In our Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South African
labour-related reports.
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SA scientists closely monitoring rise in new Covid cases, which have more than doubled in past week BL Premium reports that SA scientists are closely monitoring a rapid rise in new coronavirus infections, which have more than doubled in the past week, but say it is too soon to tell whether there will be a similar upswing in hospital admissions. “At this point there are no warning bells about severity. But the big caveat is it is still early days. There is a high level of uncertainty,” said University of KwaZulu-Natal epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim, who previously had been the government’s top coronavirus adviser. The sharp rise in new cases could have been triggered by increased social interaction over Easter, Passover and Ramadan, which fell simultaneously this year, as much as the emergence of the new Omicron lineages BA.4 and BA.5. Whether the increase was the start of a rapid fifth wave of coronavirus infections would likely be clear in about a week’s time, Karim indicated. The national seven-day moving average of new recorded cases had by Sunday risen to 3,097, a week-on-week increase of 137%, according to CSIR senior researcher Ridhwaan Suliman. The lion’s share of the new cases have been recorded in Gauteng, where the seven-day moving average of new cases rose 135% week on week to 1,542, he noted. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tamar Kahn at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Read too, Expert sounds alarm on fifth wave after Covid-19 curve turns upwards in SA, at Daily Maverick Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Two people trapped after trench collapsed at construction site in Ballito on Monday IOL reports that one person was airlifted to hospital following an accident at a construction site in Ballito on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) North Coast on Monday. According to Paul Herbst from Medi-Response, on the arrival of advanced life paramedics it was reported that a trench had collapsed, entrapping two people. Herbst reported further: “The injured persons were removed from the compromised site by their colleagues, prior to the arrival of emergency workers. A worker sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to hospital, with the assistance of Air Mercy Services.” Herbst added that the second worker was transported by Medi Response ambulance to a nearby facility. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Jolene Marriah-Maharaj at IOL Truck driver and truck missing after being kidnapped by armed men in Gqeberha on Friday IOL reports that Eastern Cape police advised on Sunday that a truck driver was missing after he was allegedly kidnapped in Markman, Gqeberha. Spokesperson Captain Gerda Swart said the truck driver was approached by two armed men at Truckers Inn on Friday. He was allegedly forced into the back of a white Iveco truck which drove off in the direction of Motherwell. Swart indicated that the driver and truck were still missing and police were urgently appealing to anyone who might be able to assist with information about the victim or the whereabouts of the truck to urgently contact the investigating officer. A case of hijacking and kidnapping has been opened. In the North West province, the police warned truck drivers about escalating truck hijackings occurring in the policing precincts of Brits, Mmakau and Mothotlung. Spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh said several cases were reported between February and this month. She said truck drivers were urged to be vigilant at all times, especially when they were to meet with unknown clients. Furthermore, they must avoid meeting in secluded areas, but rather use frequented public places, such as fuel stations. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Molaole Montsho at IOL. Lees verder, Trokdrywer dalk ontvoer, by Maroela Media. En ook, Toename in kaping van trokke, waarsku polisie, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Public sector unions say accelerating inflation and increasing food prices make a strong case for wage increase BL Premium reports that, after a pre-wage negotiation briefing by the National Treasury, public sector unions said they would press their case for higher wages for workers at a Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSBC) meeting on Friday. The unions said their members were facing greater economic hardship and cited rising interest rates and accelerating inflation that was driving up food and transport costs. The unions’ reaction came after a presentation by Treasury official Marumo Maake at a special meeting of the PSBC last Friday. Maake argued that alignment in the financial year 2023/2024 was critical and that higher wage agreements would pose a significant risk to the fiscal framework. Fedusa’s Reuben Maleka said the issues around large spending pressures faced by the government and the risk of higher-than-budgeted public service wages were not new and were a policy position stated by the employer ahead of negotiations. He said the unions would respond on 29 April with their analysis of the economy. Cosatu’s Itumeleng Molatlhegi advised that unions have asked the Treasury for clarity on SA’s debt situation: “Treasury says it can’t afford more debt but they should ask, what brought about the indebtedness? Was it the overspending on employees or the mismanagement of funds, corruption, inadequacies in the system? We have sought clarity on this and want the Treasury to articulate what encompasses total debt.” Molatlhegi asserted that workers could not go another year without an increase above the nominal inflation rate of 5.9%. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thuletho Zwane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
High Court interdicts protesting workers from coming within 500m of farms in Sundays River Valley GroundUp reports that the High Court in Gqeberha has granted an interim interdict to farm owners in the Sundays River Valley Municipality in the Eastern Cape preventing protesting workers and their supporters from coming within 500 metres of farms. On Monday, Acting Judge Anusha Rawjee heard an urgent application by the farm owners following several days of mass protests by both farm workers and residents of Kirkwood and Addo townships. Among the protestors’ demands are for farm owners to increase their wages by R30 and for fewer immigrants to be employed. The protests are being led by leaders of the SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco). On Friday, thousands of protesters shut down the towns and set alight a tractor and hostels believed to house immigrant workers. According to court ruling, union leaders Mbuyiseli Patrick Bayini, Nicholas Handile and Andile Williams are barred from interfering with the activities of Wicklow Citrus, a farm that lodged the application. Other applicant farmers named in the papers include Habata Boerdery. Outside court, farmer Hannes Joubert, CEO of the Habata Group, told GroundUp that the violence by protesters had forced him to hire a private security company to protect his property and workers. Joubert said workers on his farm were paid R23.19 per hour in accordance with the law and he went on to comment: “The industry as a whole is in a bad position. There’s huge pressure on exports. The international shipping lines cannot cope with the aftermath of the destruction of the world distribution network and the war in Ukraine.” The final ruling on the interdict will be heard in June. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thamsanqa Mbovane at GroundUp Place Eastern Cape health department under administration, protesting workers demand GroundUp reports that health workers in Gqeberha have vowed to continue with the shutdown of clinics in Motherwell that started last Tuesday. They want the national government to place the Eastern Cape health department under administration. About 100 workers under the banner of Combined Labour, from several unions, gathered at the Motherwell Healthcare Centre on Thursday. National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) regional secretary Samkelo Msila asserted: “The current head of department has done nothing to turn around the department despite all the expectations when she was appointed last year.” He claimed the clinics were better managed by the municipality before 2012 when they were taken over by the province. He said while facilities in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro were closing despite population growth, hospitals and clinics were being built in the east of the province. “We are facing shortages of staff and the non-replacement of staff here in the metro,” said Msila. Workers claimed the maternity ward at the Motherwell Health Centre, the only one in the township, was understaffed, and clinics lacked pharmacists, drivers, managers, clerks, cleaners and groundsmen. Shop steward Sister Winky Mngqibisa said the Motherwell Health Centre had 35 nurses instead of the required 59 and that when an employee resigned there was no replacement for that post. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Joseph Chirume at Moneyweb
Cosatu to use funds intended for May Day celebrations in KZN to help those affected by floods EWN reports that Cosatu is giving up May Day celebrations in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to redirect funds towards flood assistance. On Monday, the trade union federation shared its plans for events on 1 May, which will mark international Workers Day. Marches and rallies will be held across seven provinces to reflect on the struggles, sacrifices and victories of workers since 1886. Cosatu's main rally will be in the North West at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. However, the federation will not be going big in KZN. It indicated that money which would have been spent on preparations for May Day celebrations in that province would instead be donated to communities affected by the recent floods. Member unions said they would also use this year's celebrations to recommit to the fight against slave wages, retrenchments and inhumane working conditions. Cosatu noted that in its aim to address record unemployment of 46%, one of its biggest fights was against retrenchments. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Lauren Isaacs at EWN Contralesa calls for government to officially declare 8 May as Ancestors’ Day The Citizen reports that the Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA (Contralesa), in partnership with Castle Milk Stout, has called on the government to officially declare Ancestors’ Day as a national public holiday as a way of preserving the culture of the country and continent. With just two weeks to go until Ancestors’ Day, which was launched in May 2021, Contralesa secretary-general Zolani Mkiva argued that the day was a foundation they were laying to change systems and structures that have continued to marginalise Africans. The cultural activist and poet laureate commented: “It’s important that we have a transformed calendar for the country that finds an expression to the African majority of the country. We should not be shy to take our place in society as the owners of this land. We are a product of those who came before us.” Meanwhile, according to Castle Milk Stout brand manager Khensani Mkhombo, the campaign for the day exists to inspire Africans to rediscover and embrace their traditions and values in today’s modern world. “It is important for us as individuals and as a society to promote the habit of embracing, celebrating and always preserving our culture – and not just on Heritage Day,” she stated. Mkhombo urged South Africans to sign a petition calling for 8 May to be declared National Ancestors’ Day. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Reitumetse Makwea at The Citizen
Premier David Makhura appoints new head of the Gauteng health department News24 reports that Gauteng premier David Makhura has appointed Dr Nomonde Nolutshungu as the new Head of the Gauteng Department of Health. She was appointed to the role on Monday, replacing Dr Sibongile Zungu, who had been acting in the role since July 2021. Nolutshungu has worked in the public health sector for almost 30 years. She holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) from the University of the Witwatersrand and also worked as the Chief Director and Cluster Manager for HIV, AIDS, TB, and STIs at the national Department of Health. Nolutshungu also holds a Graduate Diploma and Certificate in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, also attained from Wits, and is registered for her MSc in Medical Immunology at the University of Pretoria. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lwandile Bhengu at News24. See too, David Makhura appoints Dr Nomonde Nolutshungu head of health in Gauteng, at TimesLive Bantu Holomisa claims acting director-general of public works Alec Moemi snuck into the post via back door TimesLIve reports that UDM leader Bantu Holomisa has raised questions about the appointment of Alec Moemi as acting director-general in the department of public works and infrastructure, saying the appointment seems to have been done “through the back door”. Holomisa on Monday pointed out flaws in Moemi's appointment, saying that “for starters” the position was never advertised. In a letter to minister in the presidency Mondli Gungubele, Holomisa said he had been approached by senior members of staff in the department who expressed concern at the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Moemi. In a surprise move two weeks ago, Moemi was appointed acting director-general, replacing suspended director-general Sam Vukela. This was a day after the public service sector bargaining council found that Vukela had been unfairly suspended and ordered his immediate return to work. Holomisa remarked: “We heard that on 11 April 2022 the suspended director-general, Mr Sam Vukela, was barred by the minister of public works and infrastructure from returning to work. Then on 12 April Mr Moemi was appointed acting director-general, allegedly with the view to fast-track his appointment as director-general. From what I have been told, the situation is adversely affecting morale within staff ranks at the department.” He asked Gungubele to confirm or deny the allegations and to indicate if the appointment happened with the knowledge of the presidency and the public service commission. Meanwhile, Vukela’s two-year legal battle to return to work continues. Gungubele has apparently approached the Labour Court to stay the implementation of the ruling instructing Vukela to return to work. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nonkululeko Njilo at TimesLive
‘Fired’ Joburg workers refer dispute over employment status to arbitrator, tell city to respect court order TimesLive reports that the 130 City of Johannesburg employees who are under the threat of having their contracts terminated at the end of the month advised on Monday that they have referred their battle to remain employees to the SA Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC) for arbitration. On Friday, the Labour Court interdicted the city from implementing a council resolution taken in February to terminate the contracts of the employees, pending the determination of the dispute referred by the employees last month to the SALGBC. The employees said their lawyers had on Monday referred the matter for arbitration at the SALGBC to correctly ventilate the matter on its merits and they went on to state: “As the matter is now formally before arbitration, which is in accordance with the labour court judgment on Friday, the affected employees urge the city to comply with the court order and not be in contempt.” The employees concerned were initially employed on fixed-term contracts. However, on 1 March 2021 in accordance with a decision of the mayoral committee on 25 February 2021, they received notices that their fixed-term contracts were to be converted to an indefinite term, meaning they became full-time employees. However, on 25 February this year, the council rescinded the 2021 decision to employ them permanently. It decided to convert their employment to a fixed term that would terminate on 30 April this year. The employees now want the municipality to be ordered to rescind that decision. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at TimesLive. Read too, Joburg Mayor Phalatse says staff issue not over yet for 130 “fired” employees, at The Star
GEPF’s 2021 actuarial valuation finds that fund was in a sound financial condition as at 31 March 2021 Moneyweb reports that the board of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) has released the fund’s 2021 actuarial valuation, which was carried out by African Origins Actuarial Solutions, and peer-reviewed by Alexander Forbes Financial Services. The last valuation was carried out as at 2018, and the next valuation date will be 2023. The practice had been to have statutory actuarial valuations performed biennially, however, the abnormal events related to the Covid-19 pandemic that occurred in March 2020 resulted in the fund deciding to perform only an interim valuation as at 31 March 2020. The actuaries confirmed that “the fund was in a sound financial condition” as at March 31, 2021. The number of active members decreased from 1,281,823 to 1,270,444 over the valuation period. The number of retirees increased from 286,831 to 315,397, dependants from 153,590 to 162,916, and child pensioners from 1,204 to 7,312. During the valuation period, annual pensions increased by an average of 4.0% per annum. This was lower than the long term average rate of increase in annual pensions assumed at the previous valuation date, i.e. 5.2% per annum, the report noted. “We are satisfied with the suitability of the fund’s investment strategy, the nature of the assets of the fund and that the matching of the assets with the liabilities is, in our opinion, adequate,” the valuators confirmed. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Barbara Curson at Moneyweb
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