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 afternoon roundup, see summaries
of our selection of South African labour-
related stories that appeared thus far on
Tuesday, 19 January 2021.
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Private schools make U-turn after earlier insisting on in-person schooling BusinessLive reports that after insisting that classroom education would take place in its schools, Curro, SA’s largest private education provider, made a U-turn on Monday, saying it would now provide online learning until 15 February. Curro had indicated it would open its doors despite the education ministry pushing back the start of the school year by another two weeks to 15 February due to rising Covid-19 infections. Meanwhile, Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi called for the postponement to be made official in a government gazette. Lesufi on Monday visited an independent school in Johannesburg, Helpmekaar Kollege, that also initially disregarded the government’s decision to postpone the start of the academic year. The school reversed its decision after his visit. Lesufi said the decision to delay the reopening of schools was based on expert advice. “The delay to reopen schools does not question schools’ capability to manage the virus; it is more to help minimise the movement of people so we reduce the chances of infections. Schools may well have the means to sanitise and keep social distancing, but those learners move daily between home and schools, thereby raising the chances that young people spread this virus,” Lesufi explained. Of Curro, Lesufi said: “I spoke to the CEO of Curro schools and they have also agreed to retract face-to-face learning. The province is under siege from the Covid-19 virus and we need everyone to play their part.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nonkululeko Njilo at BusinessLive Seven matric markers die of Covid-19, while 308 test positive ‘serving the nation’ TimesLIVE reports that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) advised on Saturday that six matric markers had died of Covid-related complications, while 308 had tested positive at marking centres and had been sent home. However, in a statement on Monday afternoon, the Gauteng DBE department said that a second marker had died in the province, taking the national total to seven. The DBE informed teacher unions at a meeting on Saturday that three of those who died were from KwaZulu-Natal and one each from Gauteng, Limpopo and a DBE marking centre. This did not include the second Gauteng death. Of the 45,388 markers who were expected to mark, 2,460 withdrew for a variety of reasons, including fear of contracting the virus and family members being infected. The DBE said 1,736 replacement markers took over after the withdrawals. Ben Machipi of the Professional Educators Union (PEU) said the markers died in the line of duty serving the nation: “We convey our deepest condolences to the families of the markers. The unions playing an oversight role, with the department, at marking centres have done almost everything that is humanly possible to make sure the marking centres are safe.” Up until Sunday, 79% of the marking had been completed. The deadline for completion of the marking is 22 January. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Prega Govender at TimesLIVE. Read too, Second matric marker dies due to coronavirus in Gauteng, at News24 Matric exam markers protest at three Eastern Cape marking centres over Covid-19 cases News24 reports that the Eastern Cape education department is racing against time to recover matric examination marking time that was lost due to marker protests at three centres over four days. Nonetheless, the department said all 24 marking centres would complete marking before the 21 January deadline. The latest protest was on Saturday, when 151 examination markers at Stutterheim High School downed tools after one marker tested positive for Covid-19. The protests were apparently sparked by the department's alleged refusal to remove markers who tested positive. But, the department said on Monday that it had sent almost 300 markers home so far, after they contracted the virus. National Professional Teachers' Organisation of SA CEO Loyiso Mbinda confirmed that the markers have been removed from the marking centres. On Monday, Eastern Cape education department MEC Fundile Gade's spokesperson, Vuyiseka Mboxela, said normality had resumed at the centres after the incidents and went on to add: “Even though we have had few incidents in three marking centres in Humansdorp, Stutterheim and OR Tambo, the credibility of marking and security of papers was not affected in any centre.” Mboxela commented further: "Out of 24 centres, only three have had those incidents which were resolved instantly. We pride ourselves to have been well prepared for this period as we remain the only province that conducted screening and testing for Covid-19, which resulted in less than 300 people (including general staff) having to be sent home due to them having tested positive for Covid-19." Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Malibongwe Dayimani at News24 Covid-19 leaves a trail of devastation at SA’s colleges SowetanLive reports that a total of 23 staff members from SA’s 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, and four from community education colleges, died of Covid-related complications between 15 December and 11 January. Up until 13 November last year, 48 staff members and 10 students from the country’s 26 universities also died after contracting the virus. These figures were released by the minister of higher education, science and innovation, Blade Nzimande, on Monday at a briefing on plans for the reopening of the post-school education and training sector. He said there were 146 staff infections at TVET colleges and 123 recoveries, and 98 infections and 85 recoveries at the community education colleges. His department will be receiving updated reports on Covid-19 infections and fatalities at higher education institutions on 20 January, but Nzimande made it clear that “if we identify that there is a rapid increase in particularly institutions or campuses of infections, we will close those institutions.” Nzimande reported that 10 universities had completed teaching and learning, including exams, for the 2020 academic year. The remaining 16 are completing the academic year for 2020 at different times depending on their own academic timetable, but they will complete it between now and March. The minister urged all institutions to communicate their detailed programme with all stakeholders, particularly with prospective students, parents and workers “so that they remain informed at all times on the rollout of the institutional programme for proper decision-making”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Prega Govender at TimesLIVE Eskom operations 'disrupted' as 48 contractors at Medupi test positive for Covid-19 TimesLIVE reports that according to state-owned power utility Eskom, Covid-19 has affected its operations at the Medupi power station, where 48 of 75 contractors have tested positive for Covid-19. The company said in a statement on Sunday: “Despite Eskom's stringent measures to manage the impact of the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic on the operations, we are experiencing some impact on operations, including our suppliers. For example, at the Medupi power station we have 48 positive cases out of a pool of 75 contractors, which has negatively affected our ability to execute work as planned.” Eskom implemented stage 1 and 2 load-shedding on Sunday and Monday due to its “constrained and vulnerable” system. Frustrated by the power cuts, some accused Eskom of using Covid-19 as a scapegoat, while others questioned whether the utility has a permanent solution to its infrastructure problems. On Monday evening, the power utility announced that it would suspend the power cuts after an improvement in its capacity. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Bhengu at TimesLIVE City of Cape Town officials visit businesses to ensure Covid-19 compliance Cape Argus reports that the City of Cape Town's health department, and other departments, have visited various establishments within the metro to ensure compliance with Covid-19 regulations. Officials have visited shopping malls, food premises, flea markets, pharmacies and funeral undertakers to highlight concerns about Covid-19 non-compliance at many of these places. The focus of inspections during the past week was to ensure compliance and they included restaurants, shopping centres and other premises where large numbers of people were likely to congregate. Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien, indicated: “Our inspectors also follow up on complaints from members of the public about the lack physical distancing and overcrowding at public places, especially over weekends when people are out and about.” The City advised residents to stay home if they could and to leave only for essential shopping or health visits, or to go to work, as well as to abide by the current disaster management regulations which prohibited social gatherings. The City said it was a requirement that residents wore a mask at all times when in public and maintained a distance of at least 1.5 metres from others at all times. Badroodien reported that Cape Town remained a hotspot, but a slow decrease in the number of new cases and admissions to hospitals was being seen. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Cape Argus Other internet posting(s) in this news category
‘Caring’ Western Cape grape farmer making transport of farm workers safer with removable seat and roll bar canopy News24 reports that a Western Cape table grape farmer is hoping a removable seat and roll bar canopy will make it safer to transport farm workers on the back of a truck. With the high cost of hiring or buying a bus, the truck can then be used for other farm activities between commutes. The Hex River Valley farmer says that even though farmers' profit margins are low and they cannot afford to buy buses, they care for their workers and are trying to find a safe compromise on workers' transport. Michael Vorster said: "People have this perception that farmers don't care. There is a young generation of farmers that really do care." He was referring to tragedies such as the crash between De Doorns and Worcester early in January, which left a woman dead and at least 13 people injured. The tragedy revived criticism over the way farm workers are often transported on the back of trucks. Vorster pointed out that bus hire would cost some R1,300 a day – around R20 a worker – an expense that most farmers could not afford. So he and some other farmers have started developing safety canopies, reinforced with steel bars, and fitted with seats that are bolted on for a journey and can be removed, so the truck can be used for other farm work. The next step will be to add safety belts to the seats. Meantime, ANC member of the provincial legislature Pat Marran is consulting with farm worker unions and the Department of Transport to see if the canopy system can be used, and what improvements are needed. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jenni Evans at News24 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Ters dispute process streamlined, with dedicated officials handling complaints from businesses In a letter to Business Day, Democratic Alliance (DA) deputy shadow employment & labour minister Michael Bagraim MP reports that most of the outstanding disputes regarding the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (Ters) are slowly being resolved. In fact, the Department of Employment & Labour has now put together a dispute resolution process that has a dedicated e-mail address and dispute form. Bagraim recommends that any business that still has outstanding Ters payment issues should go to the department’s website and download the “Dispute Resolution Process with the Covid-19 Ters” dispute form. This form needs to be sent to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Bagraim indicates that dedicated officials have been appointed to handle these disputes, including Mzie Yawa, Basimane Dingaan and Allan Ragavaloo. Read Michael Bagraim’s letter in full at BusinessLive
Uber Eats drivers to strike on Friday over fees, pickets planned for this week at fast-food outlets Business Insider SA reports that Uber Eats drivers plan a nationwide strike on Friday to demand an increase in their fees. Last month, drivers brought deliveries in Gauteng to a standstill for two days in protest over a sharp fall in their income over recent months. Duane Bernard, representing the Uber Driver Partners Association, explained that in response to pressure from restaurants, Uber Eats last year lowered its delivery fees from 30% per delivery (plus 5% to the driver), to a capped fee of around R9 per meal. This has contributed to a fall in earnings, with some drivers having seen their average earnings halve in the past three years. Bernard indicated that drivers were currently getting a “pick up” fee of R10 per delivery, plus R4 a mile (1.6km), which he said was totally unacceptable. Drivers are demanding a pick-up fee of R20 and then R6/km after the first 2km. “Fuel price will increase again soon and we refuse to work for lower rates year on year,” Bernard said. The drivers also want a minimum of R30 for the first two kilometres for courier deliveries. They currently receive around R4 a kilometer. Drivers have been asked to stay offline countrywide on Friday, said Bernard. Pickets are also planned outside big food outlets and a group will also protest at the Uber office in Sandton. “We are aware that some delivery-drivers have expressed concern over the reduced delivery charges for users,” an Uber Eats spokesperson indicated. The company recently hosted feedback sessions with drivers “to understand their experiences” and is "working through" this feedback. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Business Insider SA
Sibanye-Stillwater mourns death after contracting Covid-19 of SA gold operations VP Shadwick Bessit Mining Weekly reports that Neal Froneman, CEO of precious metals miner Sibanye-Stillwater, has announced the “tragic passing” of its South African gold operations executive VP Shadwick Bessit, who succumbed to Covid-19-related complications on 16 January. Extending his sincere condolences to Bessit’s family, friends and all his colleagues, Froneman noted that Bessit was an invaluable member of Sibanye-Stillwater’s leadership team. Bessit joined Sibanye-Stillwater on its establishment in February 2013, after having joined Gold Fields in July 2012. He was appointed as SA gold operations executive VP in February 2019. He also held the positions of Kroondal and Rustenburg operations senior VP, and Kloof and Driefontein underground operations senior VP. Sibanye has appointed SA gold operations technical services senior VP William Osae as interim domestic gold operations head to ensure operational continuity and the ongoing focus on safe production. The Minerals Council SA also conveyed its condolences to Bessit’s family, friends and colleagues, saying he was a passionate and dedicated member of the council’s board and the CEO Zero Harm Forum. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly Other labour / community posting(s) relating to mining
Numsa to press on with its strike over retrenchments at Macsteel BL Premium reports that operations at Macsteel Service Centres SA, one of SA’s leading suppliers of steel, almost ground to a halt on Monday after workers downed tools demanding the reinstatement of 99 colleagues retrenched in December. Macsteel, which has more than 50 service centres, branches and warehouses across the country, as well as operations elsewhere in Africa, is experiencing financial headwinds and has been operating at reduced capacity since the Covid-19 lockdown began in March 2020. It has also been a victim of declining steel prices. On Monday, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, spokesperson of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa), the majority union at Macsteel, said they wanted the retrenched workers to be reinstated under the same employment conditions which existed before they were retrenched. “The purpose of this indefinite strike is to disrupt [Macsteel’s] operations. We are hoping that we can convince management to do the right thing because these workers should not have been retrenched in the first place. We are open to going back to the negotiating table,” she stated. On Monday, Macsteel said it would not reinstate the retrenched employees because its business models had changed and “we are not going to compromise on these”. It said its only objective was to be sustainable “in very tough trading conditions and our priority is to preserve the jobs that remain”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (paywall access only) SABC urged not to retrench staff with disabilities SowetanLive reports that as the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) prepares to release 303 workers from its employ, the public broadcaster has been urged not to retrench people with a physical disability Blind SA has written to the SABC board and SABC’s group executive for radio Nada Wotshela asking them to retain people in its employ with disabilities. Blind SA CEO Jace Nair pointed out that people with disability were already disadvantaged in the formal employment market. He said: “Blind SA is concerned that blind, partially sighted and other people with disability employed as journalists, presenters, talk-show hosts and producers at the SABC are being retrenched, further affecting on the broadcaster’s challenge of meeting the employment equity targets in having a minimum of 2% of employees with disability.” Nair advised on Monday that his organisation had so far received complaints from 11 employees with disabilities who were facing retrenchment. Reportedly, most blind people at the SABC work in the TV licensing office and the call centre, which are facing closure. SA Disability Alliance chairperson Marina Clarke said the SABC matter would be discussed by her executive committee in a meeting to be held on Wednesday. “We have a big problem if people with disability are targeted in the work environment because SA was one of the first signatories of the United Nation’s convention on the rights of people with disability,” said Clarke. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lindile Sifile at SowetanLive. Read too, Managers at SABC ‘cruel’, on page 5 of The Citizen of 19 January 2021
Cape Town activist launches women-only taxi service in the Cape Flats Thomson Reuters Foundation reports that from a women-only driving school to an all-female taxi service — a SA activist-turned-entrepreneur is tackling high rates of sexual assault by providing safe transport in one of the country’s most crime-ridden areas. The Cape Flats, which lies on the outskirts of Cape Town, is notorious for gang warfare, and sexual violence is an everyday fear for women taking taxis or using public transport in the area, noted Joanie Fredericks. Launched last week, Fredericks said her taxi service, Ladies Own Transport, had already received calls from women requesting a ride to work that would keep them safe. “I’ve heard too many stories of women being raped in taxis. I always knew I wanted to do something about it, but a few weeks ago I heard someone I know personally has been raped and I thought I can’t wait a minute longer,” Fredericks said. Ladies Own Transport is an add-on company to the women’s driving school that Fredericks launched in 2018, which has taught hundreds of women to drive. It became a kind of counselling service too, she said. Customers told her male driving instructors often tried to “chat them up”. Fredericks, who has also been running a feeding scheme for more than 10,000 people since lockdown began in 2020, hopes to expand her taxi service from her neighbourhood of Tafelsig across the Cape Flats. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kim Harrisberg at BusinessLive
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