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 Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South African
labour-related reports.
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Eskom chair resigns amid conflict with Gordhan, former MTN boss Mteto Nyati to take over Fin24 reports that Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan announced on Monday that Eskom chairperson Mpho Makwana had resigned. In a short statement, Gordhan said that Makwana would step down at the Eskom AGM scheduled for the end of October. He was appointed only a year ago and is the shortest-serving Eskom chairperson to date. Non-executive director Mteto Nyati will be appointed chairperson of the board. An earlier statement referred to Nyati as the new interim chair, but this was subsequently corrected. Nyati, who previously was a CEO of Altron and of MTN South Africa, stepped down from the board of Nedbank last week due to "increased capacity constraints". While Gordhan did not provide the reason for Makwana's sudden departure, Makwana indicated in the statement that the matter had been "amicably settled". Gordhan added that the work to restructure Eskom and appoint new leadership was ongoing. The relationship between Gordhan and Makwana deteriorated sharply in recent months. Among the disagreements between the two had been the selection of a new CEO for Eskom. The impasse between the two had not been solved at the time of the announcement. A board member revealed last week said that the relationship between Gordhan and Makwana had broken down and that trust between Gordhan and several of the board members had collapsed following the CEO appointment debacle. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Carol Paton at Fin24. Read too, Eskom chair resigns as leadership crisis deepens, at Moneyweb No CEOs at Eskom and Transnet as power and logistics crises persist The Citizen reports that both Eskom and Transnet are now without permanent CEOs while the country is in crises regarding power and logistics. This means that there is no executive management to hold to account. According to Busi Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership SA (BLSA), plans to fix Transnet and Eskom depend fundamentally on business and government being able to work with boards and strong management teams in both entities. “Good governance starts with a board being able to hold the executive management to account. To do that, the board needs to have appointed and have the right to dismiss the chief executive officer. Yet, in both Eskom and Transnet, as well as all other SOEs, the CEO is appointed and dismissed by a minister who can, under the organisations’ memoranda of incorporation, ignore the board in the process. This is the beginning of the dysfunction that besets these entities,” Mavuso wrote in her weekly newsletter. She went on to indicate: “Strong permanent leadership at the two entities, appointed by empowered and capable boards, would substantially improve the outlook for both sectors and enable business to contribute more effectively to resolving the crises. I therefore urge the minister to empower the boards that he has appointed to act with urgency and focus.” With reference to the recent executive resignations at Transnet, the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) said they should be welcomed, but “the relief will only last if an open recruitment process is followed to find the most suitable replacements and also if the candidates applying for the positions are giving government assurances a policy of noninterference will be followed.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ina Opperman at The Citizen. Lees ook, Eskom, Transnet ‘leierloos en ontmagtig’, by Maroela Media
Two Durban metro police officers injured after minibus taxi crashed into their bakkie Daily News reports that two Durban Metro Police Service officers were taken to hospital after a minibus taxi crashed into their bakkie while they were at an accident scene on Saturday. Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said freeway officers were dispatched to a vehicle collision that occurred on the N2 between two vehicles and a truck on Saturday. “Whilst the scene was being cleared, a minibus collided with a police bakkie. The driver was entrapped and upon being freed, he refused medical treatment. Two police officers were injured and taken to Umhlanga Hospital,” Zungu reported. KZN VIP Protection Services spokesperson Gareth Naidoo said the metro police officers were almost killed. They sustained moderate injuries and were stabilised before being rushed to hospital. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thobeka Ngema at Daily News Man accused of killing two Northern Cape police officers ordered to undergo 30-day psychiatric evaluation IOL News reports that Daniel Wilfred Alberts, accused of shooting and killing two SA Police Service (SAPS) members in August 2023 during a chase in Kimberley, has been ordered by the Kimberley District Court to undergo a 30-day psychiatric evaluation. Alberts is currently facing two counts for the murders of Constable Okaetse Mandindi and Sergeant Kedimetse Masilo. He is also facing three counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, one count of theft of a motor vehicle, as well as one count of theft. The police officers, who were part of the Kimberley Flying Squad, were following up on information about a hired car that was stolen and were en route from Bloemfontein when they came under attack on 22 August by the suspect. Alberts allegedly overpowered them and took hold of their R5 rifle, opening fire and killing the sergeant and constable. Alberts' matter has been postponed to 29 January 2024, to allow for the accused to undergo and complete his psychiatric evaluation, in respect of which which he is currently number 36 on the waiting list. The accused indicated at his first court appearance in August that he would not be seeking bail. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sisipho Bhuta at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Terror in Tshwane: Shots, stones, petrol bombs in capital city close to collapse BizNews writes that the City of Tshwane has been gripped by violence amid ongoing strike action by some municipal workers over a 0% salary increase. According to Community Safety MMC Grandi Theunissen of the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), there have been cases of attempted murder, torching of vehicles, arson, stone-throwing, tyre-slashing, and intimidation. In an interview with Chris Steyn, he says it has gone “beyond” a normal labour protest and turned into “a violent, orchestrated criminal onslaught against the City and the people of the City as well as co-workers”. Theunissen charges that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have played a “disruptive” role – and are even “participating in criminal activities”. On how close Tshwane is to collapse, he says “if we are allowed to work on our recovery plan and our funding plan, then I see that we can survive. If we are going to be forced into something that we do not want to do, there is a chance that this is going to happen.” On a positive note, seven new senior managers have been appointed, two of whom have already started work. View Chris Steyn’s full video interview with Grandi Theunissen at BizNews Widespread illegal dumping in Tshwane due to ongoing municipal strike, says MMC Pretoria News reports the City of Tshwane’s MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, Ziyanda Zwane, has acknowledged that the widespread illegal dumping taking place in the city was a result of the ongoing illegal strike, but pointed out that dumping was not a solution as it exacerbated the crisis. He gave the auurance that the City was working very hard to address challenges posed by the illegal strike, including waste removal delays. Zwane visited Atteridgeville last week to show his support to workers on the ground. “Some of the illegal waste dumping sites are potential health risks as they are next to schools and churches. Residents are reminded that the dumping of waste in areas without a designated or potential storm-water drainage system might result in flooding during rainy seasons,” he pointed out. “Unlawful waste disposal might also present a fire risk and poses a threat to public health and safety, with additional detrimental effects. In light of this, we request that neighbourhoods make every effort to co-operate with the City and avoid illegal dumping,” Zwane exhorted. He also gave the assurance to residents that “we are working around the clock in implementing our catch-up plan.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Rapula Moatshe at Pretoria News
After interviewing 350 candidates, Gold Fields picks Mike Fraser as new CEO Fin24 reports that Gold Fields announced on Monday that South African Mike Fraser would succeed interim CEO Martin Preece at the start of January, and that Fraser would be based in Johannesburg. Preece has been steering the ship since the exit in late 2022 of Chris Griffith, who resigned after a deal to acquire Yamana Gold fell flat. Speaking on Monday, Fraser said he would shape the vision and strategy for the global gold mining house, which he planned to take to "the next level" through a keen focus on growing cash flows. Fraser previously served as an executive at the Australian giant BHP and COO of South32 before heading up Chaarat Gold Holdings. Gold Fields chair, Yunus Suleman, said the group had interviewed some 350 candidates over a 10-month process. "We were comfortable that his [Fraser's] strategic experience and his corporate experience, fits in well with the operating experience that we have at the exco level currently," Suleman said. Gold Fields' South Deep Mine is its only remaining operating asset in SA, but the company remains headquartered in SA with no plans to redomicile the business. Suleman said there are no plans either to restructure the business. He added that Preece would stay on as an executive committee member. Fraser will help oversee the appointment of a new CFO, following the retirement of Paul Schmidt, as was announced in August. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lisa Steyn at Fin24 (subscriber access only). See too, Gold Fields announces Mike Fraser as its new CEO, at BusinessLive Other general posting(s) relating to mining
SARB’s Kganyago stirs controversy with remarks that rising interest rates don’t impact the unemployed Business Report writes that SA Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago has left public opinion divided over his remarks about the impact of rising interest rates on unemployed people. Speaking at the PSG Think Big Series last week, Kganyago said that high interest rates, which the SARB has been raising to curb inflation, did not affect unemployed people because they did not qualify to raise debt. He was responding to a member of the audience, who challenged the SARB’s continuous monetary policy tightening as that which was grounded in First World thinking and did not take into account the country’s prevailing economic conditions. In his response, Kganyago defended the bank’s restrictive monetary policy stance, saying that inflation-targeting was the best available mechanism to help the poor as it gradually slowed down the increasing prices of goods. “The unemployed that you talk about, nobody lends them money. They are unemployed. So the interest rates don’t even enter the equation for them,” Kganyago said. His views have polarised opinion in public discussions on social media, with some saying he was detached from reality and seemed to not understand the transmission mechanism of rate hikes. Some pointed to the 2020 research report by the Black Sash and the London School of Economics, which revealed that beneficiaries of social grants have become a lucrative market for formal lenders who charged them exorbitant interest. However, in the view of Momentum Investments economist Sanisha Packirisamy: “The governor is correct in saying that the direct impact of a higher interest rate environment on lower-income households is negligible given that lower-income earners have very little exposure to prime-linked debt.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siphelele Dludla at Business Report Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Experts say 2,600 cop recruits not enough to decrease Western Cape murders, which totalled 130 in one week News24 reports that amid the murder of 130 people in the last week of September, the Western Cape is to receive the "lion's share" of new policing resources in the country. Two police officers were among the 130 people killed, which was the highest murder statistic for the year, according to Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen. Police Minister Bheki Cele briefed the media last week on the "ruthless" killings that occurred from 24 to 30 September and indicated that 2,600 new recruits were earmarked for deployment to the province after their graduation in two months. But experts believe more boots on the ground is no guarantee of a reduction in violent crime. According to crime expert Guy Lamb, to bring down the murder rate, the police needed to focus on high-crime areas, and because the Western Cape had so many high-crime areas compared to other provinces, it strategically needed more resources. He added that the type of resources dedicated to the province also mattered: "If the new recruits are just being sent to police stations, it won't make as much of an impact as if they're trained for dedicated task teams to address gangsterism and organised crime." Crime Hub manager at the Institute for Security Studies, Lizette Lancaster, said it was essential those joining the police service's ranks had the skills necessary to reduce crime, which was why police needed to focus on recruiting and training detectives. "There have been turnaround strategies in place to help with the issue of detective services for years, but we're still seeing that skilled people are leaving or retiring, resulting in a lack of mentorship for new recruits," she pointed out. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicole McCain at News24 (subscriber access only)
Two Gqeberha employees of Absa bank found guilty of R1 million fraud IOL News reports that two Absa bank employees have been convicted of fraud and money laundering in the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Florika Shenay Owusu and Abongile Tyusha will be sentenced in March next year. Both the accused were employed as consultants at an Absa branch in Patensie, Hankey in Humansdorp during the period November 2019 to June 2021. Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana indicated: “Their duties were to issue clients with bank cards as well as to assist them with bank enquiries. It is alleged the accused fraudulently opened bank accounts with the aim of transferring cash from various clients’ dormant bank accounts into their fraudulent accounts.” The employees then withdrew the cash for their personal benefit. The transactions were made in tranches and as a result Absa suffered a loss of over R1 million. The duo were apparently found out during an internal audit at Absa. They were arrested in July 2022 and were released on bail of R1,000, which has been extended. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jolene Marriah-Maharaj at IOL News Former Bellville finance clerk who defrauded Clicks Group out of R4 million sentenced to eight years behind bars IOL News reports that finance clerk Themba Maneli, 28, was sentenced in the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crimes Court to eight years of imprisonment after he created fake purchase orders that resulted in the company paying more than R4 million to his company. Maneli, his girlfriend Nanky Tozama Kanase, her company, Business Connectivity Solutions, and his company, Maneli Enterprises, were charged with six counts of fraud and two counts of money laundering. Maneli’s responsibilities included creating purchase orders and processing monthly journals. However, a debtor’s manager discovered suspicious entries in two of his ledger accounts. The entries revealed that Maneli created Business Connectivity Solutions on 8 January 2019 and, six days later, he created six purchase orders with purchase order numbers in terms of which he claimed that the Clicks Group owed over R4 million to his fake company. A later investigation revealed that he transferred money between several bank accounts, including those of his girlfriend, the two companies, and another bank account. The court convicted Maneli on six counts of fraud and one count of money laundering. It acquitted Kanase and the two companies as it found that they were not parties to Maneli’s crimes. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sibuliso Duba at IOL News SIU freezes pension of ex Mpumalanga health official accused of irregular awarding of contracts worth over R19 million IOL News reports that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been granted a preservation order to freeze the pension benefits of a former Mpumalanga health official accused of irregularly awarding seven contracts amounting to over R19 million. The contracts were for the procurement of goods and services from various service providers during the Covid-19 state of emergency. The Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) and Mpumalanga Health Department have been halted from paying pension benefits of approximately R2 million due to Tshegofatso Daniel Moralo, who was employed at the Mpumalanga Department of Health as Assistant Director and Manager of Pharmaceutical Services. "The SIU is pursuing civil action to review and set aside the contracts and to recover financial losses suffered by the State. The freezing of Moralo’s pension benefits is part of the implementation of SIU’s investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses due to corruption or negligence,“ SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago indicated. According to the SIU, Moralo resigned to avoid accountability during the SIU-initiated disciplinary process. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sisipho Bhuta at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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