MISTRA was appointed to conduct a study that will inform the organisational renewal of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). The overall aim of the study was to identify the exact nature of the problems and make recommendations that will enable NUM to undertake a process of renewal. The study employed a sociological and organisational approach with the researchers analysing the current problems that face NUM within a historical context. The study entailed a desktop study and focus group meetings for ordinary members and office bearers. Some interviews were also conducted with a sample drawn from the leadership structures of the union.