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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Prasa CEO to meet with Untu and Satawu on Tuesday over 15% wage demand BL Premium reports that Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) group CEO Hishaam Emeran is expected on Tuesday to meet with the two largest unions at the rail operator over their demand for a wage increase of 15%. The United National Transport Union (Untu) and SA Transport & Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) declared a dispute at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation & Arbitration (CCMA) weeks ago and threatened industrial action after Prasa “refused” to formally respond to their wage increase demands. Satawu and Untu’s consolidated wage demands include a 15% across-the-board wage increase for 2025/26. Consumer inflation is hovering at about 3%. The unions’ demands also include 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 the dispute after talks, which began early this year, stalled for the third time late in March. On Monday, Untu’s Atenkosi Plaatjie said labour was scheduled to meet Emeran on Tuesday to try to find common ground. However, she said this would not stall the hearing of their dispute at the CCMA on Thursday. Satawu’s Amanda Tshemese said the Cosatu affiliate would be attending the meeting with the Prasa CEO. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Police launch manhunt after three taxi marshals shot dead in Soweto on Monday IOL News reports that Gauteng police have launched a manhunt after three Soweto taxi marshals were gunned down in a hail of bullets in Mofolo Cenral. The incident took place shortly after 7am on Monday morning. A resident reported: "All I heard were gun shots which sounded like fireworks ... It was scary as this incident happened shortly after 7am. As we went to investigate what was happening, we saw three people inside a car riddled with bullets. The driver had about 11 holes in his body. It was really a bad situation." According to a spokesperson for the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (Wata), the deceased were in a squad car when people in an unknown vehicle fired shots at them. This latest incident in a spate of alleged taxi-related killings comes hot on the heels of the death of four people who were gunned down at a taxi rank in Doornfontein, Johannesburg last month. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siyabonga Sithole at IOL News. Read too, Three Soweto taxi marshals shot dead, at SowetanLive. And also, WATA calls on government to address taxi wars following fatal shooting, at SABC News Family of taxi marshal killed in Mofolo shooting say they warned him about the dangers of the job EWN reports that the family of one of the marshalls who was killed in the latest taxi violence attack in Soweto said they warned him about his job before his brutal murder. Bongani Buthelezi was one of three patrollers who were shot dead in Mofolo, Soweto, on Monday. It is unclear what the motive behind their killing was, but the area has been gripped by taxi violence attacks for years. The 47-year-old has three children to support, and his family said that was why he chose to work in the risky taxi environment. His sister, Xoli Dlamini, said the family often spoke to him about the dangers of his job: "It was tough for me to criticise his work even though it was risky because I could support him financially. He had children to take care of." Buthelezi’s family said they were also concerned about the way the Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (Wata) handled his murder, as nobody informed them, and they found out from social media. Meanwhile, police investigations continue, and no arrests have been made. Read the original of the report in the above regard by Kgomotso Modise at EWN Call for action after sheriff is gunned down outside his office in Secunda News24 reports that the SA Board for Sheriffs has expressed deep concern over rising violence against its officials following the assassination of 62-year-old Mpumalanga sheriff of the court Andrew Lesiba Shabalala. He was gunned down outside his office last week, highlighting what the board called a disturbing trend of targeted attacks on sheriffs carrying out their legal duties. In SA, sheriffs of the court serve or execute all documents, including summonses, notices, warrants and court orders, issued by the courts. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, Shabalala was scheduled to attend an auction in Secunda in the morning when the event was postponed to noon. "They returned to the sheriff's offices where the driver reportedly exited the car, leaving Shabalala, who was talking on the phone. It was during this time that the driver heard gunshots. After a while, the driver went to investigate, only to discover that the sheriff had been shot inside the car and sustained severe injuries," Mdhluli reported. Emergency medical personnel and police were called to the scene but, tragically, Shabalala was declared dead upon their arrival. Investigations revealed that two armed suspects had approached the car and fired multiple shots at Shabalala. They fled the scene in a maroon SUV without a registration number plate. Nothing appears to have been stolen. “The motive for the shooting remains unknown and forms part of the ongoing police investigation," said Mdhluli. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (subscription or trial registration required) Contractor of George building that collapsed denies liability and could take legal action Cape Argus reports that the contractor embroiled in the George building collapse that claimed 34 lives says he intends to take legal action against the individuals and companies he believes are responsible. But, Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane says he faces criminal charges. Theuns Kruger, owner of Liatel Developments, said they were cooperating with authorities including the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), but maintained that the company was not liable for the tragedy on 6 May last year, when a five-storey building collapsed in Victoria Street, George. Kruger was responding to the findings of an investigation, which were revealed by Simelane during a parliamentary portfolio committee meeting on Friday. The report found that while the materials used in the construction were of good quality, the building’s structure was not designed to support the weight of the building. Liatel Developers, Neo Victoria Development, Engineer Athol Mitchell have been under the radar of the investigation. Kruger claimed that while he had not seen the report, he believed the company was misrepresented during various administrative processes and that its name was used without consent during the NHBRC enrolment process. He stated: “As you are aware by now, Liatel was not the Developer, Liatel was the appointed Contractor. The development should have been enrolled by the Developer, in this instance Neo Victoria … It is important to note that it is not the contractor’s responsibility, nor liability, to enroll developments at the NHBRC. This responsibility lies with the Developer. The enrollment was apparently done by Neo Victoria under the name of Liatel without our consent or knowledge.” He went on to indicate: “Liatel has the submitted documents and we are taking legal advice as to our options and actions against certain individuals and entities.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Genevieve Serra at Cape Argus. Lees ook, Kortpaaie, mislukte interne proses lei tot George-tragedie – verslag, by Maroela Media George building collapse survivors and victims’ families still looking for justice SABC News reports that survivors and family members of victims who died in the George building collapse in the Western Cape say they still want justice. They were reacting to a report by Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, who said that several system failures on the side of the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) had led to the collapse. Thirty-four people died in the tragedy in May last year. The report indicated that charges of culpable homicide have been laid against several persons, including the developer, although no arrests have been made as yet. Elelwani Mawela, a survivor with extensive facial injuries, welcomed the new developments. “I need justice, until the police arrest all the people who caused that damage. I’m still struggling, even today. When I go to the hospital, public hospital because of problems with my teeth, they told me ‘we can’t help you here, Mawela. You must go to a private hospital’,” said Mawela, who added she cannot afford private healthcare. In her report, Minister Simelane said that the George Municipality had not been very helpful in providing them with crucial information relating to the building developer. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Sagree Chetty at SABC News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
SA’s organic sector boom set to fuel jobs, exports and investment BL Premium reports that according to Standard Bank, SA’s organic and natural products industry is on a rapid growth path, creating promising opportunities for local business, job creation and export diversification. With strong financial backing, growing consumer demand, strategic international positioning and a projected growth of 13.25% in 2024-29, the sector is poised to play a key role in the country’s economic future. “The organic and natural products industry is no longer just a niche market – it’s becoming a substantial economic driver with tremendous growth potential,” said Standard Bank’s Qaanitah Dollie. The sector, valued at about R1bn annually, is expanding as health-conscious consumers prioritise sustainability and locally sourced products. The sector also holds strong export potential, particularly in markets such as the US and China, where demand for high-quality organic goods continues to rise. “What makes this sector particularly exciting from a banking perspective is the diversity of business models emerging. From farm-to-table organic food producers to innovative natural cosmetics manufacturers, these businesses are creating new value chains while addressing growing consumer demand for products that are both environmentally and socially responsible,” Dollie indicated. The organic and natural products market includes organic foods, natural cosmetics and skincare, herbal supplements and eco-friendly household products. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nompilo Goba at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Social security benefits registration for ex-miners on West Rand closes on Friday SABC News reports that the Gauteng Department of Health, in partnership with the Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD), is extending the benefits registration period for ex-mine workers in the West Rand District until Friday. The extension period comes after the department saw that a high number of ex-mine workers missed the initial two weeks of registration. The initiative aims to identify and support former miners who may be eligible for social security benefits due to work-related illnesses or unclaimed provident and pension funds. The department’s spokesperson Motalatale Modiba advised: “Registration will be available during weekdays from 08h00 to 15h00 at various venues. We just need to indicate to the public that two of the original venues has now changed, Mohlakeng EMS Hall has now replaced Ramosa Hall, Carletonville Hospital has replaced Carletonville Civic Centre, while (there is also) Khutsong Extension 4 multi-purpose civic centre, Molatlhegi Hall in Kokosi and Chief Mogale Hall in Kagiso. We also want to remind the ex-miners workers that when they come through they need to make sure that they bring in their relevant documentation.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard at SABC News
Treasury reassures private sector over National Health Insurance fears Mail & Guardian reports that private sector healthcare schemes will still have a role to play when the government implements the National Health Insurance (NHI) because the treasury cannot finance the system on its own. The possibility of the NHI squeezing out medical schemes “is very unlikely for a very long time, if at all”, according to Mark Blecher, the chief director of health and social development at the treasury. He told a recent roundtable discussion on the NHI: “It’s not easy to raise taxes and the role of private financing is very important in our context, and it’s very difficult for government to take on that private financing, so … we’re going to continue to see a role for private medical schemes and a multi-scheme arrangement for many many years.” President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the contentious NHI Act on 15 May 2024, with the government aiming to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare and rectify the imbalances created by apartheid. But the NHI has created uncertainty in the private healthcare sector and medical aid schemes, with many saying, if they were to be excluded from providing services as feared, this would hurt the entire healthcare system because the government does not have the financial muscle to sustain the insurance fund. Many organisations, including Solidarity, have sought to challenge the Act. The latest is the SA Medical Association, which represents public and private sector medical practitioners. It said last week it would legally challenge the NHI, citing several flaws in the Act that could have real-world negative effects for doctors and patients. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Aarti Bhana at Mail & Guardian
‘Intoxicated’ doctor loses Labour Court case after claiming white substance was from peppermints, not cocaine The Citizen reports that a Western Cape doctor accused of treating patients while under the influence of cocaine lost his case after the Labour Court (LC) found his dismissal had been fair. Dr A Kleynhans was fired after reportedly arriving at work at Uniondale Provincial Hospital on three separate occasions in August 2019 while intoxicated. His dismissal was initially overturned following an arbitrator’s finding that it was procedurally unfair and awarded him six months’ remuneration. However, the LC ruled in favour of the Western Cape department of health after a review application was lodged. A nursing manager at the hospital testified seeing Kleynhans unsteady on his feet, confused, with dilated pupils, slurred speech and a white substance around his mouth in two separate incidents. When asked about the white residue, the doctor claimed it was from peppermints. Kleynhans denied being under the influence of illicit substances at work, but he did not dispute to once having used cocaine at home. Judge Robert Lagrange agreed with the department, stating that Kleynhans’s conduct posed “an imminent threat to patients, the liability of the department and himself”. He said: “It is untenable on the evidence of the high risks Kleynhans posed, that the arbitrator could have formed a view that Kleynhans’s conduct was less serious than that and that dismissal was an unfair sanction for the department to impose.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Molefe Seeletsa at The Citizen
Life imprisonment for three Free State policemen who murdered suspect in custody TimesLIVE reports that three Free State police officers who murdered a man they arrested in 2022 have been sentenced to life in prison. The Phuthaditjhaba Regional Court on Monday sentenced Sgt Mbekeni Canuel Dladla, Const Bongani Selby Zondo and Const Richard Mohau Balene after finding them guilty of murdering Thabo Moses Mopeli while he was in custody. The three were also sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment on each of three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They were declared unfit to possess firearms. Two other victims in this matter testified that on 21 May 2022 they were walking towards a local tavern when a police van stopped next to them. They were arrested for drinking in public and were later joined by Thabo Mopeli who was arrested for business robbery. The witnesses said that the police started to beat Thabo Mopeli with a firearm butt while questioning him about the whereabouts of a firearm. They were also assaulted at the back of the police van by the police officers. They were all then driven to Tseseng police station where the three members continued to assault Thabo Mopeli until he succumbed to the injuries sustained during the assault. The court found that the officers had used excessive and unlawful force, resulting in a senseless and avoidable death. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at TimesLIVE
Piketberg school bus driver to appear in court over sexual assault allegations involving pupil Cape Times reports that a bus driver is expected to appear in the Piketberg Magistrate’s Court this week on sexual assault allegations involving a 16-year-old school pupil. The safety of school children had been in the spotlight recently after a 7-year-old pupil was allegedly raped at Bergview College, an independent school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, while waiting for her transport in October last year. Western Cape police confirmed the Piketberg matter was being investigated and the suspect had been arrested. Kerry Mauchline, spokesperson for Education MEC David Maynier, said the pupil reported the matter to the school on 27 March, the same day as the incident, and the bus company was contacted to replace the driver. The school followed the Abuse No More protocol by reporting the matter to the district social worker to support the learner, and the parents of the learner were also encouraged to open a case with SA Police Service. Rural and Farmworkers Development Organisation, Billy Claasen said the family, who lived on a farm, had reached out to him after they felt police were dragging their feet with the case. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicola Daniels at Cape Times Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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