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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Cash-strapped Safa wants to cut salaries by up to 25% to stave off liquidation City Press reports that the cash-strapped SA Football Association (Safa) plans to reduce salaries for high-earning employees to stave off bankruptcy and liquidation. Finance committee chairperson Mxolisi Sibam tabled that proposal at a national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Mbombela last Tuesday. The salary cuts will range from 5% to 25% and will only affect employees who earn more than R600,000 a year, according to an NEC member who attended the meeting. “Sibam said this was part of the association’s plans to reduce its salary bill by R10 million to under R35 million per year,” the member indicated. Sibam sounded the alarm and made it clear that if something drastic was not done, Safa could be liquidated as it has liabilities of more than R260 million. Those who could be affected include CEO Lydia Monyepao and her executive management team, chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo and marketing executive Errol Madlala. It is not clear whether technical team members, who include Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, incoming technical director Molefi Ntseki and Bafana team manager Vincent Tseka would be affected. Broos is believed to be Safa’s highest-paid employee, with a monthly salary reportedly exceeding R1 million. But another insider said: “Broos is unlikely to be affected because he has already told Safa that he will retire after the World Cup. The salary cuts are subject to NEC approval, and the recommendations were referred to the next meeting on a date yet to be determined. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tiisetso Malepa at City Press (subscription / trial registration required)
Road Accident Fund paid R232m in performance rewards despite adverse audit opinion BL Premium reports that the Road Accident Fund (RAF) paid R231.7m in performance rewards despite receiving an adverse audit opinion, the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) heard on Monday. The figure, disclosed in the RAF’s annual report tabled before parliament, has drawn scrutiny from Scopa, which is conducting a formal inquiry into the fund’s financial and governance failures. The performance rewards were paid in a year when the Auditor-General of SA found the RAF’s financial statements to be materially misstated. Scopa has raised concerns about the appropriateness of performance rewards in the context of audit noncompliance and unresolved liabilities. During recent hearings, committee members questioned whether the RAF’s internal performance metrics were sufficiently robust to justify the scale of bonuses paid. The inquiry has also heard testimony from suspended officials and former executives, including former CEO Collins Letsoalo, who described a breakdown in internal controls and irregular procurement practices. The RAF’s annual report confirmed that the fund remained in breach of the Public Finance Management Act, which required accurate and complete financial reporting. The newly-appointed interim board’s immediate focus was to conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify areas for short-term improvement, RAF chairperson Kenneth Brown indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tara Roos at BusinessLive Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Professionals fighting corruption fear assassination following 13 murders in two years Bloomberg reports that last month two assassins made an appointment to see bankruptcy lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk and, after he had identified himself, they shot him dead in the boardroom of his firm’s offices in Johannesburg. Van Niekerk’s brazen murder is part of a growing trend in SA in which professionals instrumental in fighting corruption are targeted by hit-men. The names of slain lawyers adorn a Wall of Remembrance that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) erected in 2023 in Pretoria. Some 13 insolvency practitioners, tax consultants and other professionals were assassinated in 2022 and 2023, the latest years for which data is available. Judges, lawyers and forensic accountants who fear they could be next are having their cars armor-plated. “In the 40 years I’ve worked in the field, I’ve felt prosecutors in this country could be safe. That’s no longer the case. This is a very serious concern for the country.” Shamila Batohi, NPA’s national director of prosecutions, told a briefing last month. Kurt Knoop, who was helping Van Niekerk investigate a suspected cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, is among those who consider the danger too great. He received a death threat and stepped away from the probe after his business partner’s murder. No one has been arrested in connection with the killing and the authorities haven’t named any suspects. The SA Restructuring & Insolvency Practitioners Association (Saripa) is due to meet with Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to air its concerns. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Antony Sguazzin & Ntando Thukwana at Moneyweb. Read too, Concerns over non-operational scanners at Wynberg and Bellville Magistrates’ Courts, at Cape Argus Much concern over the stoning of Joburg firefighters in Soweto on Saturday The Star reports that a routine firefighting operation in Soweto turned dangerous on Saturday when Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) personnel were attacked while responding to a shack fire. The incident occurred at the Elias Motsoaledi informal settlement at around 3 pm. EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the firefighters were responding to the blaze when a newly deployed fire engine – part of a state-of-the-art fleet handed over just two weeks ago during the launch of the Central Fire Station – was stoned by local residents. Mulaudzi highlighted the serious effect the attack had on EMS teams and emergency services. “Firefighters had to flee for their safety as residents attacked them. Fortunately, no one was injured, though the vehicle sustained damage,” he reported. Mulaudzi added that the attacks not only created fear and panic among their teams, but they also disrupted essential services to communities. As previously reported, emergency personnel are increasingly coming under threat, with attacks on their lives and equipment becoming more frequent in volatile communities. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Masabata Mkwananzi at The Star Other internet posting(s) in this news category
No change to retirement age for public sector workers, says GEPF IOL Business reports that the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) has moved swiftly to dismiss widespread reports alleging that the retirement age for its members has been changed. This came after widely circulated reports claimed that the pension fund had officially shifted the retirement age for public sector employees from 65 to 67 years. The reports further claimed that "this major policy adjustment aims to improve pension sustainability and align with increasing life expectancy across the country". However, in a post on X on Friday, the GEPF categorically denied the claims, stating that the retirement age for government employees remained unchanged. The fund further clarified the current retirement age structure for its members as follows: early retirement – 55 to 59 years; normal retirement – 60 years; late retirement – 61 to 65 years. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mthobisi Nozulela at IOL Business Popcru challenges GEPF over pension cuts despite assurance that ‘no money has been stolen' IOL Business reports that the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has raised alarm over "unexplained" cuts to members’ pensions and has called for urgent answers from the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). It was recently reported that from 1 October 2025 the GEPF implemented updated actuarial interest factors that reduced pre-retirement exit benefits by an average of 15%. "The extent to which individual members’ actuarial interest will differ between the 2021 and 2024 factors depends on their age and category (i.e., whether they are Service members or not)," the GEPF said. In reaction, Popcru indicated: "We find it deeply troubling that such material changes appear to have been implemented without any consultation, prior notice, or adequate explanation to the affected members." Popcru demanded immediate answers from the GEPF Board of Trustees and the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) that included a clear explanation of who authorised the changes, and when the actuarial review was conducted. Meanwhile, the GEPF moved to calm growing public concern, insisting that members’ pensions remained safe and guaranteed. It gave the assurance that “No money has been stolen". Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mthobisi Nozulela at IOL Business Cofi bill to target rogue employers who fail to pay over pension contributions Moneyweb reports that consumers are expected to benefit from stronger protection, clearer communication and fairer treatment once the long-awaited Conduct of Financial Institutions (Cofi) Bill comes into force. The legislation aims to bring all financial institutions under a single conduct framework. Webber Wentzel’s Nicolette van Vuuren indicated that for pension fund members in particular, there will be stricter requirements on funds to communicate any issues with contributions. She added that there should also be greater financial stability in retirement funds thanks to oversight by the SA Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority. In the Pension Funds Adjudicator’s latest annual report, employers’ continued failure to pay over pension contributions to funds is noted as a persistent concern and the main reason for complaints. Under Cofi, employers that participate in a retirement fund will be defined as a “supervised entity” Van Vuuren explained further: “Although the legislation does not directly have oversight of employers, the regulators will be able to issue conduct standards and directives, investigate matters, and even remove directors – particularly in cases where employers default on contributions.” The bill also introduces stringent governance and ethical standards, requiring trustees, principal officers, and executives to demonstrate honesty, integrity and competence. Even public sector funds, such as the Government Employees Pension Fund, will fall under the new framework and will have to align with Cofi. Although National Treasury originally set early 2026 for Cofi’s promulgation, industry experts now believe implementation may take longer. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Liesl Peyper at Moneyweb
Head of Gauteng health department challenges his suspension in court The head of Gauteng’s health department, Lesiba Malotana, who was placed on suspension by Premier Panyaza Lesufi last Wednesday, is challenging his suspension in court. Lesufi’s office confirmed that it had been served with papers from the suspended head of department (HOD). According to the provincial health department, Malotana’s suspension is not related to the R2 billion Tembisa Hospital fraud scandal, but stems from a different SIU report. Lesufi revealed this on Friday at a function in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni. He indicated: “The reality is that the SIU indicated that they’ve just released a criminal report on Tembisa Hospital. They are still investigating. But they gave me a separate report on the basis of the leadership of the department. And on the basis of that report, I acted. I can confirm that I received papers that gave me 48 hours from the legal firm representing the HOD, advising me to reverse that decision. I’m preparing papers to oppose that request.” Lesufi has appointment Dr Darion Barclay to act in Malotana’s place. Read the original of the report in the above regard at SABC News
KZN cop remanded in custody for allegedly killing colleague during roadside altercation The Witness reports that a Durban police officer has been remanded in custody following his arrest for the alleged murder of a fellow officer in Mariannhill last week. KZN police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, said Constable Andile Zulu was arrested on Friday in connection with the killing of Constable Siboniso Ngidi. The incident took place on Saturday, 11 October when Ngidi, who was driving along Chestnut Crescent in Mariannhill, reportedly asked the driver of a vehicle parked in the middle of the road to move. “An altercation ensued and that driver, who was later identified as Constable Zulu, fired several shots towards Constable Ngidi,” Mhlongo reported. Ngidi was rushed to hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. Preliminary investigations led officers to Escombe railway station, where Zulu was stationed. He was asked to surrender but allegedly fled. Zulu handed himself over to members of the National Intervention Unit the following day and was then arrested by the Hawks. He was charged with murder and attempted murder. Zulu appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday and was remanded in custody until 27 October, when he is expected to apply for bail. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kayla Shaw at The Witness Police accused of ‘abuse of power’ after five JMPD officers ‘unlawfully’ arrested The Citizen reports that the arrests by SA Police Service (SAPS) officers of five Joburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) members has caused a big upset, with SAPS cops accused of “abusing” their power. MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku expresses profound outrage and concern over what he called the “unlawful arrest” of the JMPD officers by police at Bekkersdal on Friday. According to Tshwaku, the JMPD officers received credible intelligence information regarding a stolen vehicle and initiated the process of recovering it. He said: “While the JMPD officers were securing evidence and preparing for impoundment, SAPS officers from Bekkersdal station arrived unannounced and proceeded to arrest our team on baseless and fabricated charges. This incident, which occurred during a legitimate vehicle recovery operation, highlights a disturbing pattern of interference and hostility that undermines collaborative law enforcement efforts in Gauteng and endangers public safety.” He went on to claim: “In a blatant abuse of power, Saps confiscated our officers’ personal firearms, cellular phones, and official vehicles, detaining them over the entire weekend without due process.” Tshwaku said the vehicle was believed to belong to a notorious illegal mining syndicate kingpin operating in the West Rand area. “This raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and whether certain elements within SAPS are prioritizing protection of criminal networks over public safety,” Tshwaku said. In response, Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said the police officers acted lawfully in arresting the JMPD members. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Faizel Patel at The Citizen. Lees ook, SAPD verdedig TRU-inhegtenisnemings in Wes-Rand, by Maroela Media
Western Cape taxi route closures lifted from Saturday News24 reports that Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku announced on Friday that taxi operators on nine routes in Khayelitsha, Makhaza, Mfuleni and surrounding areas could resume services from Saturday. The routes were temporarily shut down following a spate of deadly violence in the taxi industry that claimed several lives, including those of commuters. The affected routes were at the centre of ongoing conflict between rival associations. Sileku confirmed the closure order would not be extended and indicated: “After careful consideration of the representations received, I have decided not to issue a second closure notice. And as such, the current closure notice will automatically lapse at midnight, 17 October 2025.” He added: “Our law enforcement agencies will be monitoring the situation on the ground closely, to ensure the safety of communities and the broader public.” Meanwhile, Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) spokesperson Nkululeko Sityebi said the closures had caused severe financial losses for operators. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Marvin Charles at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) High-ranking CATA member gunned down on Monday on Cape Town freeway amid fragile taxi peace News24 reports that yet another high-ranking member of the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) has been shot and killed in Cape Town, just days after the Western Cape mobility department lifted its month-long closure of conflict-ridden taxi routes. The 32-year-old, who chaired one of CATA’s operating routes, was ambushed while travelling with his security guards on the R300 towards Somerset West on Monday morning. The vehicle was struck from multiple directions in what appears to have been a planned hit. Two adult males were wounded and transported to the hospital for treatment. No arrests have been made and Delft detectives are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder. The latest killing comes a month after the assassinations of CATA deputy chairperson Mnikeli Mgope, who was shot in his car at the Nyanga taxi rank, and former CATA spokesperson Andile Seyamo, who was killed outside his Brown’s Farm home days later. The attack also follows close on the heels of a provincial decision not to reimpose a 30-day route closure in the Khayelitsha-Makhaza-Mfuleni corridor, an area at the centre of long-running turf battles between CATA and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta). Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Velani Ludidi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, Codeta denies involvement in fatal shooting of rival taxi boss, at EWN
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