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 recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Numsa signs above-inflation pay deal with glass sector employers for 5.5% in 2025 and 6% in 2026 BL Premium reports that the 3,000 workers employed in the glass sector will receive above-inflation wage increases after the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) clinched a two-year wage deal with employers this week. The wage agreement with the Glass Industry Employers Association will see employees receiving a 5.5% wage increase in 2025 and 6% in 2026. The consumer inflation rate is hovering at about 3%. The agreement is from 1 July and expires in June 2027. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola advised that the pay deal would be extended to nonparties to ensure “the gains reach every employee.” The deal will see the minimum wage per month increase from R8,700 to R9,300 during the two-year period. According to market intelligence platform ReportLinker, SA is set to become a major player in the global glass market, with imports expected to reach $321.6m by 2026, an increase of 1.3% compared to 2021. Meanwhile, SA’s glass recycling industry injects more than R300m into the economy, according to The Glass Recycling Company. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Sugar industry workers secure 6.5% wage increase after protracted negotiations The Mercury reports that after five months of negotiations, workers in the sugar manufacturing and refining industry have secured a 6.5% wage increase through a one-year agreement facilitated by the CCMA. The United Association of SA (UASA), which represented workers in the talks, indicated that the wage agreement applied to all employees within the A1 to C3 job grades and had been backdated to 1 April 2025. UASA’s Abigail Moyo said the agreement was finalised through the Bargaining Council for the Sugar Manufacturing and Refining Industry after a drawn-out process. “Considering the cost-of-living challenges facing all workers, we are hopeful that this wage increase is a sign of stability for the sugar industry, as the sector has been threatened by several factors that have painted a gloomy picture for sugar producers and workers,” Moyo stated. The sugar industry has faced sustained pressure over the past few years due to droughts, global price volatility, local production costs, and concerns over the long-term impact of the Health Promotion Levy, commonly referred to as the “sugar tax”. UASA credited the outcome to the strength and benefits of collective bargaining. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siphesihle Buthelezi at The Mercury
Salaries stabilised in June after months of decline, but adverse external factors loom The Citizen reports that salaries stabilised in June after three months of decline, supported by a favourable inflation environment and an anticipated interest rate cut on Thursday. But, external factors are still expected to weigh on future earnings and unemployment levels. Take-home pay, tracked in the BankservAfrica Take-home Pay Index (BTPI), held steady in June after three months of decline. “The nominal average take-home pay was R17,310 in June, showing a marginal 0.1% decline on May’s R17,325. However, this was still notably above the R15,514 level of a year ago,” BankservAfrica’s Shergeran Naidoo indicated. Real take-home pay, adjusted for inflation, moderated marginally by 0.2% to R14,804 in June, compared to R14,827 in May, but was also still notably up on levelsa year ago. Economist Elize Kruger commented: “With inflation forecast to average 3.5% in 2025 unlike the 4.4% in 2024 and the broader industry suggesting an average salary increase above 5%, 2025 will be the second consecutive year of a real increase in earnings.” However, Kruger pointed out that the general economic environment had deteriorated in recent months, with downward revisions to growth prospects locally and globally and high levels of uncertainty. “This could affect employment levels and earnings in the coming months, in an economy with an already high unemployment rate of 32.9%,” she warned. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ina Opperman at The Citizen. Read too, SA’s average take-home pay steadied in June but economic uncertainty casts a shadow, at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Call for nurses' mental health and wellness to be taken seriously TimesLIVE reports that healthcare leaders have called for urgent systemic action to prioritise nurses' wellness, warning that the health of the country’s largest workforce is being overlooked to the detriment of patient outcomes. Speaking at the 5th African Nursing Conference in Boksburg, Brig-Gen Azwihangwisi Makumbane, from the SA Military Health Service (SAMHS), said burnout, fatigue and lack of support have become silent threats within hospitals, clinics and military facilities. Makumbane called on the government to urgently establish wellness clinics in all healthcare facilities, warning that without support systems for healthcare workers, their performance was being compromised. She said nurses, doctors, kitchen staff and security personnel all faced extreme stress in the healthcare environment, yet there are few safe spaces for them to seek help. Makumbane emphasised the importance of occupational health and safety units being properly staffed by trained medical professionals who could assess, refer and support staff with psychological or physical challenges. “When nurses are emotionally exhausted, they lose compassion not because they do not care, but because they are drowning silently. Mental health is part of wellness,” she pointed out. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mmatumelo Lebjane at TimesLIVE Suspect sought after nurse assaulted at Limpopo clinic TimesLIVE reports that police are seeking information about a man who allegedly assaulted a nurse at the Tshitavha Sambandou Clinic in Limpopo. The man arrived at the clinic soon after midnight on Monday, demanding immediate treatment "without due consideration to the rest of the community members and staff", said police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba. He went on to report: "He (the suspect) allegedly insulted staff and physically assaulted the nurse, causing injuries to the victim’s face. She screamed for help and three colleagues arrived to assist. The suspect fled the scene." Read the original of the short report in the above regard at SowetanLive Other internet posting(s) in this news category
FlySafair pilots must first see fair scheduling agreement in writing, says Solidarity IOL Business reports negotiations between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing its striking pilots, were set to resume on Wednesday afternoon, with the airline’s controversial shift scheduling system still leading the agenda. But, there appears to be a level of miscommunication between the parties following FlySafair’s latest statement to the media, issued on Wednesday morning. The carrier said its pilots were guaranteed rest weekends in the new shift schedule, and that pilots had access to the schedule. However, in a statement released later on Wednesday, Solidarity said this was “new information” that had never been mentioned during the previous negotiations. The union’s Helgard Cronjé said there was no valid reason why FlySafair should not agree in writing to the pilots’ demands regarding the shift schedule. He indicated: “Our request is simply this: put the agreement in writing so that the pilots can hold the company to it”. Cronjé claimed that FlySafair was refusing to put these provisions in writing, describing them as “soft” rules that the company could change as it saw fit. According to FlySafair, its most recent settlement proposal, which was rejected by the union, was designed to empower the pilot body to shape its own roster rules through an independently chaired committee. But, Solidarity pointed out that it was accepted practice in SA labour law for an employee's terms of employment, including working hours, to be stipulated in an employment contract. “It’s simple. Take these rules that are already being implemented and let’s put them in an agreement so that pilots can enjoy the same protection as other employees,” Cronjé said. The pilot strike is now in its second week. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jason Woosey at IOL Business. Lees ook, FlySafair-staking: Vlieëniers wil roosterooreenkoms op skrif sien, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
NSFAS employees stage picket over alleged corruption, mismanagement and wage dispute News24 reports that employees at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) began a three-day picket outside the agency’s Foreshore offices in Cape Town on Wednesday, demanding action against alleged corruption, mismanagement, and poor working conditions. Leading the demonstration was the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu), which is also locked in a wage dispute with the organisation. The wage negotiations have reached a deadlock and have been escalated to the CCMA. Nehawu NSFAS branch chairperson Linda Mcetywa commented: “We are working with outdated policies and systems, and there’s an over-reliance on external service providers.” According to Mcetywa, staff were not to blame for NSFAS operating well below its performance targets and instead pointed fingers at “incompetent” executives. Nehawu warned that the picket would escalate into a full-blown strike if an agreement was not reached soon. The NSFAS board did not address the corruption and mismanagement claims in a statement, choosing instead to focus on the wage dispute. The board indicated: “Significant progress has been made through numerous successful negotiations between NSFAS and Nehawu on various issues affecting operations and staff. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Velani Ludidi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, NSFAS workers embark on first picket in Cape Town, at SABC News
Over 200 suspects arrested in a week in nationwide crackdown on illegal mining The Witness reports that a total of 216 suspects have been arrested in a major crackdown on illegal mining and related crimes during the SA Police Service’s (SAPS’) latest Vala Umgodi operations. The arrests, made between 21 and 27July, spanned all nine provinces and formed part of SAPS’ intensified efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates driving illicit mining activities across the country. Details by province are contained in the news report. Alongside the arrests, police seized unlicensed firearms, explosives, and stolen property, delivering a significant blow to illegal mining networks. The Vala Umgodi operation is a multi-disciplinary initiative aimed at tackling the growing threat of illegal mining and the violent crime it fuels. Police said further arrests and confiscations were expected as operations continued. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kayla Shaw at The Witness
Home Affairs fires five more officials linked variously to fraud and sexual assault The Citizen reports that five more Department of Home Affairs (DHA) officials have been dismissed, bringing the total to 38 fired officials in one year. The department indicated on Wednesday that the officials were dismissed on Monday with immediate for offences ranging from fraud to sexual assault. The DHA has dismissed 38 officials in 12 months as part of a sweeping anti-corruption and misconduct campaign. Eight of the 38 officials have been convicted and sentenced to prison for periods ranging from four to 18 years, while 19 officials are still being criminally prosecuted. The department’s spokesperson Duwayne Esau said these developments highlighted Home Affairs’ increasing effectiveness in combating criminal syndicates both within and outside the department. The dismissals follow on from the recent launch of the Border Management and Immigration Anti-Corruption Forum, which has further strengthened coordination between Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, the Special Investigating Unit, and the National Prosecuting Authority Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chulumanco Mahamba at The Citizen. Lees ook, Nóg vyf by binnelandse sake afgedank; 38 kry reeds trekpas, by Maroela Media
Crowdfunding mounted for Pretoria Girls High principal who has been suspended without pay TimesLIVE Premium reports that a network of parents, teachers, lawyers and other concerned individuals have come together to fund and support Pretoria High School for Girls principal Phillipa Erasmus, who has been suspended without pay. This public call to “join the counter-offensive at Pretoria Girls” comes after Erasmus was found guilty of two counts of misconduct, namely allowing her husband to work voluntarily in the school gardens with approval of the School Governing Body and failing to properly advise the school governing body during the appointment of the school’s head of finance. The sanction followed a protracted investigation by the Gauteng department of education. A third charge of failing to enforce the school’s disciplinary code regarding an alleged racist WhatsApp group at the school was dismissed by the disciplinary hearing presiding officer. Erasmus was notified of the guilty findings last week and informed that as from this Monday she was under suspension without pay for three months. Activist and lawyer Richard Wilkinson asked for donations to be paid into a trust fund that would be administered by a Pretoria law firm that has supported Erasmus and other school officials “in the face of the sustained campaign of persecution by the Gauteng department of education”. He said the crowdfunding campaign would prioritise compensating Erasmus for the financial losses she will suffer as a result of the sanction, with the proviso that if it is lifted and she does get paid, she will reimburse what she has received. Any funds received more than her financial losses will be used to support other teachers in a similar position. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Gill Gifford at TimesLIVE Premium (subscriber access only). Read too, GDE must stop victimising Pretoria High School for Girls principal, at The Star Other internet posting(s) in this news category
No Treasury officials have had lifestyle audits for two years, says Enoch Godongwana TimesLIVE reports that according to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, no National Treasury officials were subjected to lifestyle audits in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years. In a written reply to a parliamentary question, Godongwana indicated that the Department of Public Service and Administration provided guidelines for three progressive stages of integrity checks, namely lifestyle reviews, lifestyle investigations and lifestyle audits. “Lifestyle review is the first test and assesses whether an official is living within their means, but it is inconclusive to confirm wrongdoing. Lifestyle reviews are conducted based on discrepancies or red flags identified during the financial disclosure period. Lifestyle investigation is the second test and serves to probe further the findings from a lifestyle review, to confirm undeclared sources of income and any wrongdoing. Lifestyle audit is the third test and is a more complex version of lifestyle investigation,” Godongwana explained. In response about the number of officials audited and the outcomes, Godongwana said lifestyle reviews were last conducted in the 2021/22 financial year on two chief directors and one director. “All three senior management service (SMS) members were cleared and no further steps were taken. No SMS members were referred for lifestyle reviews in 2022/23 and 2023/24.” Godongwana said the Treasury had “bolstered its capacity to conduct lifestyle reviews by training its staff and sourcing appropriate tools” and was consolidating its ethics function under the office of the director-general to improve oversight. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Modiegi Mashamaite at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
High-ranking police officer and two others arrested over furniture tender fraud allegations News24 reports that a high-ranking police officer - who has had previous brushes with the law - has once again been arrested, this time over allegations of tender fraud relating to a R79 million contract to provide furniture to the SA Police Service (SAPS). Brigadier Stephinah Mahlangu and her two co-accused, police officers Colonel Meriam Garekoe and Colonel Nehemia Maleka, made their first appearance in the dock at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. They have been charged with fraud relating to a 2019 SAPS tender to provide office furniture. The three police officials formed part of the bid evaluation committee (BEC) tasked with assessing the bids for the tender. The prosecutor said the accused, as part of the BEC, made false submissions, which resulted in the tender being awarded to KJP Traders in 2019. The State further alleged that the accused lied when they told the BEC that they had done diligence on the company and that it met all the requirements for appointment to render services to SAPS. All three accused were granted bail, which was set at R20,000 each. This was not Mahlangu’s first time in the dock. In February 2022, she and 14 others were arrested for allegedly defrauding the police of more than R1.9 million through personal protective equipment tenders. In June 2022, she was arrested and charged with fraud and corruption relating to four contracts worth R960,000 in the national police commissioner’s corporate services office that were allegedly irregularly awarded. In her bail affidavit on Wednesday, Mahlangu confirmed that she had two criminal matters pending against her. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Alex Mitchley at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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