Can you join a union without your employer knowing?

Prior joining Union your are firstly recruited by union official or being told by friend/colleague how best the union is for you.

The union will give you a registration form of which you fill in and sign. You may personally pay monthly fee (subscription fee) to the union. however after the union have gained enough members to pursue organisational rights may approach the employer fro organisational rights.

Yes you may join union without anyone's prior permission as is envisaged by the Constitution of South Africa