Metalworkers union, Numsa, has reached its worst crisis.

Analyst and former trade unionist Dr Ebrahim Harvey believes a split of the country’s largest labour union is inevitable.

Numsa went ahead with its 11th congress despite a court interdict.

The order was granted to a group of disgruntled members who were suspended ahead of the congress.

The fall out came in the wake of the precautionary suspension of second deputy president, Ruth Ntlokotse.

She was accused of breaking rank for contesting the presidency position of the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) in May.

Factionalism has overshadowed the congress.

General Secretary Irvin Jim and other leaders have been accused of not being transparent about how the union has used funds and their investments.

Numsa has also been refusing to file its audited financial statements with the labour department registrar which keeps unions and employer associations in check.

Numsa has confirmed that it going ahead with its controversial congress was in contempt of a court order.

But it maintains that it believes the Labour Court got it wrong when it granted the interdict.

It’s attempt to appeal the ruling was dismissed with the judge noting that it going ahead with the event was unguided and unwise.

Numsa has now indicated that it intends to approach the Labour Appeal Court for direct access.