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 Thursday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of South African
labour-related reports.
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Looming jobs bloodbath in eThekwini sparks debate on EPWP reform TimesLIVE reports that a looming jobs bloodbath in the eThekwini Expanded Public Works Employment Programme (EPWP) due to a reduction of R42m in the incentive grant from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has drawn attention to the need for reform. The MEC for public works and infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal says the department will look into creating a sustainable pathway to permanent employment through skills transfer and certification for EPWP beneficiaries. The EPWP aims to reduce unemployment and provide short-term income relief for the previously disadvantaged and unemployed. However beneficiaries are “stuck in the cycle of EPWP and never move forward; that's the other challenge we need to address”, MEC Martin Meyer pointed kout. Instead of poverty reprieve for a few months, Meyer believes an outcomes-based programme for sustainability for beneficiary livelihoods beyond their contracts is long overdue. “There should be some form of training. If you are employed at a building site we should be training you to be a bricklayer and give you a certificate so when you leave you have something that can help you get a job with better pay. [This way] we can help people pull themselves out of poverty,” he explained. The programme has come under the spotlight in eThekwini municipality. The workers whose employment contracts are going to be terminated disrupted service delivery across eThekwini last week in protest. The municipality said while the developments were beyond its control, efforts were underway to explore solutions to fully resuscitate the EPWP, including engaging the National Treasury. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Zimasa Matiwane at TimesLIVE
DA calls on national government to intervene to stop attacks on Western Cape social workers EWN reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has called on national government to step in and help stop the attacks on social workers in the province. This call followed reported attacks on Department of Social Development (DSD) employees in hotspot areas, including Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Nyanga. In May, two staff members were hijacked and shot at in Khayelitsha. According to the DSD, prior to that there had been five attacks on its staff since the beginning of the year. DSD spokesperson in the province Wendy Kaizer-Philander said the attacks targeted the state. She explained: "Any attack on a social worker is not just an attack on an individual, but an assault on the very fabric of our society. Such acts should be regarded as attacks on the State itself. These hardened criminals must be held accountable for their actions, and we will not tolerate violence against those who dedicate their lives to helping others in need." Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Ntuthuzelo Nene at EWN
Mining industry impacted by challenging environment in 2023, but employment grew Mining Weekly writes that SA’s mining industry underperformed in several areas last year owing to considerable challenges; however, employment defied the poor operating environment and grew. This is revealed in the Minerals Council SA’s (MCSA’s) Comprehensive Facts and Figures 2023 book. Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the MCSA (previously known as the Chamber of Mines), pointed out that the sector faced several challenges last year, including load curtailment, logistics failures, criminal activity, a deterioration in safety performance and the commodity price cycle turning against platinum group metals (PGM) and coal miners. Against this backdrop, overall, seasonally adjusted real mining output declined by 0.2% in 2023. However, the industry didn’t suffer as many job losses as other sectors, with employment in the last quarter of 2023 higher than pre-pandemic levels. The gains in employment saw 479,228 employed, a 2.1% increase from 469,353. However, Mthenjane warned that this performance should not detract from the fact that several subsectors in the industry were under considerable strain and experienced job losses in the first quarter of this year. Employees also benefitted in 2023 in earnings, with this at R189.6-billion, an 8.5% increase from R174.7-billion. Similarly, pay-as-you-earn contributions by mining employees also increased, to R34.4-billion, a 9.9% growth from R31.3-billion. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly Seven to appear in court for theft from Rustenburg mine of precious metals worth R350m TimesLIVE reports that seven suspects were arrested in Rustenburg and Brits in the North West on Wednesday for alleged theft of precious metals worth R350m. “Their arrest follows information received about the theft of suspected platinum group metals (PGMs) at a mine in Rustenburg,” Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Tinyiko Mathebula indicated. On Wednesday morning, the team simultaneously raided premises at the two sites and pounced on the seven suspects, aged between 34 and 67. They are expected to appear in the Brits and Rustenburg magistrates’ courts on Thursday, where, in addition to a charge of theft, they will also face charges of illegal possession of precious metals and dealing in precious metals. “This is a major breakthrough in our ongoing disruptive operations to clamp down on illegal mining activities in this province," North West Hawks head Maj-Gen Patrick Mbotho pointed out. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at TimesLIVE Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Over past six years, PSiRA revoked registrations of over 4,000 private security company for non-compliance EWN reports that the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) says that over the past six years it revoked over 4,400 company registrations for non-compliance. PSiRA is tasked with the regulation of the private security sector in SA. On Wednesday, the regulator announced it had suspended the registration of Militas Dei Security Services – the security training company behind an illegal Libyan military camp in Mpumalanga. PSiRA CEO Manabele Chauke advised that criminal cases were to be opened against the owners of the South African company behind the illegal Libyan military camp. According to PSiRA, it has over 16,000 registered private security service providers under it. About 10% of those are security training providers. Chauke indicated that they strived to conduct annual inspections of the companies, but inspections were based on budget availability, risk analysis and capacity requirements. He said: “We will continue to work tirelessly to enforce compliance, conduct rigorous inspections, and take decisive actions against any entities found in violation of our regulations. We will continue to enhance our regulatory frameworks, increase surveillance, and maintain close collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to prevent unlawful activities from taking root in our communities.” Read the original of the report in the above regard by Thabiso Goba at EWN Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Municipal protest at Thusong Service Centre in Mamelodi closes walk-in UIF services at the shared centre The Citizen reports that protests at a municipal services centre in Mamelodi have halted operations at the area’s Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) office. The DEL shares premises with City of Tshwane municipal offices, which are currently the target of disgruntled former municipal employees. The Thusong Service Centre hosts multiple government departments together in the same location. Earlier in the week, the Mamelodi call centre’s offices were swarmed by an angry group of protestors identifying themselves as waste management service providers. The protestors stormed the call centre, shattering windows with bricks while harassing and threatening staff. The DEL said the closure of the offices would be indefinite and lamented the significant impact it would have on services in the area. Gauteng provincial communication officer Mishack Magakwe elaborated on the reason for the protest and office closure: “The protests are related to contracts terminated by the municipality so they disrupted everyone. We share the yard, entrance and exit gate.” The DEL urged Mamelodi residents to use its online portal to access labour-related assistance. Services available online include UIF filing and compliance, employment equity reporting, employer registration, as well as inspection and enforcement services, among others. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jarryd Westerdale at The Citizen
Big business has an imperative role to play in boosting gender parity Engineering News reports that speakers in a plenary session at the DLO Energy Resources Group’s African Women in Leadership Summit, held on Tuesday in Johannesburg, emphasised that it was imperative for big business to drive diversity in their organisations. Speakers stressed that this should be done intentionally and pointed to the need to bolster women and youth participation. They highlighted that research had shown that diversity in business engendered better outcomes, with a myriad of viewpoints leading to improved decision-making and problem-solving. Moreover, it is important that business and leadership are reflective of customers, as this contributes to a better understanding of customers’ needs and requirements and how to meet them. Speakers also underlined the importance of proper mentorship and career guidance for women, with the need to undertake this at an early stage in their careers, given that they often have different responsibilities and pressures at home that they need to balance with work and take into consideration when making decisions. Also put forward was the need for women who reach leadership positions to continue to drive empowerment, to ensure that more opportunities for diversity are created, especially in sectors and businesses that are not as transformed. In a separate session, attendees outlined the challenges that women-led businesses faced when seeking to access funding through the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), such as onerous processes and delays in receiving money. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News
Steel industry worried that SA is not producing enough people skilled for jobs The Citizen reports that stakeholders in the steel industry have raised concerns over SA’s education system. The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa’s (Seifsa’s) concerns come amid the high rate of unemployment faced by the country. Zizile Lushaba, Human Capital and Skills Development Executive at the federation, says they have noticed that the skills required for people to be employed in the industry were not included in the education’s curriculum. Therefore, they have called for a collective effort between the Department of Education and industry role-players to improve the system to ensure the youth was eligible for employment. For people to be eligible to work in the steel industry, they need to have science, technology, engineering and math (Stem) skills. But, Lushaba says, employers are looking for far more than these skills. “For someone to be employable, it has a lot more to do with a tertiary qualification. The qualifications can provide people with the theoretical background and technical skills required by their industries of choice.” But, soft skills, effective communication, critical thinking, analytical thinking, emotional intelligence, are amongst skills employers value these days. However, most of these skills are not taught in schools. Apart from learned skills, employers highly value personal qualities such as adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to learn and grow. Lushaba believes equipping the youth with the necessary skills will help with lowering the high rate of unemployment. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tshehla Cornelius Koteli at The Citizen
Scepticism expressed by Busa, DA and Solidarity about Motsoaledi’s NHI consultation roadshow BusinessLive reports that Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement of a roadshow to consult stakeholders on National Health Insurance (NHI) has met with scepticism from organised business, the DA and trade union Solidarity. The minister made the announcement after the ANC’s national executive committee lekgotla ended on Tuesday, suggesting he was opening the door to fresh consultation on the party’s controversial plan for achieving universal health coverage. This even as the government moves to implement the scheme. His spokesperson, Foster Mohale, advised that the roadshow started with a meeting with doctors in KwaZulu-Natal at the weekend. Further arrangements still had to be worked out. President Cyril Ramaphosa assented to the NHI Act in May, but none of its sections have been promulgated yet. Business Unity SA (Busa) CEO Cas Coovadia said they were willing to engage with the government on NHI, but did not consider a roadshow the right way to do it. The Act already faces two legal challenges, one from Solidarity and the other from the Board of Healthcare Funders, which represents medical schemes and administrators. The DA, which is opposed to NHI in its current form, said Motsoaledi’s roadshow was a talk shop aimed at charming or strong-arming stakeholders into supporting NHI. Solidarity economics researcher Theuns du Buisson expressed doubt about the minister’s roadshow, saying that the trade union’s input on NHI had been largely ignored. “It’s a bit rich to say there will now be a new consultation process,” he noted. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessLive
Construction training authority CEO Malusi Shezi suspended amid investigation into dodgy R35m procurement deal City Press reports that Construction Education and Training Authority (Ceta) CEO Malusi Shezi has been placed on suspension. According to sources, the suspension is pending an internal investigation into the allegations made by suspended supply chain manager Tumisho Mphuthi that he interfered in procurement processes. Mphuthi reportedly wrote to the board chairperson, Thabo Masombuka, on 21 June with allegations about Shezi. Mphuthi wrote that Shezi was involved in the appointment of a service provider with a contract capped at R35 million allegedly without the involvement of the SCM. She supplied the board with the documents to support her claims, in which she accused Shezi of having violated the Supply Chain Management Act. Mphuthi also cited another contract in which Shezi was allegedly involved in the appointment of provincial senior managers’ recruitment support and board candidates’ details verification services. Mphuthi also alleged that Shezi had personally involved himself in the process of contract cancellations without informing the SCM. There were a number of contracts that were cancelled without SCM’s knowledge. Ceta’s Mabo Thobela advised at the time of Shangase’s abrupt resignation on 20 February 2024, amid concerns about the reasons for her resignation, that the Ceta board had invited and had offered her firstly, to address the board on her allegations and, secondly, through an independent process, to substantiate her claims. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Abram Mashego at City Press (subscriber access only)
Gauteng traffic officer facing criminal charges after heated argument with EMPD officers The Citizen reports that a Gauteng traffic police officer is facing criminal charges after having been filmed during a heated argument with Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers. The EMPD officers had apparently stopped a vehicle with a foreign number plate for inspection. The female motorist then reached out to a Gauteng traffic officer to assist. Upon arrival, the Gauteng officer allegedly insulted the EMPD officers and interfered with the inspection. In the video, the male traffic officer is seen swearing and making obscene gestures at a female EMPD officer, allegedly calling her “illiterate” and a “clown”. The officer allegedly also told the EMPD officers that he would take the pension fund of the EMPD officials. A case of intimidation, common assault, crimen injuria, defeating the ends of justice and interfering with police duties has been opened. According to Ekurhuleni Mayoral Committee community safety member Sizakele Masuku, the incident was not the first time the Gauteng officer had been involved in such matters. She claimed there were two previous cases of assault against him, which were under investigation. Masuku called for a speedy investigation into this latest matter, so that “appropriate action” can be taken against the alleged perpetrator. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Faizel Patel and watch the video at The Citizen
Northern Cape Cricket Union’s former financial manager sentenced to four years for pocketing R400,000 The Citizen reports that a former Northern Cape Cricket Union financial manager has been sentenced to four years imprisonment for depositing payments due to service providers, totalling more than R400,000, into his own account. A portion of the sentence will be served in prison and the rest will be under correctional supervision. The Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crimes Court convicted and then sentenced 25-year-old Jean Pierre Van Niekerk, who first appeared in court on 21 December 2023, for fraud and money laundering. Between July 2022 and March 2023, Van Niekerk was employed by Northern Cape Cricket Union as a financial manager. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane indicated: “Payments that were due to service providers were deposited to his personal bank account. The entity suffered an actual loss exceeding R400,000 plus interest.” During the trial, Advocate Belinda Thomas of the Specialised Commercial Crime Unit argued that the court should sentence the accused to direct imprisonment to send a clear message to other perpetrators of corruption and fraud-related cases that they will be arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to direct imprisonment. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicholas Zaal at The Citizen Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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