their employment and income.
Where a worker:
is unemployed;
has lost their regular income; and
joined under the R380 Once-Off Service Membership,
the organisation may continue assisting that worker with the relevant matter beyond the ordinary three-month period until the matter is finalised, provided the worker remains unemployed and continues to qualify under this exception.
This is a special protection for unemployed workers who genuinely cannot afford continuous monthly membership.
If the worker obtains employment
If the worker obtains employment that provides them with a stable monthly income, the special unemployed-worker exception ends.
The worker may then be required to select an appropriate continuous membership package if they wish to continue receiving assistance.
14. MOVING FROM ONCE-OFF SERVICE TO STANDARD OR VIP
If a Once-Off Service Member whose matter remains unresolved chooses to move to Standard or VIP Membership, the three-month waiting period applicable to those membership levels will apply.
During the waiting period:
Standard Member
The member receives Basic Membership benefits.
The additional Standard accompaniment benefits become available after the required third monthly contribution.
VIP Member
The member receives Basic Membership benefits.
The additional VIP benefits become available after the required third monthly contribution.
Basic Member
There is no waiting period.
Basic benefits become available once the required R100 contribution has been successfully made.
15. MEMBERS WHO FAIL TO PAY MONTHLY CONTRIBUTIONS
Continuous membership requires regular monthly contributions.
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC allows a member to miss a maximum of two consecutive monthly contributions without immediate suspension.
However, the member must bring the account up to date by the third month.
Example
If a member misses:
Month 1 — unpaid
Month 2 — unpaid
then, by Month 3, the member must settle the outstanding two months plus the current third month's contribution, or otherwise bring the account sufficiently up to date to prevent suspension.
16. SUSPENSION AFTER THE THIRD MISSED MONTH
If the fourth month begins while the member has still not settled the required outstanding contributions, the membership will be:
SUSPENDED EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
Once suspended, the member is no longer entitled to active membership benefits.
This means that if the member experiences a new workplace problem during the suspension period, they cannot rely on their suspended membership for active membership assistance.
The member's account may remain in the organisation's records/archive until the member chooses to reactivate it.
17. MEMBERSHIP REACTIVATION
A suspended member may request reactivation.
To reactivate, the member must settle the outstanding contributions according to the membership package applicable before suspension, together with the required activation contribution for the membership package selected upon return.
Basic example
If the member previously held Basic Membership and three months became outstanding:
3 months × R100 = R300
plus the required current Basic activation contribution:
R100
Total:
R400
Standard example
If the member previously held Standard Membership:
3 months × R150 = R450
plus:
R150
Total:
R600
VIP example
If the member previously held VIP Membership:
3 months × R250 = R750
plus:
R250
Total:
R1,000
The exact amount owed may be confirmed by the organisation's financial records before reactivation.
18. GENERAL / NON-CONTRIBUTING MEMBERSHIP
A person may register on the organisation's website without selecting a paid membership package.
This category is intended for individuals who may:
want to learn more about the organisation;
want to remain connected with Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC;
be considering membership;
currently be unable to afford a membership contribution;
want to participate as volunteers;
want to support the organisation's growth;
want to participate in approved organisational programmes; or
simply want to maintain an active organisation account before choosing a membership package.
Important
General/Non-Contributing Membership does not automatically provide the paid membership benefits attached to Basic, Standard or VIP Membership.
The person's account remains available for them to consider their membership options.
19. CHANGING FROM GENERAL MEMBERSHIP TO A PAID MEMBERSHIP
A General/Non-Contributing Member may later decide to become a contributing member.
The member may request permission through the organisation's prescribed process to update their account and select:
Basic;
Standard; or
VIP Membership.
Once the applicable contribution has been successfully made, the member's membership status will be updated according to the applicable membership rules.
20. VOLUNTEERING
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC welcomes individuals who want to contribute their time, skills and abilities to the organisation.
A person does not necessarily need to be a paying member to express an interest in volunteering.
Volunteer opportunities may include areas such as:
community worker education;
awareness campaigns;
administration;
provincial/community mobilisation;
digital support;
communication;
research;
event support;
membership mobilisation;
educational content;
organisational development; and
other approved activities.
Volunteer participation is subject to the organisation's needs, available positions, training requirements and organisational approval.
21. REFERRAL PROGRAMME
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC operates a referral programme designed to encourage members and participating individuals to help the organisation grow.
Eligible participants may receive:
5% monthly recurring commission
for qualifying active members who join through their referral link or unique referral code and remain active.
Each eligible participant may receive:
a unique referral link; and/or
a unique referral code.
The participant can share their referral information with people who may wish to join Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC.
22. REFERRAL COMMISSION
The referral incentive is intended to reward individuals who actively help introduce new members to the organisation.
Where a referred person successfully joins through the applicable referral mechanism and remains an active contributing member, the referring participant may earn the applicable 5% recurring commission, subject to the organisation's referral programme rules and verification procedures.
Referral commissions may be subject to:
successful attribution of the referral;
confirmation that the referred member is active;
successful receipt of the member's contribution;
the organisation's financial verification;
applicable programme rules; and
any future amendments to the referral programme.
23. WEBSITE REGISTRATION DOES NOT CREATE FALSE EXPECTATIONS
Registration on the Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC website should not be interpreted as a promise that the organisation will automatically take over a person's case.
Registration provides access to the organisation's member/account system according to the person's status.
Assistance remains subject to:
the organisation's mandate;
the nature of the matter;
available organisational resources;
membership status;
applicable waiting periods;
geographical availability for physical services;
appointment availability; and
the organisation's assessment of the matter.
24. MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
Every member is expected to:
Provide truthful and accurate information.
Keep their contact information updated.
Provide accurate employment and case information.
Upload or provide relevant documents when requested.
Pay applicable membership contributions on time.
Keep their login information secure.
Treat organisational staff, volunteers and fellow members respectfully.
Attend scheduled appointments or notify the organisation when unable to attend.
Follow organisational procedures.
Avoid submitting fraudulent or deliberately misleading information.
Understand that membership does not guarantee a particular legal outcome.
Remain responsible for their own decisions and conduct in their matters.
25. ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC will endeavour to:
provide members with accurate workers' rights education;
provide assistance within its organisational mandate;
maintain member records;
communicate important case updates;
provide available member portal functionality;
protect organisational and member information appropriately;
provide membership information transparently;
maintain appropriate financial and membership records; and
treat members fairly and respectfully.
26. PHYSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT
Physical accompaniment is a specialised organisational benefit and is not automatically available to every member.
Its availability depends on:
membership category;
completion of the applicable waiting period;
provincial/branch availability;
organisational capacity;
scheduling;
nature of the matter; and
whether the requested activity falls within the organisation's mandate.
Standard Members cover their own applicable transport costs.
VIP Members receive the additional transport support described under the VIP Membership provisions, subject to organisational procedures and reasonable limitations.
27. PROVINCIAL EXPANSION
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC is committed to expanding its presence across South Africa.
As the organisation grows, provincial membership levels will be monitored.
The organisation currently uses a target of approximately:
100 members in a province
as one of the considerations for establishing an operational provincial office.
However, reaching 100 members does not automatically create a legal or financial obligation to open a branch. The final decision will depend on organisational capacity, resources, sustainability and management approval.
When a new provincial office becomes operational, the organisation may update the availability of Standard and VIP physical accompaniment services in that province.
28. MEMBERSHIP STATUS
A member's account may carry different statuses, including:
GENERAL / NON-CONTRIBUTING
Registered but no paid membership package currently active.
BASIC ACTIVE
R100 monthly membership active.
STANDARD ACTIVE
R150 monthly membership active, with additional benefits subject to the three-month waiting period.
VIP ACTIVE
R250 monthly membership active, with additional benefits subject to the three-month waiting period.
ONCE-OFF SERVICE
R380 service membership active within the applicable rules.
SUSPENDED
Membership benefits temporarily unavailable because required contributions were not settled.
ARCHIVED
Account retained in organisational records after the applicable membership/service relationship has ended or been suspended, subject to organisational recordkeeping procedures.
29. MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS ARE NOT A GUARANTEE OF OUTCOME
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC provides support, education, guidance and assistance within its mandate.
Membership does not guarantee:
winning a CCMA matter;
winning a Labour Court matter;
reinstatement;
compensation;
settlement;
a particular employer response;
a particular institutional decision; or
any specific legal outcome.
The organisation can assist members in understanding and navigating their matters, but the final outcome may depend on employers, statutory institutions, courts, commissioners, evidence, applicable law and other circumstances beyond the organisation's control.
30. POLICY CHANGES
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC reserves the right to review and update this Membership Policy as the organisation grows and develops new services, provincial offices, membership systems, technology and organisational programmes.
Any significant changes will be communicated through appropriate organisational channels and, where applicable, published on the organisation's website.
The membership rules applicable to a member may therefore change in the future as the organisation develops, subject to proper organisational approval and communication.
31. WEBSITE TERMS AND MEMBER ACCEPTANCE
By registering on the Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC website, an individual acknowledges that they have been given access to the organisation's membership information and agrees to comply with the applicable organisational rules.
Before selecting a paid membership package, members are encouraged to read and understand:
the Membership Policy;
the applicable membership contribution;
the benefits attached to the selected package;
waiting periods;
suspension rules;
referral programme rules; and
the organisation's service limitations.
32. OUR COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC does not want workers to join based on false promises.
We believe every worker should know exactly what they are paying for, exactly what they can expect, and exactly where the organisation's mandate ends.
Our objective is not to sell false dreams.
Our objective is to:
Educate workers.
Empower workers.
Guide workers.
Support workers.
Help workers understand and exercise their rights.
33. OUR MESSAGE TO EVERY WORKER
You may join us as:
A contributing member.
A once-off service member.
A general/non-contributing member.
A volunteer.
Or simply as a person who wants to remain connected with the organisation while deciding what role you would like to play.
There is a place for everyone who genuinely wants to contribute to the advancement of workers' rights.
As Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC continues expanding across South Africa, our membership community will grow together with the organisation.
SINGUMKHONTO WABASEBENZI NPC
THE SPEAR OF WORKERS
Know Your Rights.
Protect Your Rights.
Stand Up For Your Rights.
Together We Stand.
Together We Win.
"Stabbing Back Legally."
ORGANISATIONAL DISCLAIMER
Singumkhonto Wabasebenzi NPC (The Spear of Workers) is an independent workers' support organisation.
We are not a trade union, law firm or attorneys, and we are not affiliated with the CCMA or Department of Employment and Labour.
Our role is to provide workers' rights education, paralegal guidance, administrative assistance, case support and other assistance falling within our organisational mandate.
Where a matter requires professional legal representation or falls outside our mandate, members may be advised to seek assistance from an appropriately qualified legal professional or relevant institution.
Membership does not guarantee a particular outcome.
Official Membership Contribution Structure
Membership / Service
Contribution
Key Benefit
General / Non-Contributing
R0
Active account; no paid membership benefits
Basic
R100/month
Core membership benefits; no waiting period
Standard
R150/month
Basic + accompaniment benefits after 3rd contribution
VIP
R250/month
Basic + Standard + applicable paid transport support after 3rd contribution
Once-Off Service
R380 once-off
Assistance for a particular matter, ordinarily 3 months
Volunteer
No fixed membership fee
Participation according to organisational opportunities and approval
Current provincial accompaniment availability: Mpumalanga.
