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 roundup of weekend news, see
summaries of our selection of South African
labour-related stories that appeared since
Friday, 27 May 2022.
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Something must be done to alleviate rising fuel prices, says Godongwana, with outcome of weekend meeting between Treasury and energy department awaited BL Premium reports that the National Treasury and the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy met at the weekend to discuss options regarding fuel prices, which have been hitting highs and threatening to render SA’s fragile economy uncompetitive. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana indicated last week that the SA government was looking into a lot of proposals to mitigate the situation. “Everyone understands that an increase in petrol prices is a blunt instrument — it cuts across food prices. It is just really going to raise the cost of living in the economy and therefore something must be done,” he stated. Godongwana said the content and format of the proposal to alleviate rising fuel prices was a matter the National Treasury and the DMRE would announce this week. At the weekend, the Treasury team met DMRE Minister Gwede Mantashe “to fine-tune the proposal”. Godongwanga said: “I don’t want to say we will be saved; we are looking into it.” Meantime, the two months of fuel price relief in the form of a reduction in the general fuel levy by R1.50/l comes to an end at the end of May. This year has been tumultuous globally, with supply and demand imbalances made worse by geopolitical tensions, rising inflation and slowing economic growth amid limited fiscal space. While heightened inflation is more evident in developed markets, which provided considerable policy stimulus during the Covid-19 lockdown, emerging markets like SA have not gone unscathed. 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
Covid-19 broke through despite antibodies in 98% of people, study shows BL Premium reports that a new survey of blood donors shows that virtually everyone in SA had antibodies to Covid-19 by the end of the fourth wave in March, but this was not enough to stop another surge in coronavirus cases less than two months later. SA’s fourth wave was driven by the BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron sub-variants, and was swiftly followed by another wave powered by Omicron sub-variants BA.4 and BA.5. Analysis of almost 3,400 blood samples provided by donors from all nine provinces in mid-March showed 98% of donors had anti-nucleocapsid antibodies, generated in response to infection or antispike antibodies triggered by vaccination or both. Just more than one in 10 (10.8%) of the blood samples had only antispike antibodies, indicating their donors had been vaccinated and avoided infection. Alex Welte from the SA Centre of Excellence in Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis at Stellenbosch University and co-author of the study, commented: “The timing shows even having almost universal antibody coverage has not prevented an outbreak from happening. That is a really sobering message about the rate of immune escape this virus is capable of.” The coronavirus would continue to mutate, and it would be a mistake to say it would necessarily evolve into a more transmissible and milder form, noted Welte. “It looks like not a single unvaccinated person has avoided infection. That is quite striking,” Welte added. While vaccination did not provide complete protection from infection, the study clearly showed it helped reduce that risk, he said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tamar Kahn at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Read too, Nearly everyone in South Africa has Covid antibodies, study shows, at GroundUp SA nearing the halfway mark for adult Covid-19 vaccinations, but well short of government’s target EWN reports that according to Deputy Minister in the Presidency Pinky Kekana, SA is nearing the halfway mark for adult Covid-19 vaccinations, but it's nowhere near the 70% government had hoped for by this stage. On Thursday, Kekana led a webinar on government research into Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy. "The recent research study in partnership with government found that vaccine hesitancy is at 25%. While this is down from 28% in the previous year, it is still high," Kekana indicated. This was despite ample evidence of Covid-19 vaccine efficacy and safety. "Some of the major reasons emerging from the study, shows us that technical language, medical jargon causes people to ignore the information. But on the other hand, people also don't trust some of government's communication," Kekana reported. Generational differences, knowledge about vaccines based on where the information was sourced and political trust have emerged as the top three reasons for vaccine hesitancy, specifically in SA. Read the original of the report in the above regard by Shamiela Fisher at EWN High Court rules against SAB, says liquor ban had been necessary during Covid-19 lockdown TimesLive reports that the Western Cape High Court has found that the regulations which prohibited the sale, dispensing and distribution of liquor during 2020 had been necessary for assisting and protecting the public and addressing other destructive effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, notably the collapse of the health system. The court also found that Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, had proven that the regulations represented the least restrictive means of achieving the purpose of immediately freeing up hospital facilities and services to people infected with Covid-19. The court, in a two-to-one decision, on Friday dismissed an application by SA Breweries (SAB) against the regulations. One of the grounds advanced by SAB was that the outright liquor ban — while leaving consumption unscathed — was unconstitutional because it denied the fundamental constitutional rights to trade freely and human dignity. According to the SAB, the consequence of this erosion was the destruction of livelihoods. The application was launched on 6 January 2021 and was persisted with even after the alcohol ban was repealed in early February 2021. SAB argued that the issues in dispute were not moot and the court ought to consider them because it concerned the infringement of constitutional rights. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at BusinessLive Other internet posting(s) in this news category
With operational disruptions seemingly minimal, SARS and striking workers no closer to a deal Moneyweb reported on Friday that industrial action by workers affiliated with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) and the Public Servants Association (PSA) continued at the SA Revenue Service (SARS). Several branch offices across the country and call centres assisting tax practitioners and small and medium-sized businesses were closed and it was also not possible to make electronic bookings. However, operational disruptions were reportedly minimal. By noon on Thursday, all border posts were running smoothly, except for Qacha’s Nek on the Free State/Lesotho border, where police were called to assist. The workers are demanding an across-the-board increase of 12% (CPI plus 7%). SARS is offering 1.3%, after initially starting with a zero percent increase. SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said in a statement last week that the doors of negotiation remained open, but the offer, whilst not addressing the demands of employees, would provide relief to minimise the impact of the current economic conditions. Nehawu spokesperson Lwazi Nkolonzi said the offer was an insult to the workers. He added that there was no indication when negotiations would continue. “The workers remain steadfast in their demands and will not return to work until their demands are met,” Nkolonzi indicated. Nehawu represents more than 5,000 employees of the SARS workforce of approximately 12 500. SARS is applying the “no-work, no-pay principle”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Amanda Visser at Moneyweb
Anglo Platinum inks five-year pay deal with three unions Bloomberg reports that Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has sealed a five-year wage deal with three of its four recognised unions in a move that may help bring stability at the world’s most profitable platinum producer. The agreement between the Anglo American subsidiary, the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu), the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM and Uasa is effective from 1 July. It may help calm investor nerves about labor unrest in the mining sector, as about 163,000 workers in SA’s platinum industry press for a share of windfall profits generated by a rally in metal prices. Amplats agreed to give its workers a monthly increase of R1,150 (7.5%) in the first year of the deal, which will then climb to R1,500 by the fifth year. Amplats was prepared to share with employees, Amplats CEO Natascha Viljoen indicated at the signing ceremony on Thursday. “We believe this multiyear agreement will enable our business to remain sustainable through platinum group metal price cycles, while also ensuring that our people are rewarded for their work,” she stated, adding that the company would keep working toward lifting the wages of the lowest paid. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Felix Njini at Moneyweb. See too, Amplats signs five-year wage agreement with three unions, at Mining Weekly Amplats wage deal with unions piles pressure on Sibanye where strike at gold operations remains unresolved Business Times writes that the wage deal struck last week by Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) with unions will place the spotlight on peer Sibanye-Stillwater, where a strike at its gold operations shows little sign of being resolved. Amplats signed a five-year wage agreement with the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu), the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Uasa after five meetings. It is to be implemented from 1 July. According to Makhosi Nyamela, analyst at FNB Wealth and Investments, the agreement leaves Sibanye in the spotlight as the biggest employer in the mining sector and indeed the PGM sector. Sibanye operates mainly the labour intensive former Amplats mines at Rustenburg and the Marikana mines from Lonmin. Nyamela commented: “If you look at the fact they still have the outstanding issue on the gold mines, it means that when they go into the negotiations, it will be that much harder for them. The fact that peers like Amplats have settled puts Sibanye on the back foot just like in the gold sector where Goldfields and Harmony settled first.” He pointed out that in addition to Amplats, Northam signed a five year wage agreement at its Zondereinde mine last year. Impala Platinum has yet to sign a wage deal with employees. Nyamela went on to comment: “Even if there was a strike, Sibanye was going to be the company which will be the most affected because it is the most labour intensive. I do not believe Sibanye will allow the same thing that has happened in gold to happen in platinum. I believe they will do whatever they can to resolve the platinum negotiations quickly. I say this because that is where their free cash flow comes mainly from the platinum operations. The gold operations are barely breaking even.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Dineo Faku at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other labour / community posting(s) relating to mining
Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Saftu congress failed to settle federation’s squabbles, but democracy was the winner Terry Bell writes that a destructive political bloodbath was avoided last week at the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) second elective conference. But, while no issues were finally settled, the underlying problems, some of which have festered for years, were laid bare. However, amid the considerable skirmishing that triggered a swirl of rumours and allegations, a degree of democracy seemed to have been the real, although almost entirely publicly unacknowledged, winner. Delegates, considered by some observers to be mere voting fodder for different factions, proved that they can – and do – think and vote independently. While this provided a glimmer of hope, there was some worrying evidence of deep-seated animosity. At one stage, a large group of National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) delegates disrupted the conference, singing ‘ungayijahi impi, iyabulala’ [don’t call for war or you will die]. But this delegation, the largest at the conference, also did not appear to be a united voting bloc. As a result, Zwelinzima Vavi was re-elected as general secretary, defeating the KwaZulu-Natal regional secretary, Moses Mautsoe, who was nominated by Numsa. And Ruth Ntlokotse, suspended by the Numsa leadership, won the presidency against Mac Chabalala, who was nominated by the union that had axed her. However, the situation was much more complex than a leadership contest. As Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industrial Workers’ Union, noted: “The whole question here involved political and ideological orientations.” The basic issue of party political affiliation or the maintenance of an independent voice for labour remained the fundamental argument. In the end, the 2017 Saftu resolution of union independence stayed in place. Read the full original of Terry bell’s article in the above regard at City Press (subscriber access only)
Cosatu warns ANC privatisation of SOEs like Eskom, SAA will lead to massive loss of support Pretoria News reports that Cosatu has warned the ANC that if it continues to privatise state-owned entities (SOEs) such as SAA and Eskom it would suffer a massive loss of membership and electoral support. The trade union federation issued the warning on Thursday following its three-day central executive committee meeting, which ended on Wednesday. The warning came less than a week after Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan insisted that the government was continuing with its deal of giving equity partner Takatso Consortium a 51% share of SAA. During his budget speech on Friday, Gordhan slammed moves by political parties to oppose the deal, saying: “Concluding the transaction will ensure the viability and survival of SAA.” But Cosatu was adamant that the ANC erred with its latest “ongoing attempts” to privatise SOEs under the guise of poor performance. The federation said people needed to be up-skilled and capacitated to lead these SOEs. Cosatu general secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali dubbed the move as “camouflaged privatisation” of SAA, Transnet, Denel, and Eskom. He urged South Africans to fight against the planned privatisation, saying the move by government would lead to more job losses in the public sector. Ntshalintshali said Cosatu intended to discuss the privatisation of SOEs with the ruling party, saying it and other issues “bother and alienate workers”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Baldwin Ndaba at Pretoria News
Former CEO Siyabonga Gama one of five former Transnet executives arrested for fraud, corruption and money laundering charges BusinessLive reports that former Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama and Trillian’s Eric Wood appeared in the specialised commercial crimes court in Palm Ridge on Friday with three other executives. The other accused were Transnet’s former finance head Garry Pita, ex-treasurer Phetolo Ramosebudi and Trillian co-founder Daniel Roy. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigating Directorate announced the five arrests early on Friday, saying the accused faced charges related to allegedly contravening the Public Finance Management Act, fraud, corruption and money laundering. Investigating Directorate spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka said they joined alleged Gupta family fixer Kuben Moodley, who was arrested last September in connection with the matter. It was reported at the time that Moodley’s arrest was linked to contracts allegedly improperly awarded by Transnet to Regiments Capital and Trillian, as well as alleged theft by Regiments Fund managers from the Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund. The arrest of the five represents the most high-profile detention of executives allegedly involved in state corruption during former president Jacob Zuma’s nine-year rule. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Phathu Luvhengo at BusinessLive. Read too, Magistrate’s Court grants bail to former Transnet and Trillian senior executives, at Moneyweb. En ook, Oud-hoës in hof oor beweerde kaping van Transnet, by Maroela Media Former Transnet CEO Brian Molefe and former CFO Anoj Singh also face arrest City Press reports that former Transnet CEO Brian Molefe and former chief financial officer Anoj Singh could be next to find themselves in handcuffs, following the dramatic arrest last week of another former CEO, Siyabonga Gama, alongside other former Transnet top executives. They appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on charges of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act, fraud, corruption and money laundering. Gama is the highest-profile arrest following the conclusion of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations State Capture and the handover of its report to President Cyril Ramaphosa by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Plans to have Molefe and Singh arrested are apparently at an advanced stage, with investigators hinting that the July court appearance of Molefe’s successor Gama and others will see the two being added to the charge sheet. In the second part of Zondo’s state capture report, Zondo wrote that between 2010 and 2018, state-owned logistics company Transnet had been involved in an illicit and corrupt scheme that benefited the members of the Gupta family and those with whom they were associated. He recommended that Molefe, Gama and Singh be investigated by the police for a laundry list of transgressions, ranging from corruption and racketeering to fraud and negligence. Investigative directorate spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka declined to divulge information about any impending arrests. Molefe and Singh declined to comment. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Abram Mashego at City Press (subscriber access only). Read too, More arrests expected in corruption case against Gama and other ex-Transnet officials, at Fin24 Other internet posting(s) in this news category DA suspends Western Cape legislature speaker amid corruption probe, at The Citizen WK-speaker aanvaar skorsing; hou vol hy’s onskuldig, by Maroela Media Former Msinga municipal CFO arrested for fraud, money laundering, at News24 Vier vas oor ‘PPE-tenderbedrog’, by Maroela Media
Activists condemn failure to act against Cape Town teacher convicted of sexual assault GroundUp reports that Cape Town teacher Ayanda Ntuthu has still not been suspended from the school where he teaches and where he committed sexual assault five-years ago. According to the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED), it was unaware until last week that Ntuthu was prosecuted and found guilty. The state prosecutor will ask the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court to place Ntuthu, who was found guilty of sexually assaulting a learner, on the National Register of Sex Offenders when he is sentenced on 20 June. Equal Education and Molo Songololo, a non-profit organisation that advocates for the rights and protection of children, have condemned the failure to act against Ntuthu and are demanding answers from authorities. Ntuthu was found guilty on 18 March of sexually assaulting a learner at Thandokhulu High School in Mowbray in 2017. Five years after the incident Ntuthu is still teaching at the school and the boy is also still at the school. Ntuthu is currently on sick leave. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond indicated: “We can only engage or ‘monitor’ a case if we are informed of the case”. Asked why the National Prosecuting Authority had not informed the WCED of Ntuthu’s guilty finding, a spokesperson said it is not their responsibility to inform the department of the progress and outcome of the case: “If the department was interested in following the progress of the case, they would have sent officials to court to follow the progress of the case or contact the prosecutor and request to be advised of the progress and outcome. That never happened.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Marecia Damons at GroundUp
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