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 early morning roundup, see summaries
of our selection of recent South African labour-
labour-related reports.
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President admits public violence is fuelled by anger over socioeconomic issues such as joblessness BusinessLive reports that in an address to the nation on Monday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa appealed to lawless elements to consider the consequences of their actions and stop the wholesale looting and the trail of destruction. “We are therefore mobilising all available resources and capabilities to restore order. Let me be clear: we will take action to protect every person in this country against the threat of violence, intimidation, theft and looting,” Ramaphosa said. His televised address came as he ordered the army to help the overwhelmed police contain violence that left a trail of destruction in several townships in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the North West following the conviction and arrest of former president Jacob Zuma. The so-called pro-Zuma protests erupted on Friday, hours after the former leader handed himself over the police to start serving a 15-month sentence for defying a court order. But the sporadic protests swelled into mobs that descended on shopping centres, smashing windows, setting commercial buildings ablaze and looting. The president admitted that though the protests began under political mobilisation, they had expanded to include socioeconomic issues such as unemployment and crime, which had been a ticking time bomb for the country. Some Covid-19 vaccination sites and clinics in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal were closed due to safety concerns, while some retailers kept their shops closed as they tallied losses from the violence that has left at least 10 people dead. Ramaphosa said some health personnel had stayed away from their facilities due to safety concerns, further hampering the vaccination rollout, which was critical to contain the spread of Covid-19. By Monday evening, 166 suspects had been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and 300 others had been arrested in Gauteng in connection with the violence. Ramaphosa said he would meet the National Security Council (consisting of law enforcement and intelligence agencies) twice a day to co-ordinate all measures necessary to restore stability in hotspot areas. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hajra Omarjee and Thando Maeko at BusinessLive. Lees ook, Ons moet nou saamstaan, sê president, at Maroela Media SANDF deployed in KZN and Gauteng Independent Media reports that the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that soldiers have been deployed in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in the wake of widespread looting and destruction of property. General Mafi Mgobozi said on Monday that the SANDF had commenced with pre-deployment processes and procedures in line with a request for assistance received from the National Joint Operational to assist law enforcement agencies deployed in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces respectively to quell the unrest that had gripped both provinces in the last few days. The deployment would commence as soon as all deployment processes were in place, he said. The duration and number of deploying soldiers would be determined based on the assessment of the situation on the ground by the relevant law enforcement agencies. Mgobozi emphasised that the SANDF’s deployment objective was to provide safety and a safe working environment for members of the police force and other law enforcement agencies whilst they carried out their law and order duties. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Se-Anne Rall at Independent Media ANC to read riot act to members fuelling violent protests, warns Jesse Duarte Independent Media reports that the ANC has vowed to act against its own members, some of whom are fuelling the violent protests that have led to major destruction of property in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The party also joined the SACP in urging law enforcement agencies to act sternly against acts of violence which left a trail of destruction in the two provinces. Some people calling themselves supporters of incarcerated ANC and former president Jacob Zuma invaded and vandalised various businesses, including malls. As Ramaphosa addressed the nation, violence continued unabated. On Monday various sectors of society were affected, including the vaccination of people against the Covid-19 pandemic. The violence also affected the payout of social grants in the two strife-torn provinces. On Monday, Gauteng Premier David Makhura said his government remained concerned about the impact the sporadic acts of violence and lawlessness in parts of the province were having on the provision of services across the province. “The current volatile environment has seen the people of Gauteng struggling to get to their places of employment due to limited access, and services being disrupted across the province. To this end, some provincial government services, including vaccination sites in the affected areas, have had to temporarily close due to safety concerns by both staff and members of the public,” Makhura said. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams were equally experiencing difficulty in responding to distress calls in communities due to limited access, he indicated. Commenting, ANC acting secretary-general Jessie Duarte expressed her outrage at the disruption of vaccination of people due to the ongoing violent protests, which began on Saturday and escalated and spread to Gauteng on Monday. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Baldwin Ndaba at Independent Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Former KZN premier and Eskom chair Ben Ngubane succumbs to Covid-19 TimesLIVE reports that former KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) premier and Eskom chair Dr Ben Ngubane died from Covid-19 complications on Monday morning. Melomed Richards Bay Private Hospital spokesperson Randal Pedro said Ngubane had been admitted to the facility. “It is with regret that we confirm that this retired politician and former KwaZulu-Natal premier, and SABC and Eskom chairperson has [died] earlier this morning at about 1.40am. Our family mourns this great loss, as Dr Ngubane played a pivotal role in the transformation of the private healthcare landscape in northern KwaZulu-Natal in an advisory capacity and I will personally miss his guidance and teaching,” he stated. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at BusinessLive. Read too, Eskom remembers former chairperson Dr Ben Ngubane, at Engineering News Ramaphosa assures that businesses and workers affected by lockdown will be aided BL Premium reports that in his weekly newsletter published on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that detailed plans to cushion businesses and workers affected by the latest restrictions meant to curb the spread of Covid-19 and reduce pressure on hospitals would be published soon. “Just as we did at the beginning of the pandemic, we have been engaged in deliberations with all social partners, business, labour and civil society to see what financially sustainable measures we could introduce to support businesses and individuals in distress at this time,” Ramaphosa indicated. He stated that the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), after discussion with labour and businesses, would extend its wage protection scheme, the Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme [Ters], to workers affected by the lockdown restrictions. “We will soon publish the details of this extension, including details on who is eligible,” Ramaphosa said. He also advised that to support businesses whose operating licenses and permits expired between March 2020 and June 2021, the government would extend their validity until the end of December 2022. In addition, new business licences or permits that are issued from 1 July will also be valid until 31 December 2022, and no licence fees will be payable. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bekezela Phakathi at BusinessLive (paywall access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Manganese ore truck torched in Gqeberha in apparent attack targeting foreign drivers News24 reports that a truck was set alight on Monday in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape in apparent ongoing attacks on foreign nationals driving manganese ore trucks. Eastern Cape police said six people stopped and petrol-bombed the truck at 05.40 on Monday on the N2 between Bluewater Bay and the Markman off ramp. The truck was empty and was travelling towards Markman. Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu reported that the driver escaped unscathed while the road was temporarily closed to remove the truck. No protestors were on the scene when police arrived. The incident was not related to the nationwide public violence and allegedly stemmed from an internal issue with the company. According to insiders, the attack on the truck relates to an organised group of local truck drivers targeting foreign national truck drivers in the manganese ore industry. The Nelson Mandela Business Chamber (NMBC) and the Democratic Alliance condemned the incident. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Malibongwe Dayimani at News24
Some 95% of striking SAA pilots vote in favour of in principle settlement agreement Fin24 reports that about 95% of the members of the SAA Pilots' Association (Saapa) have voted in favour of an in-principle settlement agreement offered by South African Airways (SAA). Saapa chairperson Captain Grant Back advised: "The in-principle agreement is now being put into proper legal context and language. In terms of the agreement, Saapa members, who haven't been paid in 15 months, will start receiving payments within 72 hours of the agreement being signed, including the 13th cheque owed from two years ago." Saapa represents at least 90% of pilots at SAA. Members, who are on strike and have also been locked-out, had until 17:00 on Sunday afternoon to cast their votes on the agreement. At least 50% plus one of Saapa members were required to vote in favour of the agreement for implementation. More than 200 SAA pilots have already taken voluntary severance packages during the airline's business rescue process. Saapa expects that a further 290 will have to be retrenched in order to narrow numbers down to the 88 pilots envisioned in terms of SAA's rescue plan. The deadlock with Saapa is one of the so-called legacy issues that the Department of Public Enterprises and SAA had to resolve. The airline's chosen strategic equity partner, the Takatso consortium, has been clear that would not be taking on legacy issues. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Carin Smith at Fin24
Public sector unions to choose between deal or dispute Fin24 reports that some unions have accepted government's latest wage offer to public servants, while others have rejected the proposal and yet others are still weighing their options. Last week, government offered public sector unions a new wage deal for the financial year 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022, which includes a monthly cash allowance of R1,000 and a 1.5% wage hike. Department of Public Service and Administration spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi advised that a majority of unions would need to accept the offer in order for the deal and a resolution of the deadlock to take effect. Unions are likely to canvas membership on the next step. The SA Democratic Teachers' Union (Sadtu), with more than 250,000 members has reportedly accepted the offer. Public Servants' Association (PSA) spokesperson Reuben Maleka said: "We have subjected the offer to members to decide. We have until 14 July." Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) spokesperson Richard Mamabolo said the union would communicate its decision on the offer after its national office bearers have met. The SA Policing Union (Sapu) has reportedly rejected the deal. But, as SA Police Service (SAPS) members perform an essential service in terms of the Labour Relations Act, they cannot go on strike. The eight unions involved in talks are the PSA, Popcru, Sadtu, Sapu, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA (Denosa), the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu), the National Professional Teachers Organisation of SA (Naptosa) and the Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of SA (Hospersa). Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Fin24 Seifsa tables offer for three-year wage deal in metals and engineering industries Engineering News reports that the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa) has, on behalf of its 19 affiliated employer organisations, tabled a wage offer to trade unions in the metals and engineering sector. The unions, including Solidarity, Uasa, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA, the Metal and Electrical Workers’ Union of SA and the SA Equity Workers Association, have until 28 July to report back with their final positions on the matter. The package tabled by Seifsa is for the period 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024, and includes a 4.4% increase in year one, and increases of either 3% or Consumer Price Index, whichever is highest, in years two and three. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at Engineering News
Rio Tinto says Richards Bay Minerals to remain closed as some concerns yet to be resolved Mining Weekly reports that Rio Tinto’s South African subsidiary, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), says there are still “fundamental milestones” that must be met before its operations, in KwaZulu-Natal, can be resumed. The mineral sands mining company suspended operations on 30 June owing to violent protests. The local community has had long-running disputes with the mine, including one involving a traditional leadership squabble and another in which locals have demanded to be employed at the mine. The latest unrest followed the death on 24 May of RBM operational service general manager Nico Swart , who was shot as he was on his way to work. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala announced on 9 July that RBM would resume operations this week after government, Rio Tinto and RBM’s management had held talks. RBM CEO Werner Duvenhage, however, advised that operations would not likely resume until all issues were resolved. “We need assurance on the guaranteed safety of our employees and an immediate stoppage of attacks directed at our operations and assets,” he indicated. The company has been meeting with authorities, including regional and national government, community structures and the SA Police Service, to devise solutions for restoring calm and order in the area. Read the original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly
World Bank outlines what SA needs to do to create jobs Bloomberg reports that according to the World Bank, SA can bolster hiring by temporarily extending tax incentives, suspending rules that increase labour costs and introducing measures to support entrepreneurship and self-employment. While other reforms, including tackling electricity supply constraints, remained pivotal, time-bound emergency measures to support poorer workers and create jobs were needed as the economy recovered from the devastation wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, the Washington-based lender said on Monday in its SA Economic Update. SA's economy contracted the most in a century in 2020 and lost 1.4-million jobs as restrictions to curb the spread of the virus weighed on output and forced some businesses to cut wages, reduce staff or permanently shut down. “To put this into perspective, it took the country six years to add 1.4 million jobs to its pre-pandemic economy,” the World Bank pointed out. SA’s unemployment rate stood at a record 32.6% in the first quarter of 2021. Analysts blame the problem on an education system that doesn’t equip students with adequate skills to find jobs and strict labour laws that make hiring and firing onerous. The World Bank suggested that the government deepen employment tax incentives and temporary relief for industries affected by stop-start lockdowns until a sizeable number of firms become operational again. Both measures should be time-bound and could support 2.3-million jobs at a cost of R18bn a year, it said. The government, labour unions and business groups could consider negotiating a temporary suspension of regulations that increase labour costs and impede hiring, the World Bank also said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Prinesha Naidoo at BusinessLive. Read too, World Bank outlines plan for SA to speed up reforms, at BusinessLive
Metrorail train and taxi collide in early Monday morning accident in Cape Town News24 reports that a train and a taxi collided in an early Monday morning accident at a Cape Town level crossing, leaving commuters stranded between Fish Hoek and Retreat. Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott said the collision took place at the False Bay level crossing at 07:31 on Monday. Train 0105 was travelling towards Fish Hoek when it crashed into a taxi at the level crossing. The taxi driver was injured and treated at the scene. There were no other occupants in the taxi. "Initial reports from the scene indicate no injuries on board train 0105, which was en route to Fish Hoek. The only occupant of the vehicle received medical attention on site," Scott indicated. Due to the accident, Fish Hoek-bound trains temporarily terminated at Retreat and commuters were advised to make alternative transport arrangements between Retreat and Fish Hoek. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicole McCain at News24
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