In our roundup of weekend news, see
summaries of our selection of South African
labour-related stories that appeared since
Friday, 30 September 2022.
|
Investigators on the hunt for Eskom saboteurs who are seeking to make load-shedding worse City Press reports that writes that power stations are being sabotaged to make load shedding worse, while ANC leaders are publicly blaming Eskom – all in an apparent attempt to put pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa and Eskom boss André de Ruyter. A senior technician who has been working for Eskom for years was reportedly suspended recently, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into alleged sabotage at Camden Power Station in Mpumalanga. This after he allegedly intentionally opened a shut-off valve and allowed dangerous chemicals to flow into the supply of demineralised water to the boilers. The power generation boilers were consequently switched off to prevent damage to them and to turbine equipment. When announcing the new Eskom board on Friday, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan confirmed that the Camden incident had been part of deliberate resistance among staff against crackdowns to eradicate corruption and sabotage. According to sources, there are clear signs that subversive efforts by Eskom are currently being intensified in the run-up to the ANC’s national elective conference in December. A formidable team of investigators has been investigating abuses and sabotage in the organisation for the past few months. The investigators are being assisted by a special investigation unit set up by the police, as well as a team of operators from the State Security Agency. Ramaphosa’s opponents apparently see the power crisis as one of their strongest weapons to attack him with. They believe that the president’s support for De Ruyter makes him vulnerable and also want to ensure that those who benefit financially from corrupt contracts do not have their access to this cash cow cut off. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Antoinette Slabbert, Dawie Boonzaaier & Erika Gibson at City Press (subscriber access only) Eskom CEO André de Ruyter’s car bugged with ‘highly sophisticated device’ Sunday Times reports that a “sophisticated bug” was recently discovered in Eskom CEO André de Ruyter's car. A preliminary investigation by a forensic company found that the device was “typically used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies” and investigators said it was “not commercially available on the open market”. De Ruyter said he discovered the bug under the driver's seat when he was cleaning his vehicle on 23 September. He reported: “I was in the back of my Volvo when I saw something strange on the floor underneath the driver’s seat. The device — a motherboard filled with microchips — immediately looked out of place. I assume it was stuck to the bottom of the seat and must have shaken loose.” He contacted retired police commissioner George Fivaz, whose company specialises in forensic investigations. The experts are still analysing the device to find out more about its capabilities. The preliminary report says the device is “a transceiver, highly efficient in design”. The incident comes as De Ruyter faces unprecedented pressure and calls to be axed after debilitating load-shedding over the past three weeks and as Eskom battles to root out syndicates involved in corruption and sabotage at the power utility. De Ruyter said he would not let the incident distract him: “I refuse to lose sleep over something like this. I am constantly threatened on Twitter. I cannot let these things influence my attention.” Willem Els of the Institute for Security Studies said the De Ruyter bug could be the work of a variety of suspects, but one stood out: “Criminal syndicates and Eskom are not new. And syndicates are on record as using electronic eavesdropping and tracking apparatus.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hendrik Hancke at Sunday Times (subscriber access only) Mpho Makwana returns to lead a new Eskom board that includes five engineers Engineering News reports that Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan last week unveiled the names of the much-anticipated new Eskom board, which includes five engineers and a trade unionist, and which will be led by Mpho Makwana, who was appointed executive chairperson at the utility in late 2009 following a previous leadership crisis. The board, whose three-year appointment began on 1 October, comprises 13 nonexecutive directors, including Dr Rod Crompton who has been retained from the previous board, and two executive directors, CEO André de Ruyter and CFO Calib Cassim. Former Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) general-secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali is said to be an interesting new inclusion. His appointment coincides with recent industrial relations difficulties at the utility, which contributed to the implementation of Stage 6 load-shedding in June and July when some workers at coal stations embarked on an illegal strike for higher wages. Makwana succeeds Professor Malegapuru Makgoba and takes up a role that he occupied previously as an executive chairperson. Gordhan said that the board had been appointed following a Cabinet meeting and a vetting process that had not involved any other structure, including the ANC’s deployment committee. Gordhan refused to be drawn on why the reconstitution of the board, which had been denuded over time and lacked any engineers, had taken so long. He also revealed that certain prospective qualified candidates had declined to serve on the board in light of the perceived reputational risks, as well as the treatment of professionals, especially black professionals, during the State capture period. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News. Read too, Eskom names new board – bringing much-needed engineering skills to the fold, at BusinessTech. En ook, ‘ANC-kader van geen waarde vir Eskom’ – DA, by Maroela Media Former Eskom senior manager’s pension payout frozen amid SIU probe TimesLive reports that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a preservation order to freeze the pension benefits of Duduzile Babalwa Moyo, a former senior Eskom manager who allegedly unlawfully benefited by R24.5m. The special tribunal order, dated 28 September, interdicts the Eskom pension and provident fund from paying pension benefits to Moyo, who resigned last month. Moyo in her role as Eskom’s supply, contracts manager and employer's representative contracted a business named Tamukelo to transport raw and potable water from Kendal and Kusile power stations. She signed 23 interim payment certificates in respect of Tamukelo's services for the period December 2011 to July 2014 totalling about R138m. Furthermore, the SIU probe revealed Tamukelo and its representatives paid entities linked or associated with Moyo, while she negotiated and managed Eskom's contract with Tamukelo. The SIU said Moyo created entities owned by members of her family and friends to receive these funds. The SIU alleged Moyo also deceived Eskom and repeatedly made fraudulent misrepresentations, declaring there was no conflict of interest when dealing with Tamukelo and other role players when she signed Eskom’s annual declaration of conflict of interest policy. The SIU intends to expeditiously institute civil proceedings against Moyo. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at BusinessLive. Lees ook, Oud-Eskom-baas se pensioenvoordele bevries, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Cosatu votes 594 to 194 to dump the ANC and throw its weight behind the SACP Sunday World reports that in an unprecedented move, some of Cosatu’s influential affiliates have overwhelmingly voted to dump the ANC and instead support the SA Communist Party (SACP) to contest the 2024 elections independent of the governing party. The development saw Cosatu and SACP leaders meet President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday night in a hastily convened private meeting. Details of the meeting have been kept under wraps. This came after affiliates forced last week’s Cosatu congress to vote on a motion to resolve supporting the SACP being on the ballot in 2024. Some influential affiliates, which included Nehawu, the NUM and Popcru rejected a deferral of the matter until a special congress in May. The three unions forced congress to vote on the matter. The motion allegedly received 594 votes against 194 who preferred to call a special congress to decide on the matter in May. The results of the crucial vote have yet to be officially announced and it was not clear by Saturday why Cosatu decided not to announce them. Cosatu spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said the results would be released after the next meeting of the federation’s central executive committee. “Officially, the results are not out so I can’t comment on the numbers you are quoting,” he said. On Saturday, ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe warned of a split in the ANC vote should the SACP contest elections and commented: “It is fine, as long as they know that they will be fishing from the same pond. It is not going to increase anything; it will split what is there.” Cosatu’s president, Zingiswa Losi, said the organisation could survive on its own. Read the full original of the informative report in the above regard by George Matlala at Sunday World. Read too, Cosatu not backing down on its ultimatum to the ANC, at City Press. And also, ‘We need a confederation of the working class to fight capitalism’, says Vavi, at Sunday Times (subscriber access only) Why Cosatu axed general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali at congress City Press reports that former Cosatu general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali bowed out of his influential position last week in an unexpected manner for an incumbent. Ntshalintshali, a veteran trade unionist, was forced to decline nomination. After receiving only a single nomination, Ntshalintshali declined to stand for re-election, making way for his deputy Solly Phetoe to be elected unopposed. But according to sources, his exit was planned way before the union federation’s 14th national congress held from 26 to 29 September. Some union leaders who tried to persuade him not to stand for re-election indicated that Ntshalintshali had failed to execute his mandate after he replaced Zwelinzima Vavi in 2015. In the build up to the congress, leaders of the affiliate unions apparently advised him not to stand, but he did not listen. They felt that Ntshalintshali, who is almost 70, was too old to continue serving in the demanding position. According to other sources, his close relationship with the ANC influenced the affiliates’ decision not to support him as they felt that he would leave Cosatu to take up a Cabinet post, so they needed someone to take over. Members of affiliates said they felt it was time for Ntshalintshali to make way for a new person as they wanted to embark on an aggressive recruitment drive and the position needed “an energised person”. Ntshalintshali replaced Vavi who was fired in 2015, and retained the position when he was re-elected in the 13th national congress in 2018. Ntshalintshali was not the only one to fall by the wayside at the congress. Simon Hlungwani, leader of Denosa, made way for Duncan Luvuno who was elected the second deputy president. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Norman Masungwini at City Press (subscriber access only) Former unionist Mantashe learns with booing at Cosatu congress that he is now a member of the ruling class Daily Maverick reports that ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe did not hide his irritation at the second day of Cosatu’s congress at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Tuesday last week. A frustrated Mantashe spoke to the media as he left, after again not being allowed to deliver the ANC’s message of support. He said: “Delegates of the conference didn’t want us to talk to them. We must humbly accept that… I’m leaving. I’m not going to address the conference. I will not be here tomorrow. I was here yesterday. I was here today.” According to Mantashe, delegates were “immature” for not allowing him to speak, but he noted that the ANC would try to mend fences with Cosatu. Mantashe had to exit the stage alongside ANC National Executive Committee members Lindiwe Zulu and Mmamoloko Kubayi – without delivering his remarks – on Monday, the opening day of the conference. This was after he was heckled and booed by delegates who have accused the ANC of making empty promises. They were unapologetic about their stance and wanted the ANC to account for a number of issues, including the wage increase the government has offered to public servants, which they believe does not cover the high cost of living. Meantime, Mantashe is contesting the position of ANC chairperson for another. Asked about former President Jacob Zuma throwing his hat into the ring, he said it was “the biggest joke of the year”. “If JZ at the age of 81 wants to contest as chairperson of the ANC, I take it as a joke,” Mantashe stated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Queenin Masuabi on page 7 of Daily Maverick of 01 – 07 October 2022 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Two electrical workers critically injured in transformer explosion in Pretoria on Thursday Arrive Alive writes that on Thursday, Netcare 911 responded to reports of an explosion near the Soshanguve Stadium on Buitenkant Street in Soshanguve, Pretoria. Reports from the scene indicated that electrical workers were busy with repairs to the circuit breakers of a transformer, when an arc flash occurred. Medics arrived on scene to find an adult male and an adult female lying on the floor, unresponsive. The female patient had sustained 65% full thickness burns and the male patient had sustained 45% full thickness burns. Both patients were in a critical condition and required advanced life support intervention to stabilise them. Once treated, the female patient was flown by helicopter to the hospital. The male patient once stabilised was transported by ambulance to hospital for further care. Read the original of the report in the above regard at Arrive Alive. Lees ook, Werkers ernstig beseer in ontploffing, by Maroela Media Tshwane metro police officer killed in Centurion hijacking on Sunday Pretoria Rekord reports that a Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) officer was shot and killed in Olievenhoutbosch during a hijacking in the early hours of Sunday morning. TMPD spokesperson Superintendent Isaac Mahamba confirmed the incident and said the officer had been off duty. He was driving with his girlfriend in his car when the hijacking happened. The hijacking is reported to have taken place near Samrand, Olievenhoutbosch. Mahamba said the officer was shot multiple times and was declared dead at the scene. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Manna Maurice at Pretoria Rekord. Lees ook, Metropolisiebeampte tydens kaping vermoor, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
AMCU declares dispute in PGM wage talks with Sibanye-Stillwater after three months of talks Miningmx reports that the Association of Mineworkers & Construction Union (AMCU) has declared a dispute following nearly three months of wage negotiations with Sibanye-Stillwater in respect of the producer’s South African platinum group metal (PGM) mines. The miner said in an announcement on Friday it had presented a five-year wage deal consisting of fixed average annual wage increases of 6% “and above”. Inflation-linked increases had been proposed for the fourth and fifth years of the wage agreement – mirroring the extended wage deals other PGM miners had agreed earlier this year. Sibanye’s offer has been accepted by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and UASA, which are expected to sign agreements this week. However, AMCU has referred the matter to the CCMA for conciliation. Sibanye said the parties had agreed to “engage in a constructive manner” and that it wanted to avoid “protracted positional bargaining in the best interests of employees”. Discussions between Sibanye and unions began at the beginning of July. The dispute with AMCU perpetuates a rancorous relationship between it and Sibanye. The two were at loggerheads earlier this year when AMCU took employees out on a three month strike at the firm’s gold mines. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by David McKay at Miningmx. Read too, Sibanye and AMCU platinum wage talks deadlock, at Fin24 Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Petrol price cut on the cards for Wednesday, but diesel may be hiked News24 Business reports that the latest information from the Central Energy Fund shows that petrol prices may be cut on Wednesday, but diesel is on track for a small price hike. Based on the latest data, the price of 95 unleaded petrol is expected to fall by around R1.02 a litre. At current levels, the 95 petrol price in Johannesburg could move to below R22.40 a litre on Wednesday, which would be the lowest since May this year. The price of 93 petrol could drop by around 90c a litre. However, the diesel price is currently on track for a hike of between 10c to 15c a litre. The fuel prices are usually adjusted on the first Wednesday of a month and determined by the price of oil and the rand-dollar exchange rate. Fortunately for motorists, the oil price has slumped to its lowest level since January amid concern about energy demand as steep interest rate hikes weigh on global economic growth. But diesel prices are remaining stickier than petrol because of a squeeze on diesel supplies worldwide. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Fin24
PIC defies CCMA by pushing ahead with replacing fired finance chief Matshepo More BL Premium reports that the process of appointing a new finance chief at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is at an advanced stage despite a ruling by the CCMA that Matshepo More be reinstated as CFO. The process for appointing More’s replacement began earlier this year as part of the PIC’s drive to overhaul governance in line with the Mpati commission’s recommendations to ensure effective governance. The CCMA in September nullified the fund manager’s decision to terminate More’s contract labelling it “inordinate and unfair”, so throwing a spanner in the works of the PIC’s move to strengthen governance and management processes. But, the PIC has not halted the appointment of a CFO, indicating in its 2021/2022 annual report that the “recruitment of a permanent CFO is at an advanced stage”. Brian Mavuka has been acting CFO since the PIC terminated More’s contract in October 2021 after a disciplinary hearing found her guilty of neglecting her duties. The PIC previously said that it was studying the CCMA arbitration award. More is part of a cohort of former PIC executives who have undergone disciplinary hearings after being implicated in the commission’s report as having played a role in flouting the fund manager’s investment policies. The PIC oversees R2.548-trillion in assets on behalf of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Compensation Fund. The fund manager has implemented 70% of the Mpati commission’s recommendations, including separating the role of the chief information officer and CEO that was merged into one under former CEO Dan Matjila. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thando Maeko at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
|
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page