This news aggregator site highlights South African labour news from a wide range of internet and print sources. Each posting has a synopsis of the source article, together with a link or reference to the original. Postings cover the range of labour related matters from industrial relations to generalist human resources.
In our roundup of weekend news, see
summaries of our selection of South African
labour-related stories that appeared since
Friday, 28 October 2022.
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Public sector unions fume over imposition of pay hike Business Times reports that public sector unions are fuming at the government's decision to unilaterally impose a wage deal without agreement with organised labour. Acting minister of public service and administration Thulas Nxesi on Tuesday invoked section 5 of the Public Service Act to ram through a 3% wage deal, which includes a R1,000 monthly gratuity until the end of March next year. The unions said in a joint statement they would be embarking on a mass picket on Monday to protest the government's decision while awaiting the outcomes of a conciliation process at the public service bargaining chamber. The Public Servants Association’s (PSA’s) Claude Naiker said that invoking the act had angered the unions and Nxesi’s decision had huge implications for future wage talks. He commented: “Never before in SA has a wage agreement been implemented unilaterally. It will change the way we negotiate in future. If we do not reach an agreement in future, they (the government) will want to implement it unilaterally. We cannot allow them to do that, it has angered us and that is why we have decided on industrial action.” A Cosatu insider agreed that the government’s unilateral decision would weaken collective bargaining processes in the public sector. He said while Cosatu affiliate Sadtu had accepted the wage offer, other unions not in agreement were in the process of conciliation to get an offer that would better the lives of employees. “At the moment we are not talking about strikes. We are talking about conciliation. On Monday we will know the outcome of conciliation,” he said. Once the outcome was known, Cosatu would devise a way forward, the insider added. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Dineo Faku at Business Times (subscriber access only) Public servant unions plan picket protests across the country on Monday BL Premium reports that various trade unions representing public servants including nurses, doctors and police officers will hold mass picket demonstrations across the country on Monday as they push for bigger wage hikes. In a joint statement, the unions, which included Nehawu, Popcru, the SA Policing Union and others, said the demonstrations would be taking place as a result of the collapsed public service wage negotiations. Also on Monday, there will be a conciliation hearing at the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council. Unions demanded a 10% rise when negotiations began in May but went down to 6.5%. Last week, acting public service & administration minister Thulas Nxesi pushed through a 3% wage deal, inclusive of a R1,000 monthly gratuity until the end of March next year. He cited section 5 of the Public Service Act which empowers the minister to unilaterally implement the state’s final offer on condition that any such offer does not reduce existing pay or other service benefits. “The decision of the minister of public service and administration together with his finance counterpart to implement the offer rejected by workers doesn’t in any way resolve the dispute, hence we [are] proceeding with the conciliation. As trade unions, we have joined hands to fight back [against] the attitude and the neoliberal policies of the employer that have introduced austerity measures which are directed at public servants and the working class,” the unions stated. Read the original of the report in the above regard by Bekezela Phakathi at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Municipal managers need bodyguards, says Institute for Local Government Management City Press reports that the Institute for Local Government Management (ILGM) says that the security of municipal managers and other senior managers in municipalities, just like that of mayors and councillors, is threatened and, therefore, they should also have bodyguards. It believes that the government, and therefore ultimately the taxpayer, should pay for this. The ILGM made the plea following the kidnapping of Nkangala District Municipality municipal manager Margaret Skosana and her driver Gugu Mtsweni, in Mpumalanga. Mike Bolhuis, a private investigator who was involved in the investigation of the case, says that the kidnapping of top municipal officials is practically on the same level as that of top businessmen – millions of rands are involved. There are invariably different scenarios at play. It could simply be about a cash ransom, or the manipulation of an official who has influence in a municipality in relation to information or contracts for the benefit of the villains. Sihle Maxwell Mbili, president of the ILGM, noted that the Nkangala case was not the first time a municipal manager had been involved. Sibusiso Sithole, municipal manager of the Richmond municipality, died in 2017 after being shot outside his office. “We can see there is a trend,” he advised. As the incidents mostly take place at municipal offices, the ILGM deduces that they are related to the managers’ work. Last week, the organisation decided at its annual meeting to form a union to represent managers’ interests because “we are not protected in the bargaining unit”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Antoinette Slabbert at City Press (subscriber access only). Read too, Municipal officials are 'soft targets' when it comes to violence and attacks, says Salga, at News24 Other intern
Sibanye-Stillwater and AMCU conclude five year platinum wage deal Fin24 reports that Sibanye-Stillwater and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) have concluded a five-year wage agreement covering employees at the group’s platinum group metal (PGM) mines. Sibanye on Friday announced it and the union had reached an agreement for a 6% wage increase for lower-skilled employees in respect of each year of the agreement at the company's Rustenburg and Marikana platinum operations. The final agreement is consistent with Sibanye’s previous offer to AMCU except there is a fixed annual wage increase of R1,300 and R1,400 in years four and five – or 6% – whichever is the highest. The previous proposal linked the increase in the last two years to the rate of inflation. So-called ‘miners and artisan’ will also receive average annual wage increases of 6% per annum for each of the five years. The final agreement will be extended to all unionised and non-unionised employees at the operations. The agreement with AMCU follows previous agreements reached with the National Union of Mineworkers and UASA four weeks ago, and marks the conclusion of the wage negotiation processes at the group’s platinum business. Sibanye had last month expressed concern that AMCU leadership had rejected the deal for which there appeared to be overwhelming support for by employees and union representatives at the operations. "We are pleased to have concluded these wage negotiations timeously and expediently, without disruption or the need for third party intervention," said Sibanye CEO Neal Froneman. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lisa Steyn at Fin24. Read too, Sibanye-Stillwater reaches agreement with AMCU on five-year wage deal for PGMs, at Miningmx Charges withdrawn against 14 zama zamas in Krugersdorp gang rapes case Sunday World reports that fourteen men linked to the gang rapes of eight women at a disused mine dump in West Village, Krugersdorp, in July 2022 were exonerated when the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court withdrew the charges on Thursday. The men, who are believed to be part of an infamous zama zama syndicate, were accused of gang-raping the women who were filming a music video. Phindi Mjonondwana, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the men had been cleared of all charges of rape, sexual assault, and robbery, however, they remained in custody on a charge of contravening the Immigration Act. The rape charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence, according to Mjonondwana, who said the DNA results could not link any of the suspects to the crimes. Meanwhile, Kaylynn Palm of Action Society said she was appalled by the police’s incompetence. In a statement on Thursday, Palm said it was outrageous that it took the police three months to process the DNA of the suspects. “Had the DNA backlog been cleared, the national register for sex offenders been up to date, and the DNA samples of convicted offenders been taken before January this year, this case could have been nearing completion,” claimed Palm. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nompilo Zulu at Sunday World. See too, Fourteen illegal miners accused of raping eight women cleared of rape charges, at The Star Krugersdorp mine dump gang rapes: Community outcry as charges dropped The Citizen reports that the community of West Village in Krugersdorp where eight women were raped by illegal miners, say they were failed by the police and judiciary after the rape charges were dropped against the zama zamas. Residents gathered in a local park on Sunday to pray for holy intervention, saying they had lost hope in the police. They claimed police were only visible for two weeks after the incident, but things were now “back to normal” as illegal miners continued to terrorise them. Community leader and pastor Mervin Langeveld said the community was furious that rape charges were dropped. “If these people were not the perpetrators, they know who did it. Right now, community members do not trust the police and judiciary. The women have been let down by these two institutions and we have also been let down,” said Langeveld. On Thursday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withdrew the charges of rape, sexual assault, and robbery with aggravating circumstances against all 14 men arrested for the 28 July incident. The women were allegedly gang-raped while filming a music video at a mine dump in Krugersdorp. Langeveld said it would not be easy for the police to win the fight against crime in their community and alleged some of the police were benefitting financially from the illegal miners. “Some of the police are fed by these people; these people are their cash cows,” he claimed. Johan Burger of the Institution for Security Studies said police were sloppy in this case and that part of the problem could have been public, political and media pressure to have a breakthrough. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lunga Mzangwe at The Citizen (subscriber access only). Read too, Krugersdorp gang rape survivors retraumatised, at City Press (subscriber access only) Other community posting(s) relating to mining
With the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people in jeopardy, Tongaat Hulett’s survival ‘vital for KZN’ Business Times reports that Tongaat Hulett desperately needs to secure funding to continue paying creditors and keep its mills running or farmers and jobs in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) could take a catastrophic hit. Last week the 130-year-old group filed for voluntary business rescue for its SA operations after lenders pulled their financial support. At the peak of the sugar season, the company employs more than 23,000 people, creates more than 185,000 employment opportunities and provides livelihoods for more than 21,000 farmers, many of whom are small-scale growers. The company directly employs 2,500 people. Tongaat CEO Gavin Hudson said on Friday: “If we are unable to crush the cane and generate sugar our business stops, there is no revenue, and without that obviously any business will crash to a halt. The most important thing is to try and keep our business running during this [business rescue] period. It’s really reliant on the business rescue practitioners working with the creditors to give them some level of comfort.” Hudson indicated in an affidavit in support of the application for business rescue that lenders had indicated they were “in principle” agreeable to advance funding again after business rescue proceedings had begun, subject to certain conditions. Tongaat needs R1.5bn to repay its debts and fund its working capital requirements. SA Canegrowers, whose members supply cane to Tongaat, said the company’s predicament has “catastrophic consequences for South African sugar cane growers and the entire sugar cane value chain.” Tongaat produces about 30% of SA’s brown sugar and refines 50% of all white sugar. Tongaat became mired in an accounting scandal in 2019 when allegations emerged that key former executives had manipulated accounts for years. At least six, including former CEO Peter Staude, are facing charges for their alleged role in the fraud amounting to R3.5bn. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thabiso Mochiko at Sunday Times (subscriber access only). Read too, Sugar industry and thousands of jobs hang in the balance, at Business Report
More employment perks revealed, with millions spent on pampering MPs Sunday Times reports that the government has splurged millions on pampering MPs at state-owned houses in Cape Town, including splashing out nearly R1.8m on new beds in 2019, spending R1.6m on transport for them and their children and sprucing up their houses to the tune of R51m. Much of the spending took place even as the government committed itself to austerity and “trimming the fat”, and while tens of thousands of people lost their jobs during the pandemic. The department of public works, which is responsible for the upkeep of houses in the parliamentary villages — for which MPs pay only nominal rentals — provided the details in answer to inquiries. The disclosures follow recent reports of plans to scrap the R5,000 ceiling on the portion of ministers’ utility bills that the state pays and allow ministers and deputies unlimited free lights and water. The new disclosures about perks could fuel further public indignation over the way MPs benefit from taxpayers' money over and above their salaries. An ordinary MP earns more than R1m a year while a minister earns just over R2.4m, with their deputies pocketing a little over R2m. They also enjoy generous car and cellphone allowances, food subsidies at parliament's restaurants, and free flights for spouses and children. MPs pay R207 a month in rent for their homes in parliamentary villages such as Acacia Park in Goodwood, Laboria Park in Belhar and Pelican Park in Strandfontein. Ministers pay R1,200 a month in rent for their allocated houses in Pretoria and Cape Town. Parliament has 400 MPs, 64 of them serving as ministers and deputy ministers who do not stay in parliamentary villages. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thabo Mokone at Sunday Times (subscriber access only)
As employers grapple to offer a better work-life balance, is a four-day work week what post-pandemic SA needs? Sunday Times reports that a Cape Town man who refused to adapt to a company’s new hybrid system of working two days in the office and three at home lost his job, but walked away with two months’ salary. The settlement, reached three weeks ago by a company employing 2,000 people, puts in sharp focus how the Covid pandemic has disrupted thinking about the traditional eight-hour day, 40-hour working week in the office. Labour expert Michael Bagraim, who represented the firm in the dispute, said the man insisted of being able to perform his duties adequately from his own home. “After two days of arbitration, the employer paid the employee a further month’s salary to settle the matter. The company ... did not want to take a risk in having an arbitrator ruling against them,” he reported. After global lockdowns, employers are grappling with offering staff a better work-life balance, flexibility and incentives without denting productivity. The question is whether a four-day week would be viable in South Africa? SA companies have been invited to join a six-month trial next year of the concept in Europe. An NGO, 4 Day Week SA, has partnered Boston College and Stellenbosch Business School to research the outcome. NGO director Karen Lowe said: “More than 650 participants registered for the launch of 4 Day Week SA, a webinar event hosted by the National Business Initiative. It is evidence of the growing interest in trialling the concept in South Africa. Of those attending, 47% were excited to try it ... with 32% wanting to find out more. Moreover, 84% of attendees acknowledged the potential in improving work-life balance and 65% hoped it could increase productivity.” Bagraim commented that the four-day model could only work in certain circumstances. Cosatu spokesperson Sizwe Pamla pointed out that the federation had campaigned for a four-day week three years ago, adding that workers spent 45-48 hours a week on the job. Read the full original of the interesting report in the above regard by Philani Nombembe at Sunday Times (subscriber access only)
Stellenbosch wine farm ordered to pay R800,000 to employee it fired due to her unavailability to take calls after birth of baby News24 reports that the Cape Town Labour Court has ordered Stellenbosch wine company Quoin Rock Wines to back pay R800,000 (16 months' worth of salary) to former financial manager Melissa Brendt for unfair dismissal relating to her pregnancy. Brendt fell pregnant in September 2019 after receiving IVF treatment and informed Company CEO Denis Gaiduk on 3 January 2020 that she would go on maternity leave on 31 May that year. However, she was hospitalised two days prior to the commencement of leave due to complications with her pregnancy. Following bouts of hospitalisation, on 4 October Brendt received a retrenchment notice, which she challenged. The company offered to reinstate her for a lower salary of R29,000 as a "cost-cutting measure", which amounted to a reduction of R21,000 per month. When she returned to work, Brendt was instructed not to come back as there was no longer a job for her. Gaiduk stated several reasons for the dismissal of Brendt, among these that she did not take work calls while she was hospitalised with her newborn baby. The court found that Gaiduk lacked an understanding of his obligation as an employer. The court ruled that Brendt had done her best under the circumstances and that her unavailability sometimes had not warranted Gaiduk putting her employment under threat. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Bhengu at News24
Hawks secure R1.5m final asset forfeiture order against deceased G4S security guard who stole R3.5m over two months News24 reports that the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) have secured a final asset forfeiture order to the value of just over R1.5 million against a now deceased former G4S security guard, Wiseman Mbuyazi, 33. The order was granted by the Johannesburg High Court last week, originating from a case of theft to the value of R3.5 million which was registered at Langlaagte police station in 2020. According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha, Mbuyazi, who was responsible for replenishing ATMs, allegedly stole approximately R3.5 million over a period of almost two months then fled. "The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation successfully traced and arrested Mbuyazi at his hideout in Ntuzuma, KwaZulu-Natal," said Ramovha. During the arrest, the Hawks recovered an amount of R80,000 together with a Hyundai Accent allegedly bought with the proceeds of the stolen money. "It was further established that he had paid some of the loot into a trust account owned by attorneys to purchase a house in Cosmo City which he intended to register under his younger brother’s details" said Ramovha. Mbuyazi was denied bail despite numerous attempts to appeal to the court for leniency. He eventually died in prison while his theft and money laundering case was still undecided in court. Read the original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Mthethwa at News24 Former Nkomazi municipal manager arrested for allegedly buying R900,000 second-hand Mercedes with municipal funds News24 reports that the former municipal manager of the Nkomazi Local Municipality in Malelane, Muzi Daniel Ngwenya, has been granted R10,000 bail following his arrest on fraud allegations surrounding the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz. The 55-year-old Ngwenya was arrested by the Hawks' Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit on Friday, and faces charges of fraud, theft and contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act. According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, Ngwenya's arrest followed an investigation by the Hawks in which it was established that in December last year he had bought a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz from a vehicle dealership in Bedfordview using municipality funds. "He reportedly registered the vehicle on his name, prejudicing the municipality an actual loss of R900,000," Sekgotodi indicated. Ngwenya appeared in the Tonga Magistrate's Court on Friday and was granted bail of R10,000. The case was postponed to 25 January next year for further investigation. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Mthethwa at News24. Lees ook, Amptenaar in die sop vir tweedehandse Mercedes, by Maroela Media
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