Rail transport in South Africa

  • 1905
    LEMAS
    founded 1905 (locomotive personnel)
    SAFSA 1976
  • 1924
    ASA
    founded 1924 (skilled artisans)
    TWU 1993 (open to all)

Merger talks

  • 1993
    Merger talks began (SAFSA, TWU & SALSTAFF)
    1993
    No fruition
  • 1998
    Further talks
    1998-1999
    Further talks, SAFSA withdraws, TWU & SALSTAFF continue, breakdown in talks
  • 2000
    TWU & SAFSA re-engage in talks
    2000
    TWU & SAFSA re-engage in talks, sign a merger agreement, both parties appoint a merger committee, appoint a facilitator (Prof Wiehahn), UTATU is formed, final registration (20 November 2000)

The South African Footplate Staff Association (SAFSA) and Technical Workers Union (TWU) merged to form what was known as UTATU – United Transport and Allied Trade Union.

UTATU merged with SARWHU to form UTATU SARWHU with effect from 22 June 2012.
The Union’s name changed from UTATU SARWHU to United National Transport Union (UNTU). The Registrar of Labour approved the name change with effect from 1 November 2014.