In our roundup of weekend news, see
summaries of our selection of South African
labour-related stories that appeared since
Friday, 25 March 2022.
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Saftu president and three top officials suspended by NEC for ‘embarrassing the federation’ BusinessLive reports that four of the top officials of the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), namely its president Mac Chavalala, second deputy president Thabo Matsose, national treasurer Motshwari Lecogo and deputy general secretary Moleko Phakedi, have been placed on immediate suspension for allegedly embarrassing and bringing the federation into disrepute. Addressing the media on Sunday, Vusi Ntshangase, the general secretary of Detawu and a Saftu NEC member, said the decision was made during Saftu’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting held last week. The suspensions will be until the next sitting of the central committee meeting. Ntshangase stated: “The NEC discussed the recent two weeks of turmoil that engulfed the federation. This followed a decision of the national office bearers of the federation to place the general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi on suspension.” He noted that since that decision, which had been “wholly unconstitutional”, the federation had “hogged the headlines for all the wrong reasons”. Ntshangase went on to say: “A motion was moved (at the NEC) to suspend the four NOBs (national office bearers) of Saftu that orchestrated such a suspension. Following further deliberations on the motion and considerations on other alternatives, the matter was put to a vote.” He reported that the majority of the NEC members decided at Saturday to place the four on suspension with immediate effect. A bitter falling out between Vavi and Numsa’s general secretary, Irvin Jim, are reportedly behind the ructions in the federation. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Amanda Khoza at BusinessLive Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Six people arrested, eight guns and four cars seized after Mpumalanga cop shot dead on Friday News24 reports that a Mpumalanga police officer was killed in a shootout on Friday with 15 suspects who had gathered at a guesthouse, allegedly to plan a robbery. The 37-year-old officer was shot while he and other officers were following up on information about the 15 suspects said to have been gathering at a guesthouse in Kabokweni. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, when the gang noticed the police approaching, they fled the scene while opening fire on the officers. "The sergeant was unfortunately shot and thereafter taken to hospital, where he was sadly certified dead upon arrival," Mohlala said. The deceased officer has been identified as Enock Themba Nsimba, who was stationed at Kabokweni Visible Policing Unit. The other officers chased after the gang and six people were arrested. One suspect was injured and is receiving medical attention. Eight firearms with ammunition were confiscated, including an AK-47 rifle as well as two more rifles and five pistols. Four cars were confiscated. Police have launched a manhunt for the remaining gang members. The six people arrested are expected to appear in court on Monday on charges of murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Mthethwa at News24. Lees ook, Polisieman sterf toe skietery uitbreek, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Health department dismisses reports of Covid-19 resurgence involving Delta variant EWN reports that as South Africans enjoy the relaxation of lockdown regulations, the Health Department has dismissed reports of a potential resurgence of Covid-19 cases involving the Delta variant of the coronavirus. The Health Department gave an update on its response to the Covid-19 pandemic on Friday. Deputy Director General of the Health Department, Dr Nicholas Crisp, addressed claims that Delta – the deadliest Covid variant known so far – was on the rise within our borders. Crisp said there were no variants of concern, including Omicron, adding the country's vaccines were effective against this variant. Saturday marked exactly two years since President Cyril Ramaphosa announced SA’s first lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, restrictions were expected to last for 21 days, which then turned into weeks and then months and then years, with the country now having been under 730 days of lockdown, Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sifiso Zulu at EWN Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Shocking brutality of ‘Clover murder’ revealed during bail application SAPeople reports that there were shocking revelations on Thursday at the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court concerning the events that transpired last month leading to the tragic death of Terence Tegg, in what has become known as the ‘Clover murder’. Terence’s death was brutal and unnecessary as he did not work for Clover and had nothing to do with the strikers’ grievances against long hours and less pay. Contracted as a security official by PPS Security, the former recce had been assigned to protect Clover’s Clayville operation in Gauteng when he was murdered by angry mobsters on 22 January. Two suspects – Nkosinathi Mbatha and Mohale Shokane – were in court on Thursday to apply for bail. They are accused of Terence’s murder and the attempted murder of a guard, J.J. Cassanga, who sustained serious injuries during the attack. Afterwards Adv Gerrie Nel, head of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, said: “The testimony that was given in court today is truly shocking and shows the brutality of the attack and that the victims were deliberately ambushed with the purpose of doing them harm.” AfriForum is assisting Terence’s fiancée, Michelle Bebbington, as well as the Cassanga-family. The State opposed the bail application. Capt. Robert Seckle, the investigating officer, testified that the victims were ambushed and that Terence was brutally beaten and stoned to death. After the proceedings, Seckle was threatened outside of court by supporters of the two accused men. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at SAPeople. Lees ook, Clover-moord was ‘wreed’, hoor hof, by Maroela Media
Protest against xenophobia goes ahead on Saturday after court overturns ban GroundUp reports that about 200 people marched on Saturday against xenophobia from Pieter Roos Park in Parktown, Johannesburg to the Hillbrow and Johannesburg Central police stations. The march was organised by activists and organisations under the Kopanang Africa Against Xenphobia (KAAX) banner. It was initially supposed to take place on 21 March, to coincide with Human Rights Day. But the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) prohibited the march because of threats of violence from anti-immigrant groups. KAAX approached the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg and a ruling overturning the prohibition was handed down on Friday. Addressing the crowd at Pieter Roos Park, KAAX chairperson General Moyo said, “We are here to say no to xenophobia [and] away with Operation Dudula … Africa must unite against xenophobia and all forms of exploitation and oppression.” Operation Dudula is an organisation that has been accused of vigilantism and xenophobia. “We cannot allow xenophobia to divide the working class. We are calling on different institutions, including Home Affairs and law enforcement to act and protect everyone who lives in South Africa,” Moyo told GroundUp. KAAX has been endorsed by more than 50 organisations, including the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) and some of its affiliates, as well as the Workers and Socialist Party, the Socialist Youth Movement and the United Front. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Masego Mafata at GroundUp Laws to ban foreign truck drivers in SA run counter to African deal City Press writes that government’s plans to ban truck drivers who are foreign nationals from driving trucks registered in SA and setting quotas for foreign nationals working in the country run counter to the spirit of the new free trade agreement for which African countries are currently campaigning. “The purpose of the agreement is to create a single continental market in which trade in goods and services takes place freely. But, instead, South Africa is imposing policies and laws that hinder this,” noted Donald MacKay of XA International Trade Advisors. Last week, MacKay hosted a webinar to discuss the new African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. He said he was opposed to the draft legislation restricting foreign truck drivers from working in SA. “[Transport Minister] Fikile Mbalula is creating a new layer of problems with this, because there is an understanding between the countries that belong to different trade blocs,” MacKay said. He pointed out that there were agreements under the Southern African Customs Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) which stipulated that each member state must recognise the drivers’ licences of other countries, which meant that foreign drivers could move between the borders of countries. MacKay said if the proposed legislation was implemented, SA would incur the wrath of the AfCFTA members and there were already talks about revenge. Regulations that restricted foreign nationals from working in SA and legislation that prevented foreign traders from doing business in informal settlements would go against free trade, he pointed out. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Liesl Peyper at City Press Other internet posting(s) in this news category
NUM and AMCU stage protest against Sibanye-Stillwater, exhorting strikers not to back down Reuters reports that hundreds of striking Sibanye-Stillwater workers blocked a major highway outside Johannesburg on Friday to press their demands for higher wages, and union leaders said their members would not back down despite the gold producer’s no work, no pay policy. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) have been on strike since 9 March, demanding an increase of R1,000 per month over the next three years. Hundreds of workers on Friday chanted slogans and burnt tyres. AMCU head Joseph Mathunjwa urged them to continue with the strike. "Going on strike is one of the best decisions you have ever made. This is about the future of your children. Do not back down," Mathunjwa told the cheering workers. Under Sibanye's final offer, so-called ‘miners, artisans and officials’ would receive a 5% pay increase each year while "unskilled and semi-skilled" employees would be given an annual increase of R800 a month each year between 2022 and 2024. Solidarity and UASA, the two other unions which were negotiating with Sibanye, have accepted the company’s offer. Sibanye has said it would not increase its offer and was implementing a lock-out order against NUM and AMCU members. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Fin24 Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Eskom seeks reopening of Saldanha Steel, but Transnet won’t play ball Moneyweb reports that Eskom has approached energy regulator Nersa for approval of a special pricing agreement that could lead to the reopening of the ArcelorMittal (AMSA) Saldanha Steel plant on the Cape West Coast. The nature of its operations would however change from the production of high quality ultra-thin hot rolled coil to processing local scrap metal. The reopening might result in 260 new jobs for employees and an additional 357 for contractors. Nersa’s approval is however only one of the hurdles AMSA will have to clear. The other essential requirement is “tariff support” for rail and port logistics from Transnet, as well as a commitment to the required capacity and a reliable service, according to AMSA spokesperson Tami Didiza. AMSA requested this assistance from Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) in 2020, but received an unfavourable response. TFR responded that it did not have the capacity to service the logistic requirements of the steel mill and could not offer a reduced tariff, Didiza said. The two parties were still trying to find a solution, but the timeline was unclear, he added. Saldanha Steel closed down in 2020 when it was unable to compete internationally with other producers. Since then, the plant has been in care and maintenance. At the time the local chamber of commerce described the closure as a disaster for the West Coast economy, as 900 people working for Saldanha Steel and its contractors lost their jobs. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Moneyweb Other internet posting(s) in this news category
SA’s Mthunzi Mdwaba loses out in race for ILO top job BusinessLive reports that SA businessperson Mthunzi Mdwaba’s bid to lead the International Labour Organisation (ILO) lost out last week to Gilbert Houngbo, the former prime minister of Togo. Houngbo was elected as director-general for a five-year term in Geneva in Switzerland on Friday. The other candidates were Kang Kyung-wha of the Republic of Korea, Muriel Pénicaud of France and Greg Vines of Australia. Mdwaba’s bid to lead the UN global labour agency suffered a blow after the SA cabinet initially endorsed and approved R8m towards his campaign, but withdrew support before a cent could be spent on it. This was a setback for Mdwaba as his competitors’ campaigns were funded and supported by their governments. “The issue of SA’s withdrawal and active decampaigning by some in cabinet was unfortunate but I see it as one of the obstacles we had along the way like in any perseverance race. It certainly was a disappointment but not one that hampered our efforts in running a good race till the end,” Mdwaba commented. Asked if he would consider contesting the position again in future, Mdwaba, the former council chair of the University of the Western Cape and ex officio member of the Global Commission on the Future of Work, said it is “too early to say”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive
Standard Bank glitches enrage thousands who didn’t get salary payments on time Weekend Argus reports that thousands of employees across SA were left hopping mad after their debit orders bounced when they didn’t get paid on Friday. Independent Media saw internal communications from big companies, ranging from retail stores to universities, informing their staff that a technical glitch had resulted in a delay in the payment of their salaries. Standard Bank spokesperson Ross Linstrom confirmed that a processing error had resulted in the salaries of some of their business and corporate clients, and clients of other banks, not being paid. “We sincerely apologise for the anxiety and hardship that this has caused at a critical time of the month. As a matter of urgency, these salary payments are currently being processed. Impacted customers may experience a delay of up to 24 hours for the salary payment to reflect in their accounts. Impacted clients have been notified of the delay and the matter remains our top priority until fully resolved,” Linstrom advised. Capitec Bank quickly informed its clients that they were not responsible for the delay. “Please note that we have not received all salaries from employers who bank with Standard Bank, due to technical difficulties on their side.” Customers expressed concern that the glitches might have been caused by the recent hacking of TransUnion by hackers. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Velani Ludidi at Weekend Argus. Lees ook, Salaristrekkers rasend oor fout by Standard Bank, by Maroela Media
Association for Savings and Investment says Treasury’s two-pot retirement proposal must start from scratch BL Premium reports that the Association for Savings and Investment SA (Asisa) is opposed to the Treasury’s proposal that a portion of accumulated assets be transferred to the accessible pot in the proposed two-pot system for retirement funds. While the association strongly supports the proposed two-pot system, it has told the Treasury that the assets accumulated by retirement fund members prior to the system coming into effect should not be included in the accessible pot. The new system must start from scratch as from the effective date, it argues. However, if the Treasury accepts the Asisa view, it would mean the amount available for withdrawal would be extremely small at the beginning of the system and that the accessible pot would only build up over time. In terms of the two-pot proposal released for public comment by the Treasury in December 2021, the system would include one accessible pot comprising one-third of contributions from which withdrawals could be made before retirement and a two-thirds preservation pot that would be kept intact until retirement. The aim of the proposal is to grant people access to some of their retirement savings in times of financial distress rather than having them resign from their jobs to do so. The Treasury suggested that 10% of accumulated savings or a maximum of R25,000 be transferred to the accessible pot when the new system took effect. But Asisa’s Rosemary Lightbody said they did not agree with this as it might result in a run on retirement funds and this could create liquidity problems. This would also place severe strain on fund administrators’ capacity. Another submission made by Asisa was that the new system should only be introduced 18 months after the final law was gazetted to allow the industry time to make the necessary, complex administrative changes, which would involve costs. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Linda Ensor at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Rail Safety Regulator’s bid to use Popia to block information in labour dispute dismissed The Star reports that attempts by the Rail Safety Regulator (RSR) to hide behind the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia) in a labour dispute have failed. The RSR objected to the inclusion of two confidential documents in the evidence bundle of Koliswa Sheburi, an employee who had taken it to the CCMA. According to Sheburi, the RSR subjected her to an unfair labour practice by refusing to adjust her salary notch and cost of living increment. The state entity wanted the CCMA to order Sheburi, a legal adviser, to remove the two contested documents from her bundle on grounds that their inclusion contravened Popia. The documents were offers of employment made to two certain employees and disclosed the salary levels linked to job profiles. The regulator’s lawyer argued before the commissioner that Popia barred the processing of personal information. The Act defines processing as “dissemination by means of transmission, distribution or making available in any other form”. The RSR further argued that Sheburi did not have proof that her two colleagues in question consented to the use of their personal information. Sheburi’s lawyer submitted that the colleagues in question supplied the documents voluntarily and he provided emails purporting to prove this. The commissioner questioned whether the RSR had pursued its Popia argument out of interest in protecting personal information or to weaken Sheburi’s case. He found that the two colleagues in question had furnished the contested documents to Sheburi voluntarily and dismissed the RSR’s application to remove two confidential offers of employment from her bundle of documents. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bongani Nkosi at The Star
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