Who is funding Irvin Jim’s luxurious way of life?

Questions are being raised about the funding of National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) general secretary Irvin Jim’s lifestyle, following a News24 investigation into benefits allegedly provided by outside organisations.

The report focuses on claims that Jim has lived in luxury accommodation and had access to an armoured BMW, with the costs allegedly covered by entities linked to external benefactors.

Focus on transparency and funding sources

Speaking on 702’s Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa, News24 journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha said the issue goes beyond politics and public perception.

According to Mantshantsha, the key questions relate to the source of the funding, whether the benefits have been declared to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and whether NUMSA members and leadership were aware of the arrangements.

He said Jim was allegedly living in a luxury property paid for by a non-profit organisation, while a separate company allegedly funded a BMW valued at about R5 million.

“The question about this is, where does this money come from? Who is funding Jim’s lavish lifestyle?” Mantshantsha said.

Claims of billionaire-linked funding

The investigation links the funding to organisations registered in 2018, including Critical Mass Origin and Friends of the Workers.

Mantshantsha said questions were sent to individuals connected to the organisations, asking where the money originated and why it was being used to cover Jim’s expenses.

He claimed people familiar with the organisations alleged that funding ultimately came from Roy Singham, a US-born technology billionaire who now lives in China and has been linked to left-wing organisations internationally.

The investigation raises questions about whether NUMSA members were aware of the alleged arrangements and whether all funding entering South Africa complied with legal requirements.

No response from Jim

Mantshantsha said questions were sent to Jim, NUMSA’s spokesperson and the union’s executive leadership. At the time of the interview, he said no responses had been received.

“We definitely will give them another opportunity to answer the questions,” he said.

The allegations have placed renewed attention on transparency, governance and accountability within one of South Africa’s largest trade unions, which represents more than 300,000 members across key sectors of the economy.