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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Untu and Satawu off to the CCMA after Prasa repeatedly fails to table wage offer BL Premium reports that the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) has yet to formally table an offer to the two largest unions at its workplaces, which have now approached the Commission for Conciliation, mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for intervention. “There is still no offer on the table from the management,” said Atenkosi Plaatjie, spokesperson of the United National Transport Union (Untu). She said the dispute of mutual interest would be heard at the CCMA on 10 April. SA Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) spokesperson Amanda Tshemese indicated that parties would meet again next week Monday. Untu and Satawu, the two largest unions at Prasa, declared a dispute at the CCMA last week and threatened industrial action after the rail operator “refused” to formally respond to demands for wage increases. Satawu and Untu’s consolidated wage demands include a 15% across-the-board wage increase for 2025/26. They are also demanding a R3,000 housing subsidy, R50 per hour standby allowance, R10 per hour night shift allowance, a moratorium on retrenchments and a medical aid subsidy with the employer contributing 70%. The two unions declared a dispute with the CCMA after talks, which began early this year, stalled for the third time at Prasa’s Umjantshi House headquarters in Johannesburg a week ago. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Security beefed up at Bapong clinic in North West following attack by group on guard Sunday World reports that the North West Department of Health has deployed armed security guards to Bapong Health Clinic after a security guard was assaulted by a group of people. Five men who allegedly looked intoxicated entered the clinic at 2am on Sunday and began demanding that their patient be assisted first. The group allegedly became impatient and began assaulting a security guard. Residents urged the department to protect health workers and security guards after video footage of the incident went viral on social media. Provincial health MEC, Sello Lehari, visited the clinic and reported: “We can confirm at this stage that none of our healthcare professionals were ever assaulted. Only security officials were assaulted. As part of remedying the situation, armed guards have officially been deployed to the facility. We have also increased security postings to ensure the facility is safe. A study has been done to do the same at other health facilities.” He called for calm and said the assaulted security guard would immediately receive psychosocial support. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Boitumelo Tshehle at Sunday World Other internet posting(s) in this news category
NUM considers supporting SACP in upcoming local elections amid waning ANC support Cape Argus reports that waning ANC support and the inclusion of the DA in the ANC's Government of National Unity/(GNU) are some of the reasons behind the recent decision by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) to consider lending its support to the SA African Communist Party (SACP) in the upcoming local government elections. A resolution to that effect was canvassed last week at the union’s National Political Council (NPC). NUM acting general secretary Mpho Phakedi indicated that the resolution still had to be canvassed by the union's regions. "As you might know how decision-making happens within union structures, this is not the final decision but came as a result of the festival of ideas during our National Political Council where those who form council have raised this issue which is still going to be presented in June," he said. The SACP at its Fifth Special National Congress in December 2024 resolved to contest the 2026 local government elections independently, citing the need for "working-class representation" in the country's economic, social, and political systems. Cosatu deputy president Mike Shingange noted that the political changes of the past year have resulted in many unions deliberating on various issues including their support for the ANC. "We know that the NUM has reflected on its support for the SACP. That is an ongoing discussion and Cosatu, will at the right time make its decision on who to support at the local government elections," Shingange indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siyabonga Sithole at Cape Argus
IDC’s R1.7bn cash injection defers closure of Amsa’s long steel plants BL Premium reports that the government is pulling out all the stops to keep ArcelorMittal SA’s (Amsa’s) long steel business afloat. State-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has come to the rescue of the unit with a nearly R1.7bn cash injection. Amsa said on Monday that the IDC cash injection would defer the closure of its long steel plants in Newcastle, Vereeniging and Mpumalanga, a move that would have led to 3,500 job losses. “The deferral of the wind-down has accordingly been enabled by a facility provided by the IDC in the amount of R1.68bn. The IDC facility is repayable by agreement between the parties and subject to, inter alia, the financial performance, solvency and liquidity of [the] longs business,” Amsa stated. It went on to indicate: “Amsa has also made certain undertakings regarding the continued operation of the longs business and retention of jobs for the deferral period. The IDC facility is part of a comprehensive package of intended initiatives aimed at positioning the longs business for future sustainability and profitability.” The government made its intentions to save Amsa’s long steel business clear last week when it said it would over the next year pick up the wage bill of the embattled unit. This was after the temporary employee/employer relief scheme (Ters) approved funding of nearly R417m to sustain 2,982 employees over the next 12 months. The bailout of Amsa’s long steel business coincides with a wide-ranging review of SA’s steel tariff structure, which is likely to lead to a hike in custom duties to protect the local industry Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Read too, Amsa defers plant closure, suspends job cuts, thanks to R1.7bn government loan, at Fin24 (subscription or trial registration required). And also, IDC aid staves off ArcelorMittal SA steel-mill closure, at Moneyweb
Women tend to earn more in Gauteng and Western Cape Engineering News reports that there are significant regional differences in women’s median earnings across the country, according to a Statistics SA report which tracked earnings of South Africans from 2017 to 2022. Women in Gauteng and the Western Cape consistently earned higher salaries compared to other provinces, with Gauteng’s median earnings reaching R7,000 by 2022 – higher than the national median for men (R6,000 a month). In contrast, provinces such as Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal saw slower growth, with women in Limpopo earning a median R3,700 a month and R4,200 in KwaZulu-Natal. The national median for both sexes was R5,417 a month. Other provinces such as the Eastern Cape and Free State have seen slower salary increases over time, with the median earnings of women in the Eastern Cape reaching just R4,000 by 2022. In general, all employees earned more in Gauteng than anywhere else in the country. Overall median earnings were R2,000 higher there than the national median. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at Engineering News
Kenny Fihla takes R14m hit in long term incentives after abrupt exit from Standard Bank to join Absa BL Premium reports that erstwhile Standard Bank deputy CEO Kenny Fihla will forfeit about R14.3m in long-term incentives after his resignation to join rival Absa. It was a surprise in March when he ditched Standard Bank to take up the post of head of Absa, just months after the role of deputy CEO was reinstated for him and control of the 19-country Standard Bank SA and rest of Africa portfolio was consolidated in his office. Standard Bank’s annual report on Friday shows Fihla will forgo his long-term incentives, though he still took home a healthy pay cheque of about R50m for the 2024 financial year. Standard Bank CEO Sim Tshabalala has described Fihla’s exit as a “blow”, but has backed the group’s talent pipeline to come through. Fihla was largely seen as a possible successor to Tshabalala after he was granted more powers at the group in sweeping executive changes in September. Reflecting on the group’s talent pool, Sharon Taylor, the chief people and culture officer, commented: Our talent management and succession practices across the group are mature and as a result we have excellent succession coverage across all key roles and a deep, diverse talent pipeline, which has enabled the appointment of internal talent into key roles. 62% of all vacancies in 2024 were filled by internal talent – a strong testament to our value of growing our people.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Two former State Security Agency members arrested for theft of millions in state funds BL Premium reports that two former members of the State Security Agency (SSA) were arrested on Monday by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) for the misappropriation of about R5.8m in state funds and for money laundering. Ntshavheni Prince Makhathana and Matome Solomon Ralebipi appeared on the charges in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Makhathana was granted R100,000 bail and Ralebipi R150,000 and their case was postponed to 23 June for pretrial. Makhathana was a former manager of the Cover Support Unit (CSU) of the then National Intelligence Agency (NIA), which in 2009 became the SSA, and was responsible for all its operations and financial expenditure. The state alleges that the covert nature of the CSU allowed him to dispense with a number of financial safeguards. His co-accused, Ralebipi, was a former agent of the NIA. The theft for his personal gain allegedly took place between 2007 and 2010. Accused number three, Ralebipi Properties CC, was allegedly created to serve as a money-laundering platform to conceal the origin of the proceeds of crime and the true ownership of two business properties that were purchased. The accused also allegedly committed fraud, forgery, uttering and perjury to conceal their unlawful misappropriation of these funds. The SSA has a history of being plagued by corruption. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Linda Ensor at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Read too, Former intelligence officers arrested for alleged theft of R5.8m in state funds at News24 (subscription or trial registration required) Three Sedibeng officials probed for theft of millions in vehicle licensing fees SowetanLive reports that in just four working days in 2021, three officials from the Sedibeng District Municipality in the Vaal allegedly embezzled more than R4m in vehicle licence disc renewal revenue. This theft marked the onset of larger misappropriation totaling R23.5m from November 2021 to December 2024. The case against the trio centres around the abuse of the NaTIS (electronic National Traffic Information System) platform, through which employees within the municipality’s vehicle licensing department allegedly diverted millions of rand in government revenue. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has enlisted the help of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) to launch a criminal investigation into NaTIS fraud at the municipality. The most recent incident involves Khotso Mkhize, the stepson of Sedibeng mayor Lerato Maloka. He is alleged to have conducted fraudulent transactions on the NaTIS system valued at R5,5m on 17 December 2024. Gauteng MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs Jacob Mamabolo, revealed last month that R18m had been stolen by abusing the NaTIS platform between November and December 2024, excluding the R5.5m allegedly stolen by Mkhize. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tefo Mothibeli at SowetanLive Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Trainee Cape Town metro police officer caught in Delft with illegal ammunition Cape Argus reports that a trainee Cape Town Metro Police officer appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday after his arrest in Delft for the possession of illegal ammunition. The Delft SAPS Crime Prevention Unit arrested the officer and another suspect in Tamarisk Street on Saturday. The area is a renowned gang hotspot. During a search of their vehicle, police found and seized 45 rounds of .38 Special ammunition. The two suspects aged 31 and 27 years were taken into custody and appeared in court. City of Cape Town Metro Police spokesperson Ruth Solomons said they were aware of the arrest and would fully co-operate with the SAPS investigation. An internal investigation is also underway. Delft Community Police Forum (CPF) spokesperson Francois de Bruin described the incident as "very disturbing." "Yes, it raises red flags when our Law Enforcement officers are arrested but, if evidence points to those implicated and if found guilty, they should be removed from these trusted positions," he commented. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Voice reporter at Cape Argus
Limpopo cops appeal for help in finding find teacher for repeated rape of pupil SowetanLive reports that Limpopo police have appealed to the public to help them apprehend a 58-year-old teacher who allegedly repeatedly raped a 13-year-old girl. A case of rape has been registered for further investigation. Police spokesperson Lt-Col Stephen Thakeng said preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was allegedly raped several times between November 2024 and 7 March 2025. The suspect was called in for questioning as the police were still waiting for a warrant of arrest. “The suspect drove off in his vehicle under the pretense that he was going to the police station [for questioning]. When he was contacted, he said he was in Hammaskraal and the cellphone was then switched off,” Thakeng reported. Limpopo education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya has condemned the teacher's alleged behaviour. Read the original of the report in the above regard by Herman Moloi at TimesLIVE. Read too, Limpopo teacher on the run after allegedly raping 13-year-old learner, at The Star Gwarube vows after latest rapes of pupils to rid schools of sexual predators SowetanLive reports that Department of Basic Education (DBE) Minister Siviwe Gwarube says more needs to be done to rid schools of sexual predators to ensure the safety of pupils. She pointed out that schools should be places where pupils go to learn and not be assaulted. In the Eastern Cape police are investigating the principal of Bergview College, in Matatiele, for the rape of a seven-year-old girl. In Limpopo, police are seeking assistance to apprehend a 58-year-old teacher accused of raping a 13-year-old girl on school premises between November 2024 and March this year. Speaking on Monday at the annual memorial lecture of Uyinene Mrwetyana, who was raped and murdered in 2019 at a Cape Town post office, Gwarube said: "Justice must be served. Yes, but more needs to be done to rid our schools of sexual predators. This is the work I intend on doing with the minister [of justice Mmamoloko] Kubayi to change the law so that every single person who comes [in] contact with children is vetted against [the national sexual offenders] register." Reflecting on Mrwetyana's death, Gwarube said that her death was a call for action – a moment to reflect the unacceptable high levels of violence against women and children. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Herman Moloi at SowetanLive Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Prasa achieves milestones on Central Line, while Mitchells Plain line set for May reopening IOL News reports that the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) has been commended by the Western Cape Government on recent successful trial operations on the Central Line. Prasa’s implementation of multiple successful trial operations on the Cape Town to Chris Hani (Khayelitsha) rail corridor has been called a significant step in the restoration of the public transport system. The Cape Town to Chris Hani rail, also known as the Central Line, was last fully functional in November 2019 before services were suspended due to vandalism and cable theft. The line was also affected by illegal electrical connections and encroachment onto the railway alignment. On 25 March 2025, Prasa tested the line with the new blue and white state-of-the-art trains known as Isitimela Sabantu from Cape Town to Chris Hani, one of the end points of the Central Line. Metrorail Western Cape Manager, Raymond Maseko, said that the Chris Hani service marked a “significant step” and once the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) granted permission for safe operations, the commuter service would commence. Maseko also reported: “Currently our repair work (on the Mitchells Plain line) is at Philippi. We have already recovered Kapteinsklip station, Lentegeur station, and Mitchells Plain station. What is remaining for us to do, is the wires on top, and by the end of May, you will also be enjoying the very same services. Please be patient with us.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Theolin Tembo at IOL News
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