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 Friday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Police crime intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo arrested at airport, allegedly on corruption charges BusinessLive reports that SA Police Service divisional commissioner for crime intelligence Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday, allegedly on charges relating to corruption. Henry Mamothame, the National Prosecuting Authority’s investigative directorate spokesperson, confirmed the arrest, but did not provide details until he and others appear in court. Other police sources said the arrest was linked to corruption. Ian Cameron, chair of parliament’s police portfolio committee, said Khumalo’s arrest “sends more shock waves through the policing community”. He added that this development “again raises serious concern about the integrity and leadership crisis in SAPS senior management. I repeat: a skills audit, integrity audit and urgent review of management is essential.” Earlier Cameron said the “imminent arrest” of Khumalo related to “serious allegations, including irregular appointments and the looting of SAPS crime intelligence slush funds”. The DA welcomed the arrest of Khumalo and three other top figures in the crime intelligence division, namely Brig Daniel Ncube, Brig Nozipho Madondo and a Maj-Gen Gabela. “This is a welcomed step in rescuing an organisation on the brink of collapse,” DA spokesperson on state security Dianne Kohler Barnard said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hendrik Hancke at BusinessLive. Read too, Police Crime Intelligence boss Dumisani Khumalo arrested, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Leeu Gamka police constable arrested for allegedly extorting R5,000 from suspect to facilitate his release Cape Times reports that a police constable stationed at Leeu Gamka is expected to appear in court after he allegedly extorted a suspect into paying him R5,000 to secure his release. The officer, after allegedly receiving part payment of R3,000, failed to release the suspect, and the matter was reported. Police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, said the 31-year-old constable was arrested on 25 June. He reported further: “The initial reports at our disposal suggest that on May 9, the constable stationed at Leeu Gamka SAPS requested a suspect in custody for fraud to make a payment of R5,000 to secure his release. The suspect agreed to pay the constable an amount of R3,000 and arranged to pay the balance upon his release. The constable in question used his mobile device to ensure the suspect made a payment into his bank account. The suspect, however, was never released from custody. The conduct of the police member was reported and ultimately transferred to the Western Cape Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for further investigation.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chevon Booysen at Cape Times Veteran police detective denied bail in case of rifle stolen in 2006 The Witness reports that a seasoned detective from the Mountain Rise police station will remain behind bars after the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court denied him bail in a case that has shaken the local police service. Santhalingum Reddy (51), who boasts 31 years in law enforcement, was arrested last month in Northdale following a dramatic police operation sparked by a tip-off. Officers from the SAPS, including the K9 unit, swooped in after receiving information that a brown SUV parked along Martha Road was allegedly being used to traffic high-powered firearms. Police watched as a man emerged from the vehicle and placed a parcel near a wall. Inside, officers discovered a cache of weaponry – a state-issued R5 rifle, two magazines, and 30 rounds of live ammunition. The rifle had been reported stolen from the Richmond police station nearly two decades ago, in 2006. Reddy faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. In a bid for bail, he painted the picture of a dedicated civil servant, but the investigating officer said Reddy’s continued freedom would endanger the integrity of an ongoing investigation. Reddy will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 22 July. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khethukuthula Xulu at The Witness Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Chatsworth teacher fatally stabbed outside school IOL News reports that the Chatsworth community is in mourning following the tragic stabbing of Joseph Nyawose, a teacher at Merry Hill Primary. Nyawose, 29, of Bayview, was stabbed three times in the chest on Monday morning and collapsed at the school's entrance. He succumbed to his injuries in hospital later that day. One suspect, who was allegedly found packing his belongings at his home, was arrested by the police from the Khokhoba Informal Settlement in Bayview. Nyawose, a Grade 5 form teacher, taught at the school for five years. He specialised in isiZulu, technology and creative arts. Nyawose was also a soccer referee and chaperoned the school’s soccer team. Brandon Pillay, the chairperson of the Bayview Community Policing Forum (CPF), indicated: “It is alleged that Joseph and the alleged perpetrator had a previous altercation. On Monday morning, there was a confrontation and Joseph was stabbed three times in his chest. The perpetrator then ran off … Members of the CPF from the area alerted police about the suspect's whereabouts.” Nyawose’s funeral will be held in his hometown of Izingolweni, near Port Shepstone, on Sunday. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Yoshini Perumal at IOL News Massive fire at SAB Baragwanath depot in Soweto put out, no injuries reported News24 reports that firefighters have extinguished a massive fire that broke out at the South African Brewery’s (SAB) Baragwanath depot in Soweto on Thursday afternoon. City of Johannesburg’s EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said the blaze reportedly began when grass in a nearby field caught fire. “This soon spread quickly and ignited storage crates on the premises,” she indicated. No injuries were reported. Khumalo said only the outdoor crate storage was affected. “Fortunately, the structure on the premises was not affected by the blaze and remains unscathed,” Khumalo said. Read the short original of the report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya and view a video clip at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Phillip Vilakazi elected new NUM president, replacing Dan Balepile Sunday World reports that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has ushered in a new era of leadership, with Phillip Vilakazi elected as president at the union’s 18th National Congress held at Birchwood Hotel. Vilakazi has served as deputy president of the union for over six years and will take over from outgoing president Dan Balepile. In his victory speech, Vilakazi highlighted that his election marked a turning point for NUM. He outlined a firm stance against internal power imbalances and promised reforms aimed at unifying the organisation. Under his leadership, the NUM plans to conduct oversight visits to branches across the country, aiming to re-engage directly with members and communities. Vilakazi said the union would be expected to play an active role in recruitment drives, helping to grow the union’s membership base and reconnect with workers on the ground. He urged members to prioritise collective action and resilience, making it clear that leadership in the union was about service and commitment, not popularity. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Boitumelo Kgobotlo at Sunday World Sibanye-Stillwater expected to restart R5bn Burnstone gold project in Mpumalanga Miningmx reports that Sibanye-Stillwater is expected to approve the restart of its R5bn Burnstone gold project in Mpumalanga. Neal Froneman, CEO of the precious metals producer, said in an interview on the sidelines of the London Indaba conference that a decision on the project was “weeks away”. There was “no question” the 120,000 ounce a year project was “a good one,” Froneman indicated. A feasibility study, launched last year, was focused not on the project’s fundamentals but on specific ramp-up issues such as staffing. “It’s in the middle of nowhere,” Froneman pointed out. The group had already spent R4bn on Burnstone before halting it in 2021 as it sought to conserve cash amid a heavy correction in platinum group metal prices. “It wasn’t because the project didn’t work at all. There was no problem. We just had to limit cash outflow and we felt that Burnstone was something we could switch on and switch off,” Froneman explained. Asked during a conference presentation to reflect on his career, Froneman said failing to merge Sibanye-Stillwater’s gold mines with AngloGold Ashanti and Gold Fields was a missed opportunity. He forecast that the Driefontein and Kloof mines had about five years of life left in them before adding: “Possibly 10 years”. Froneman is due to retire from Sibanye-Stillwater in September. He will be succeeded by Southern African COO, Richard Stewart. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by David McKay at Miningmx Other general posting(s) relating to mining
LifeLine PMB issues warning over bogus job advert for 31 social workers The Witness reports that LifeLine Pietermaritzburg has warned the public about a fake job advertisement currently circulating on social media, which falsely claims that the organisation is hiring 31 social workers. In a statement, LifeLine said that it currently had no vacancies for social workers and labelled the advert as a scam aimed at misleading desperate job seekers. The organisation outlined several key inaccuracies in the ad, including that their offices were not located at Number 133 Jabu Ndlovu Street and that the listed office contact number was not theirs. Concerned by the potential harm caused to unemployed individuals seeking genuine work, LifeLine called for increased vigilance and community awareness. “Scammers often take advantage of the high unemployment rate and create believable posts using trusted organisations’ names. This not only damages our reputation but exploits the hopes of many,” warned LifeLine and Rape Crisis Pietermaritzburg director Sinikiwe Biyela. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Zama Myeza at The Witness
Two KZN municipalities ‘truly valuing the patience of employees’ fail to pay salaries on time News24 reports that the ANC-led Impendle Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) failed to pay salaries on time in April and May and now another of the province’s local municipalities, IFP-led Jozini, has failed to pay workers their June salaries on time. According to a labour source, Impendle begged the National Treasury to fund workers’ salaries last month after the two entities had a “misunderstanding” over funds. The Treasury had apparently taken some unspent funds from the municipality, which resulted in the non-payment of salaries. This month, Jozini looks set to approach Finance Minister Enoch Godongwanaʼs office with a cap in hand. On 23 June, Jozini municipal manager Sipho Bhekisizwe Nkosi wrote a letter informing municipal workers they wouldn’t receive their salaries on their usual payment date – just a few hours before payday. “We sincerely apologise for this inconvenience. Please rest assured that we are actively working to resolve the matter and we expect salaries to be credited before the end of the first week of July 2025,” Nkosi indicated. Earlier in May, Impendle workers were told their salaries due on 29 May were being deferred. But, a last-minute “breakthrough in the financial challenges” faced by Impendle was announced allowing municipal workers to receive their salaries. The money paid on 29 May also paid over outstanding funds owed to third parties, such as medical aid, pension funds and Unemployment Insurance Fund contributions. In a statement, SA Municipal Workers Union regional leader Mafika Mshengu said the workers’ salaries were also delayed in April. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Soyiso Maliti at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Mpumalanga municipalities face worker backlash over half-paid and late salaries SowetanLive reports on salary payment problems at two Mpumalanga municipalities. Workers at Nkomazi local municipality in Malalane only got half their pay while those in Mkhondo were paid late on Wednesday afternoon. On Monday, Mbuso Malale, spokesperson for Nkomazi municipality, advised that half of its employees' salaries would not be paid because of financial constraints. Employees then demonstrated outside the municipal offices on Wednesday. Malale indicated that only basic salaries were paid and no allowances or overtime payments were made. "[This is] due to financial constraints which have been communicated to the employees. Other allowances, including travelling, overtime and others have not been paid yet. The remaining monies due to anyone will be paid on or before July 4,” Malale advised. Spokesperson for Mkhondo municipality, Robert Kubheka, said they were also affected, but he added that he was not authorised to speak to the media on the matter. Mkhondo sent out SMSes to employees on Wednesday, saying salaries would reflect after midday but this did not happen. They were paid in the early afternoon. SA Municipal Workers Union Nkomazi leader Nkosinathi Mkhwanazi said medical aids and pensions funds were also not paid. “We will not stop demonstrating until what's due to our members is paid. Why is there no plan?” said Mkhwanazi. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mandla Khoza at SowetanLive
Defence force clerk and five others in court after 'ghost workers' uncovered TimesLIVE reports that a SA National Defence Force (SANDF) reserve force member and five co-accused appeared in the Pretoria Ppecialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday to face charges of defrauding the force of R1.1m. Thandile Ndevu is charged with 53 counts of fraud or theft and 53 counts of money laundering. Human resources clerk Khanya Ndevu and Thembisile Dlamini are each facing 11 counts of fraud or theft and 11 counts of money laundering. Avuyile Ndzuta is facing 10 counts of fraud or theft, and 10 counts of money laundering. Yonelisa Gova is facing 21 counts fraud or theft and 21 counts of money laundering. Thandile Ndevu, Khanya Ndevu and Ndzuta are cousins, while Dlamini and Loni are married. Thandile Ndevu's responsibilities included calling reserve force employees for service, capturing on the system reserve force members who had reported for duty as well as their banking details. Between July 2018 and July 2019, it is alleged she captured on the system details of reserve force members as though they had reported for duty and replaced their banking details with those of her co-accused. “This was discovered after one of the complainants whose details were used filed her tax return at Sars and discovered that she had two IRP5 forms she needed to submit instead of just the one she had taken. The complainant went to the SANDF and that's when the four ghost workers were discovered,” said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana. The matter was postponed to 15 August for plea and trial. Read the original of the report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at TimesLIVE
Road Accident Fund CEO fails in urgent court bid to set aside his suspension News24 reports that the North Gauteng High Court has dismissed Road Accident Fund (RAF) CEO Collins Letsoalo’s urgent application to have his suspension set aside. “There is no factual or legal basis to declare the suspension to be unlawful, irrational or unreasonable. He failed to demonstrate any apprehension of irreparable harm. Thus, he is not entitled to an interdictory relief of any nature, be it interim or final,” Judge Graham Moshoana ruled on Thursday. Letsoalo was initially placed on special leave on 27 May amid a probe by the Special Investigating Unit into allegations of corruption. But the RAF board conceded that the decision to place the CEO on special leave was not legally sound and the special leave was withdrawn. Letsoalo was then suspended for allegedly refusing to attend a meeting of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on 28 May. Letsoalo turned to the court, asking for an order setting aside the suspension and declaring it unlawful, irrational and unreasonable. He also wanted an order allowing him to return to work immediately and interdicting the RAF and its board from advertising the CEO position pending the finalisation of the process of his reappointment. However, the court noted that the board had no power to appoint a CEO and could only make a recommendation to the minister. Moshoana said the failure to join the minister in the application was fatal to the granting of interdictory relief. The application was dismissed with costs Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Hoërskool Waterkloof principal moved to district office after complaint about interference with witnesses TimesLIVE reports that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDoE) on Thursday precautionarily transferred the principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof, Chris Denysschen, following complaints of alleged interference with witnesses at the school. Allegations of improper conduct were levelled against Denysschen last year, but the department refused to disclose full details due to the sensitivity of the matter and the fact that the disciplinary hearing was still pending. He was initially placed on precautionary transfer to the district office in September last year, but this was lifted on 12 December, and he returned to the school. On Thursday, the department said the principal would from Friday report to the Tshwane South district office. “He will remain there until the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings, which are being managed independently by the Education Labour Relations Council, the statutory body responsible for overseeing such hearings,” GDoE spokesperson Steve Mabona advised. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at TimesLIVE. Lees ook, Waterkloofhoof weer uit pos verwyder vir duur van verhoor, by Maroela Media
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