In our morning roundup of news, see
summaries of our selection of South African
labour-related stories that appeared since
Tuesday, 7 May 2019.
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Driver runs over security guard in Stellenbosch shopping complex and speeds away The Citizen reports that footage of a disturbing hit-and-run incident that took place in the Western Cape has emerged on social media. The footage was shared on Twitter on Monday night, allegedly taken at Die Boord shopping centre in Stellenbosch. It starts with a white vehicle parking in the parking lot. The car later reverses out of the parking spot, but in the wrong direction, as it is a clearly marked as a one-way. The security guard on duty makes his way to the car, presumably to tell the driver to turn around and follow the rules of the parking lot. The car continues to edge forward, determined to get past the guard, who can be seen gesturing to go around the other side of the parking lot. The driver then abruptly drives forward, runs over the security guard, and speeds away. On Wednesday, it was reported that a man had handed himself over to police in connection with the incident. Read the original of this report and view the video footage at The Citizen. Read too, Man hands himself in to police after Stellenbosch security guard is run over, at News24. And also, Lawyers offer free help to security guard run over by motorist in Stellenbosch, at News24 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Fatality at Harmony Gold’s Bambanani mine In a statement on Tuesday, Harmony Gold Mining advised that one of its employees had been fatally injured in a mining related accident earlier that day at the Bambanani mine in the Free State. The gold producer said an investigation into the accident was underway. “We are deeply saddened by any fatality at our mines. We will make every effort to ensure that we work towards zero harm”, said Peter Steenkamp, chief executive officer of Harmony. Harmony Gold’s short press statement is at Harmony News Transition from coal to renewable energy won’t be ‘just’ in absence of inclusive social dialogue, says Vavi Mining Weekly reports that SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has called for urgent social dialogue on SA’s “inevitable” energy transition from coal to renewable energy. In his view, SA’s current framework will fail to deliver a just outcome for workers and poor communities. Speaking at a seminar on ‘Unlocking a Just Energy Transition for South Africa’, Vavi said not a single union failed to recognise that there would be a shift away from a carbon-based economy. However, a platform was required to allow workers and society to express their “fears” about the transition, particularly in relation to job losses. Such a platform was also needed to build consensus on how the transformation of the energy sector could be used to benefit workers and communities directly, rather than only private energy investors. Noting that the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) remained the only platform for coordinating social dialogue between government, labour, business and communities, Vavi argued that “Nedlac has to be the main platform to ensure that parties do come together to reach a single understanding on the way forward in relation to the movement from carbon to renewables.” But, Nedlac would only be effective in its role if it were to be restructured to be more inclusive, not only of new labour federations, such as Saftu, but also of community groups. Vavi lamented that Nedlac continued to exclude Saftu. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly Other labour / community posting(s) relating to mining
Case against 17 Marikana mineworkers postponed to 18 October pending review ANA reports that seventeen Marikana mineworkers facing a range of charges briefly appeared in the North West High Court, sitting in Mogwase, on Monday. Their case was postponed to 18 October, due to an application they made at the High Court in Pretoria to review former National Director of Public Prosecution (NDPP) Shaun Abrahams' decision to prosecute them. The charges relate to the murder of ten people, preceding 16 August 2012 -- the day on which 34 mineworkers were killed by the police during a wildcat strike at Lonmin platinum mine operations in Marikana. The 26 counts cover attempted murder, murder, malicious damage to property, robbery, unlawful possession of firearm as well as unlawful possession of ammunition. The State alleges the group killed two policemen, two Lonmin security officers and three non-striking workers amongst others during the violent strike. Nineteen mineworkers were initially arrested, but two of the accused have since died. A warrant of arrest was issued for Samekelo Mkhize who failed to appear in court. Read the full original of the report on the above at Mining Weekly
Eleventh-hour talks avert a Nehawu election day strike The Star reports that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) have averted strike action planned for Wednesday by IEC employees. Their complaints related to poor salary payments and lack of transport to carry out their electoral work. The two parties had been engaged in talks since Sunday, but these deadlocked, which made the prospect of strike action pressing. But the two parties agreed to meet on Monday for talks that lasted for more than four hours. On Monday night, Nehawu general secretary Zola Saphetha confirmed that the two parties had reached a settlement agreement in terms of which the IEC would implement a new pay organogram by 1 September. The union explained that three years ago a recommendation was made by an IEC service provider to change the salary bands and structure of its employees with immediate effect, but the IEC allegedly failed to do so. The two parties have also agreed to relook at a suggestion that the same employees should be given access to transport and benefits while performing their electoral duties. In implementing the resolutions reached, a committee of six has been established to ensure the implementation of the agreements. Read the full original of the report on the above by Baldwin Ndaba, Sihle Mavuso and Rapula Moatshe at Independent News eThekwini municipality and trade unions resolve strike impasse News24 reports that according to eThekwini municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela, the two-week strike by the metro’s workers which brought the Durban CBD to a standstill last week has been resolved. Violent protests ripped throughout the city after municipal workers went on strike, demanding salary increases. This came after workers discovered that the city was giving MK veterans preferential treatment in terms of promotions and salary increases. Seemingly, the impasse between the metro and the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) has been "resolved amicably". Mayisela indicated in a statement: "It is good news that as from today [May 7], employees will go back to work and all the working equipment and tools of trade will be released, this includes the vehicles that have been impounded. Parties have overwhelmingly agreed that the disciplinary process must immediately ensue and perpetrators (of violence) be brought to book without fear or favour." Noting that the council had committed to improving the conditions of employees in lower levels, especially those in Grade 3 and Grade 4, Mayisela said all parties had agreed to opening up discussion on all issues affecting employees at the workplace with a view to prioritising and addressing them. Read the full original of Kamva Somdyala’s report on the resolution of the strike at News24. Read too, Durban waste and water strike is finally over, KZN premier confirms, at TimesLIVE Court orders Mhlathuze Water’s striking workers to stop protesting TimesLIVE reports that the Labour Court has granted water authority Mhlathuze Water an interim interdict preventing its workers from protesting. This followed industrial action by workers affiliated to the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) on Monday in which striking workers allegedly disrupted the water supply in some parts of Richards Bay. The protest action was allegedly related to labour issues, but Mhlathuze Water said they had afforded the union an opportunity to discuss the issue. “When the management of Mhlathuze Water and the city of uMhlathuze afforded union representatives an audience on Monday afternoon, they spurned the opportunity of discussing their alleged grievances with the management and opted instead to picket,” the water authority advised on Tuesday. The interdict forbids striking workers from disrupting the delivery of water or gathering without permission. Read the original of Lwandile Bhengu’s report on this story at TimesLIVE Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Numsa's no vote claim an 'outright fabrication', says Transpaco boss Fin24 reports that Transpaco CEO Phillip Abelheim on Wednesday denied accusations made by the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) that the company had forced workers to clock in on Election Day. He dismissed the claim as "an outright fabrication". Wednesday had been declared a public holiday to allow millions of South Africans reported to their respective voting stations to cast their votes and elect new national and provincial governments. Numsa released a statement yesterday, condemning Transpaco for "forcing workers to work on Election Day". The union said its regional officials in Johannesburg had learned that Transpaco employees had complained of dismissal threats if they failed to report for duty on Wednesday. Numsa regional secretary Oupa Ralaka indicated that they were acting on the basis of what they had heard from the workers themselves. But, Abelheim stated that Transpaco never threatened to dismiss workers who stayed away from work to vote. "It is an outright lie. The union has been doing this for a long time. We have just come from a strike which lasted for three months. It is not true that we have done this. Our factories are closed," Abelheim stated. Read the full original of Khulekani Magubane’s report on this story at Fin24. See too, Cosatu slams employers over intimidation to force employees to go to work on Wednesday, on page 5 of The Star of 8 May 2019 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Durban Chamber of Commerce launches youth employment programme Fin24 reports that the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Manchu group and MICT SETA, recently launched a three-month unemployed youth skills and enterprise development programme. The Chamber will be project managing the programme that the Manchu Group will facilitate over the next three months. Sixty unemployed youth have been selected to participate in the programme restricted to the information and technology (IT) and agriculture sectors. The enterprise development partnership was announced in January 2019 with the calling for applicants under the age of 35 who were unemployed and had a business-related qualification. The response was apparently massive. The programme comprises eight modules which are SETA accredited. Content focus is on project management and work readiness. The MICT SETA will be giving all candidates a stipend of R2,850 monthly until the end of the three-month programme. The Durban Chamber's chief operations officer Zee Zeka-Ngcamu commented that it was very important for young graduates to be equipped for the 4th Industrial Revolution. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Fin24
Steinhoff’s Markus Jooste got millions in unapproved bonuses in months preceding share price crisis Fin24 reports that Steinhoff's former Chief Executive Officer Markus Jooste received almost $2.4m (roughly R34m at current exchange rates) of bonuses without required approvals in the months before the global retailer almost collapsed amid an accounting crisis. Jooste was awarded €500 000 euros on 1 March 2017 from Steinhoff’s European unit on his own instruction, according to the company’s 2017 annual report released on Tuesday. This payment was neither proposed by the human resources and remuneration committee nor approved by the supervisory board, the South African retailer reported. The ex-CEO then got a further €1.57m from the same unit on 31 May of that year, also on Jooste’s instruction. While the board had approved this amount, Jooste received the payment up front and in full, rather than over three scheduled tranches. “Management could not find evidence of approval by the remuneration committee authorizing this upfront payment,” Steinhoff indicated in the report. The ex-CEO resigned in December 2017, when the group reported accounting irregularities that went on to wipe 96% off the share price. Steinhoff has said it plans to try and retrieve certain payments made to executives. Read the full original of Jan Cronje’s report on this story at Fin24. Read too, Steinhoff’s gaping R250bn hole threatens its existence, at BusinessLive
Volvo SA’s new ‘gender-neutral’ parental leave policy challenges status quo The Citizen reports that gay, lesbian, adoptive and straight parents will all receive equal parental leave benefits under Volvo SA’s new “gender-neutral” parental leave policy. Parents will now receive “a total of six months’ leave with 80% pay also applicable to same-sex parents and parents of adoptive children,” Volvo SA managing director Greg Maruszewski advised. He commented as follows: “As part of Volvo Cars long-term strategy of being an employer of choice in South Africa, the new parental leave policy is a welcomed initiative creating an inclusive culture that will continue to retain and attract a diverse group of employees. It will improve work, life balance, boost family time which fits with a progressive human-centric company like ours.” He added that equal parental leave offered the potential to boost labour market and career opportunities for woman by reducing career and pay gaps. “The winners in this battle for talent will be companies that value diversity, gender equality, modern and flexible working practices and employee wellbeing,” he pointed out. Read the full original of the report on the above on page 7 of The Citizen of 8 May 2019 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Tiso Blackstar to cut jobs to avoid title closures, internal e-mail reveals Fin24 reports that the Tiso Blackstar Group will be cutting jobs amid financial troubles, according to an internal email sent out by managing director Andrew Gill. The e-mail indicates that the company has proposed "broad restructuring of its editorial operations as a result of economic headwinds". The e-mail blames "poor performance" in the six months leading to December for a situation that worsened in the first quarter of 2019. Tiso Blackstar is home to publications such as the Sunday Times, Business Day and Financial Mail. Approached for comment, Gill declined to discuss specifics, but confirmed that the group was restructuring. He noted that Tiso Blackstar had announced a planned restructuring of its daily news operations two weeks ago as a result of weak economic conditions and added: "We issued Section 189 (i.e. retrenchment) notices to editorial employees of the Sowetan, Dispatch and Herald, as well as production staff in the Business media stream. Today (Tuesday) we announced the proposed closure of the Sunday World as a result of increasing losses at the title." Read the full original of the report on the above story at Fin24 Tiso Blackstar’s Sunday World tabloid facing closure The Star reports that Tiso Blackstar intends to close its Sunday World tabloid as revenue plummets and workers continue to strike. Managing director Andy Gill on Tuesday sent out an internal communication to staff informing them that Sunday World employees had been notified about the company's intentions. Tiso Blackstar owns the Sunday Times, Financial Mail, Sowetan and Business Day, among other titles. Blaming looming job cuts and possible closure of the Sunday World on poor revenue, Gill said the company was “proposing a broad restructuring of its editorial operations as a result of the economic headwinds facing the business”. The company has also issued notices of possible retrenchments to the editorial staff of the Sowetan, Daily Dispatch and The Herald, as well as editorial production staff in the business media stream. SA National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) chairperson Mahlatse Mahlase expressed concern over the looming job losses, saying that the retrenchments “come at a time when the industry has been shedding jobs at an alarming rate, which is very concerning.” A strike by some Tiso Blackstar commenced last week after negotiations over pay, lack of bonuses and working conditions for journalists collapsed. On Tuesday, the employees picketed outside the group's offices in Johannesburg. Read the full original report on the above story at The Star
Group Five puts three units up for sale in business rescue plan Bloomberg reports that Group Five is preparing a sale of three of its biggest subsidiaries as the Johannesburg-based construction giant strives to salvage what it can from business rescue proceedings. David Lake, one of the company’s business rescue practitioners, identified the three companies as Intertoll Europe, a highway and toll developer based in Budapest, Everite, which does building and roofing work, and South African real-estate development firm G5 Properties. The three divisions are apparently “generating a lot of interest”. Group Five is one of five South African building companies to enter business rescue this year, as a depressed economy and low spending on infrastructure batters the industry. Lake and Peter van den Steen, the other business practitioner, have been hired to salvage what they can from the business and protect some of about 8,000 jobs. Group Five is also attempting to complete at least 65 unfinished construction projects. The work, alongside bank support and cash from smaller disposals, will enable the company to pay salaries and ongoing capital expenditure during the business rescue process, Lake indicated. Read the full original of Loni Prinsloo’s report on this story at Fin24
City of Joburg fires building control officer who gave provisional approval for building construction irregularly The Citizen reports that City of Johannesburg building control officer (BCO) who irregularly granted provisional approval for a four- and six-storey student residence on Streatley Avenue in Auckland Park has been found guilty on all five charges and dismissed. Azwindini Mulaudzi was sacked after an internal disciplinary hearing found him guilty on charges of gross negligence, which caused reputational, credibility and financial damages to the municipality. He was put on suspension in April last year pending an internal forensic investigation, which uncovered a slew of irregularities in the granting of provisional authorisation of earthworks and construction to Century Property Developments. He allowed construction to begin without following due processes, with earthworks approval given on the same day of the application, although the developer had not submitted an official building plan application. Read the full original of Sipho Mabena’s report on this story on page 8 of The Citizen of 8 May 2019
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