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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South Africa braces for hefty 30% export tariff from the US Cape Argus reports that South Africans are bracing themselves for the ramifications of the hefty 30% export tariff to the US that is expected to come into effect on Friday. SA exports billions of rands’ worth of goods to the US each year, including fruit, vegetables, meat, and wine. These sectors employ thousands of workers, and the 30% tariff will render their products uncompetitive in the American market, placing immense pressure on producers and exporters. SA has been trying to negotiate a trade deal with the US since May but has yet to agree on terms. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) said it was awaiting substantive feedback from the US on the final status of the country’s framework deal. “Despite the challenges that have been presented by this period, we have put our best foot forward, bringing together the subject specialists within our ranks that have dug deep to ensure that our country is adequately prepared for a number of potential scenarios,” the DTIC said. According to estimates, the tariffs will add roughly $3.5 billion (R63bn) to the cost of exports to the US, based on SA’s 2023 export value. Thys van Zyl of Everest Wealth Advisory said SA was facing severe economic consequences without any formal agreement in place with its second-largest bilateral trading partner. “It is almost unthinkable that, on the eve of such far-reaching tariffs, we still do not have a formal agreement – or even a timeline for when one can be expected. This is not only deeply concerning – it is negligent,” Van Zyl stated. Foord Asset Management’s Farzana Bayat said a 30% tariff wall on South African exports to the US would be catastrophic and escalate trade risk. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siphelele Dludla & Manyane Manyane at Cape Argus Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Interest rates cut to 2022 low, while MPC to focus on 3% inflation even as talks about target continue News24 Business reports that interest rates were lowered by 25 basis points by the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) on Thursday. All six of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members voted for the cut. Rates have been cut twice this year, with the repo rate now reduced to 7%, the lowest rate since end-2022. The prime rate is now 10.5%, which will reduce the monthly repayment on a new R2-million home loan by around R350. Inflation has been below 3% – the minimum target level – since March. But, SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago said inflation was expected to increase, due to in part to higher fuel prices, to 3.3% at the end of the year. The SARB has been pushing hard to lower SA’s inflation target to 3% (from a band of 3% to 6%), which could keep interest rates unchanged until the end of the year. SA’s finance minister must set the inflation target in consultation with the governor of the SARB. Finance minister Enoch Godongwana previously warned that the necessary political consultation would have to precede a lowering of the target. But on Thursday, Kganyago said the MPC would already start focusing on “a 3% inflation anchor” at future meetings, and not a 3% to 6% band, while talks with Treasury continued. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Helena Wasserman at News24 Business (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, SARB cuts repo rate to 7%, at Moneyweb Cost of household food basket stable in July, but price of meat eating into consumers’ budgets The Citizen reports that the average price of the household food basket was stable in July, but the price of meat ate into the budgets of low-income consumers. According to the household food basket compiled by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PEJDG), the household food basket cost R5,442.72 in July, namely 41 cents more than in June when it cost R5,443.12, but R190.57 (3.6%) more than in July last year, when it cost R5,252.15. The basket is part of the Household Affordability Index compiled by the PEJDG from a survey of prices of 44 basic foods from 47 supermarkets and 32 butcheries. Key data from the July 2025 Index shows that the price of 17 of the 44 food items in the basket cost more, while 26 food items cost less, while the price of one item stayed the same. Food items in the basket that cost over 5% more than last month included beef (8%), beef tripe (7%) and butternut (20%). Food items that cost between 2% and 5% more, included full cream milk (3%), chicken feet (4%), chicken gizzards (4%), beef liver (3%), wors (3%), fish (3%), cabbage (2%), polony (4%) and brown bread (4%). Food items in the household food basket that cost at least 5% less, included maize meal (-5%), salt (-6%), carrots (-5%), spinach (-6%), bananas (-13%), oranges (-15%) and peanut butter (-5%). The average price of the household food baskets cost more in July than in June in Johannesburg (R7.58 more), Durban (R45.87 more) and Mtubatuba (R60.32), while the baskets cost less in Cape Town (R25.88 less) Springbok (R36.93 less) and Pietermaritzburg (R54.43 less). Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ina Opperman at The Citizen. Read too, South African food inflation remained on an upward trend in June, at Engineering News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Labour 20 summit commits to slashing youth joblessness, gender pay gap BL Premium reports that SA’s four labour federations shone the spotlight on the scourges of youth unemployment, the need for gender pay parity, social dialogue and skills development at the Labour 20 (L20) summit held within the G20 framework this week in George. Cosatu president Zingiswa Losi said a key discussion topic was the lack of employment among young people who were not in employment, education or training. According to the latest data from Stats SA 3.8-million young people are in that category. Losi said the summit resolved to reduce the number of young people who were not in employment, education or training by 5% by 2030. “We are not theorising these issues. We will set targets about how each member state gets to achieve that [5%] number,” she said, adding this would be realised by the G20 countries creating decent jobs and providing social protection for young people. Another topic was reducing the gender pay gap by 25% by 2035 and ensuring that women had full participation in economic activity, Losi indicated. There was also a need to discuss issues such as AI and the just transition as they affected social partners such as communities, labour, business and government. In a joint statement on the L20 summit, Cosatu, the National Council of Trade Unions, the SA Federation of Trade Unions and the Federation of Unions of SA called for formalization of a comprehensive agenda, including labour law reform, expanded labour inspections, ratification and implementation of all International Labour Organisation instruments, and inclusive social protection. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Public prosecutor gunned down outside her Gqeberha home News24 reports that police are investigating a case of murder after a public prosecutor was shot gead outside her home in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape on Thursday afternoon. According to police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the prosecutor was attacked at approximately 15:30 in Loton Road, Young Park. “While still seated in her vehicle, a Toyota Etios, four unknown suspects wearing masks stopped with a white VW Polo in the street… got out of the vehicle and multiple shots were fired at her vehicle,” Janse van Rensburg said. She added that the prosecutor was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds but died on arrival. The motive and the suspects are still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing. The name of the deceased will be released once she has been officially identified. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Labour inspectors shut unsafe Nyanga Home Affairs office Cape Times reports that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has 60 days to comply with a Department of Employment & Labour (DEL) notice issued after serious health hazards, flagged by the Public Servants Association (PSA), forced the shutdown of the DHA’s Nyanga office. The office was closed on Tuesday after an inspection uncovered the unsafe conditions. Following the inspection, a direction notice was served on the DHA for contravening health and safety regulations. The notice requires the DHA to submit a valid Electrical Certificate of Compliance for all repairs and installations, and to conduct an Ergonomics Risk Assessment before commencing any work that could expose employees to ergonomic hazards. Alongside this, a prohibition notice was issued preventing the reopening of the Nyanga office until several urgent safety measures were addressed. These include the immediate repair of the leaking roof to reduce fire and electrical risks and the replacement of sagging ceilings to prevent potential collapse and structural damage. The DHA must also unblock all emergency exits, as currently only one door is used for both entry and exit, posing a serious evacuation risk. In addition, clean, potable drinking water must be provided for staff and the public as the current JOJO tank was found to be inadequate and had not been serviced for more than a year. The DHA was also ordered to repair and properly secure all exposed electrical wiring to eliminate the risk of electrocution. 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
Cosatu vows to protect KZN e-hailing drivers from exploitation and safety threats The Mercury reports that the Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has committed to developing a Joint Programme of Action with e-hailing drivers to push for legislative reform, improved safety protections, and international recognition of platform workers' rights. This follows a meeting held in Durban on Sunday, where Cosatu engaged with e-hailing drivers to discuss their grievances and outline a coordinated response. Edwin Mkhize, Cosatu KZN provincial secretary, indicated: “E-hailing workers are among the most vulnerable in our economy. They face rising costs, declining incomes, and violent working conditions without protections. We are committed to fighting alongside them.” Drivers raised concerns about burdensome vehicle permit regulations, including a “double disc” system that complicates compliance and raises operating costs. They also accused Uber of increasing its commission to between 45% and 50%. Cosatu highlighted the safety risks faced by e-hailing drivers, who operated without formal workplace protections and were frequently targeted in hijackings, robberies, and violent attacks. Mzo Ngcobo, spokesperson for the KZN E-Hailing Council, expressed support for Cosatu's initiative and confirmed that a meeting had taken place between the council and Cosatu to formulate a partnership and programme of action. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siphesihle Buthelezi at The Mercury
ArcelorMittal SA still on track to close long steel plants in September Engineering News reports that ArcelorMittal SA (AMSA) said on Thursday it was still on track to close its loss-making long steel operations in September, as talks with the government have not provided a solution. The steelmaker also posted a half-year headline loss of R1.01-billion on persistently low sales volumes and low prices. AMSA has twice deferred the closure of its long steel plants in Newcastle and Vereeniging, initially announced in November 2023, to allow talks with the government aimed at saving 3,500 direct jobs. "In the absence of a sustainable solution, the final wind-down of the longs business remains scheduled for 30 September 2025," the company said in a statement. SA’s trade and industry minister Parks Tau told lawmakers on 4 July that the government was in "firefighting mode" as it tried to avoid the plant closures. According to the company, its long steel operations are buckling under the pressure of weak local demand, high electricity tariffs, poor freight logistics, competition from local scrap metal recycling mini-mills and imports from China. The long steel plants supply rail, roads and bars to the construction, mining and manufacturing sectors as well as components for the automotive industry. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News
Microsoft study reveals the job types most at risk from AI disruption Moneyweb reports that a new study examining real-world use of Microsoft’s Copilot tool reveals that the next wave of automation will hit white-collar roles hardest, with 40 occupations identified as being at the highest risk of AI disruption. Researchers analysed data from millions of Copilot interactions to rank jobs based on an “applicability score”, which measures how effectively AI can carry out key tasks. The findings show that jobs relying heavily on text, data analysis, and repetitive decision-making dominate the risk list. The top roles at risk include administrative assistants; paralegals and legal assistants; customer service representatives; account managers; and financial analysts. “These occupations share a common trait: a heavy reliance on information processing and documentation,” the study notes. Other roles vulnerable to AI disruption span a range of sectors, including marketing specialists, HR coordinators, technical writers, and insurance claims processors. Many of these positions require strong writing skills and involve structured workflows – tasks that AI handles with increasing proficiency. In contrast, jobs requiring manual or face-to-face interaction, such as electricians, mechanics, and healthcare workers, will remain largely insulated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Terri-Ann Brouwers at Moneyweb
National Gambling Board’s chief strategic advisor quits following forensic audit GroundUp reports that Caroline Kongwa, the chief strategic advisor of the National Gambling Board (NGB) for the past six years, resigned earlier this month after being informed of the findings of an independent audit. The NGB regulates the almost R60-billion gambling industry in SA. Audit firm TSU Investigation Services found that performance bonuses paid to Kongwa during her tenure “were not approved in line with the NGB performance management policy and [are] thus deemed irregular expenditure”. TSU also found that expenditure relating to “international travel” by Kongwa “can be deemed irregular expenditure”. As to whether “disciplinary and criminal complaints” were being considered as a result of TSU’s investigation, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau advised: “Following receipt of the investigation report, the minister has appointed legal representation to advise him on the way forward. The minister is currently engaging with legal counsel on the course of action.” Kongwa’s initial appointment in April 2014 as a joint administrator was extended several times. Despite some internal opposition, she was appointed chief strategic advisor in 2019, a position which did not previously exist. Kongwa was paid a total of R3.4-million last year (including bonuses and perks). This was R800,000 more than she was paid in 2023. Kongwa indicated as follows to GroundUp: “I can confirm I tendered my resignation. The reasons for my resignation are personal and private and not for public consumption or publication in your story.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Raymond Joseph & Joseph Bracken at GroundUp
Outa requests meeting with new Higher Education Minister over Setas Engineering News reports that following concerns of widespread governance failures in the sector education and training authorities (Setas) and the lack of action on forensic reports, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has requested a meeting with newly appointed Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Manamela’s appointment last week, after he fired Nobuhle Nkabane, who faces accusations of misleading Parliament. Following Manamela’s appointment, Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage said the new Minister should kick off his tenure by urgently appointing new Seta board chairpersons with people who were free from political interference to ensure accountability. Outa has, over several years, stressed deep-rooted maladministration, governance failures and corruption at multiple Setas and at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas). The Setas remain “mired in dysfunction, with little sign of meaningful intervention,” claimed Duvenage. He noted that despite repeated adverse findings and qualified audits from the Auditor-General, the leadership at entities such as the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority, the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA), the Services Seta, the Education, Training and Development Seta, and the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Seta have remained intact. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News
Teacher union distances itself from crowdfunding campaign for suspended Pretoria principal News24 reports that the SA Teachers’ Union (SAOU), which represents suspended Pretoria Girls High principal Phillipa Erasmus, has distanced itself from a crowdfunding campaign established to compensate her for financial losses she might suffer. The union’s Dems Nel said they “were not aware of, nor involved in any crowdfunding initiative and wish to distance ourselves from the same formally”. Nel added: “The SAOU represent Mrs Erasmus in the disciplinary process, and we cover the costs. We have not requested financial assistance from the public to cover our costs. As long as she is a member, her membership fees will cover our services.” The Gauteng education department suspended Erasmus from duty for three months without pay after finding her guilty on two disciplinary charges. The charges included her husband Mike Erasmus’ involvement in managing the school’s gardeners and his use of the school’s vehicle. She was also found guilty of not adequately assisting the governing body in appointing the school’s financial manager. Erasmus, however, was found not guilty of failing to implement the school’s code of conduct. The crowdfunding initiative called for people to “join the counter-offensive at Pretoria Girls” and asked for donations to be paid into a trust fund administered by a Pretoria law firm. Nel said they were still awaiting Erasmus’ feedback on the crowdfunding initiative. The suspension has not come into effect yet as an appeal has been lodged against the outcome, and as a result, the suspension will not be implemented until the appeal is dealt with. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Prega Govender at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Lees ook, Pretoria Girls’ High-hoof sonder betaling geskors, by
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