In our Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South African
labour-related reports.
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Intercape offers R550,000 reward for info leading to arrests for bus attacks EWN reports that desperate to end violent attacks on its fleet and see the perpetrators behind bars, Intercape is offering substantial rewards in exchange for information. The bus company has been the victim of more than 130 reported incidents of violence, intimidation and extortion over the past 18 months. The attacks have resulted in serious injuries to staff and passengers and the death by shooting of Intercape bus driver Bangikhaya Machana in Cape Town in April. Allegedly, the attacks are being carried out by taxi operators and they are prevalent in the Western and Eastern Cape. Intercape is now offering a reward of R550,000 for information that could lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for the ongoing attacks. The bus company said a further reward of R300,000 was being offered for information that could lead to the successful prosecution of those responsible for organising and leading the campaign of violence against Intercape. Among a long list of efforts to prevent Intercape’s drivers from operating, perpetrators have insisted that coach companies increase their fares and have demanded that they pay large sums in extortion money to operate in certain areas. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lauren Isaacs at EWN
Threat of public sector strike looms as more unions declare wage dispute Fin24 reports that the public service is teetering on the brink of industrial action after at least another two unions declared a dispute at public service wage talks with the government. Unions and the government have been stuck in the negotiations before the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council at a 3% wage increase offer to public servants. Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo said his union, Nehawu and Denosa had declared a dispute on the government’s current 3% offer. "We have declared a dispute, and the date of conciliation hearing and issuing of a certificate to embark on industrial action will be communicated," Mamabolo stated. Denosa spokesperson Sibongiseni Delihlazo confirmed that the union had rejected the offer. Nehawu's spokesperson Lwazi Nkolisi referred queries to a Cosatu spokesperson, who could not immediately be reached for comment. While the government raised its offer from 2% to 3% in late August during a mediation process, the offer is still a far cry from union demands ranging between 6% and 10%, most of which have been revised downwards. In September, Popcru held a march to the Union Buildings, demanding a public service wage baseline that was not less than 10%, and a reversal of all "austerity" measures in the public service. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Fin24
'Majority of illegal miners can't be classified as small fish’, says Mantashe News24Wire reports that according to Department of Resources and Energy (DMRE) Minister Gwede Mantashe, most illegal miners cannot be classified as "small fish" because they themselves violate a number of laws, including being in the country illegally. In response to a parliamentary question from Economic Freedom Fighters MP Dumisani Mthenjane, Mantashe said his department was assisting the police in combating illicit mining activities. "The investigation of organised crime resides with the South African Police Services and not DMRE. The investigation of the so-called 'big sharks' is the responsibility of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation Unit (DPCI) which investigates the organised crime element in illicit mining offences. The investigation is being conducted by SAPS and the Department provides technical support," Mantashe advised. He went on to state: "We should also not forget that those that have been charged with the heinous crime against the young women of our country in West Rand are these so-called 'small fish', and they are not small fish but hardened criminals." The women were raped by illegal miners while filming a music video at a Krugersdorp mine dump. Mantashe also indicated that his department had finalised the artisanal and small-scale Mining Policy of 2022 in line with the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Ramaphosa lauds success of presidential stimulus programme, with milestone of one-million participants reached TimesLive reports that according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme (PESP) has reached the milestone of one-million participants since its inception. The scheme was launched in October 2020 to create jobs and support livelihoods as part of supporting economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Writing in his weekly newsletter on Monday, Ramaphosa said the achievement was due to a collaborative effort across the government and wider society, including the private sector, community-based organisations and others. Ramaphosa said the programme was needed to complement the recovery of the jobs market and went on to write: “As we pursue economic growth to deliver decent and sustainable employment at a much larger scale, we will continue to build on the success of the Presidential Employment Stimulus and expand its reach.” In the context where a lack of work experience was a major barrier to finding employment, the programmes were providing high-quality work experiences, Ramaphosa pointed out. For example, in the largest programme supported by the stimulus, nearly 600,000 young people had been placed as school assistants in more than 22,000 schools. In the creative sector, support was provided to people to create jobs for themselves and others. The PESP has also supported sustainable livelihoods with more than 140,000 subsistence farmers receiving production input vouchers to assist them to resume and expand production after the disruptions of Covid-19. The programme is also supporting graduates, with opportunities provided to nurses, science graduates, artisans and others. Ramaphosa called on businesses to hire the young people who gained work experience through the programme. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessLive. Read too, Almost 600 000 teaching assistants employed as part of Ramaphosa's jobs plan, at Fin24. And also, Ramaphosa hails PESP impact, says it's still needed to complement jobs recovery, at EWN
Woolies hikes employees’ pay in line with its ‘just wage’ concept Business Report writes that Woolworths Holdings has hiked the hourly rate for its SA employees above the retail sector and the country’s minimum wage. In the remuneration report in the retailer’s 2022 integrated annual report released on Friday, the company said from 1 April its hourly rate had been R36.55, namely 21% above the retail sector minimum wage and 57.6% above the SA minimum wage. “A further adjustment as per our normal salary review cycle is effective in October 2022,” the fashion and grocery retailer indicated. Last year Woolworths committed to invest an additional R120 million over three years, to adjust Woolworths SA’s hourly base pay from R33.40 to R41.25 in 2023, which will amount to a 23.5% increase. “We commenced with the concept of a ‘just wage’ in 2019, a wage which would recognise the critical need to address the disposable income of our store staff and to reduce the remuneration gap in the context of the socio-economic environment in South Africa. One of the intents of the ‘just wage’ is to deliberately move away from the minimum wage legislative requirements to providing a living wage to our more than 20 000 store staff,” the group said. Pay increases are effective on 1 October each year. Woolworths advised that the group CEO Roy Bagattini and executive directors received a 4.16% pay increase. Senior executives and management in SA got a 4.4% pay hike. The staff in SA received a 5.4% wage increase. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Dieketseng Maleke at Business Report
Ramaphosa says Mashatile ‘spends his time scrounging for money’ to pay Luthuli House employees TimesLive reports that ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday made a commitment that those who worked for the ruling party would be paid. This was amid threats of another picket outside the party’s Luthuli House headquarters over late salary payments. An ANC insider indicated: “They owe us September salaries. They promised to pay us by Friday last week. They did not honour that so we decided to down tools and will be picketing tomorrow at Luthuli House with the hope we get a way forward.” Speaking on Sunday, Ramaphosa said: “Financial resources, especially in the ANC, have dried up because of legislation we’ve put in place and those who used to fund the ANC, because of the disclosure processes, are holding back. As a result the enormous expenses the ANC goes through come under a great deal of pressure and we therefore have to scrounge around.” He told journalists that party treasurer-general Paul Mashatile “basically spends his time scrounging for money from those who would donate to the ANC”. Ramaphosa said he had a great deal of understanding for the plight of workers in the ANC because they were not often paid on time. “We continue to work to raise the money that should go towards paying them, and that becomes successful at times, but is sometimes delayed. Our commitment is that those who work for the ANC must be paid,” Ramaphosa stated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Amanda Khoza at TimesLive. See too, Ramaphosa on unpaid ANC staff salaries: We are scrounging around for funds, at EWN
Gauteng health legal head paid R4.7m while at home since June 2019 News24 reports that the chief director of legal services at the Gauteng health department, Advocate Mpelegeng Lebeloane, has been paid R4.7m since June 2019, despite doing no work. Lebeloane has been off work following a Public Service Commission (PSC) report on her appointment found irregularities in her transfer from the Department of Water and Sanitation. In written replies to the Gauteng legislature, Health MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi confirmed that Lebeloane was paid R4,681,700 between 1 July 2019 and 30 September 2022. The PSC had recommended that the health department should apply to the Labour Court "without delay" to set aside Lebeloane's transfer to the department. The department made the application to the Labour Court on 18 November 2020, but Lebeloane opposed it. The department went to court again in July and was informed by the registrar that "the matters that are being allocated now are for the year 2023". Mokgethi indicated: "The department wants to see the matter concluded as speedily as possible; however, it remains constrained by the court's processes which are outside the department's control." DA health spokesperson Jack Bloom commented: “This is an enormous sum of money to pay for a botched appointment. It could have paid for 10 senior nurses for a year at our understaffed hospitals. I am appalled that the department's mismanagement has wasted so much money that should be used to provide better care for hospital patients. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tebogo Monama at News24
Joburg’s new mayor Dada Moreo likely to reinstate 130 employees dismissed by DA coalition The Star reports that the new mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Dada Morero, has reassured 130 workers who were dismissed by the DA-led Multi Party Coalition that the ANC would relook into their matter. The 130 workers were dismissed after it was discovered that their contracts had been converted from fixed term to permanent by the ANC before the party left office after its previous term. The matter had gone as far as the Labour Court and was also before the South Gauteng High Court. Morero was elected last Friday and sworn in over the weekend. The return of the workers concerned was one of the first key items looked into by the new mayor. “On the 130 we have to tell you the truth that the DA amended the talent and acquisition policy of the city and they misled the city manager and the director to fire the 130. We are going to go for them,” Morero stated. He claimed that the DA had done something illegal and manipulated the Municipal Council in setting up processes to fire workers. “They decided to fire staff when they realised that the policy says you can’t (fire) them then amended it, this is the truth about the actions of the DA and we will then fire them,” Morero said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Itumeleng Mafisa at The Star
SAPS to institute disciplinary action against 'dancing cop' who entertained the crowd at Orlando Stadium News24 reports that more woes are piling up for the police constable accused of making a mockery of the SA Police Service (SAPS). The officer caused a stir when he was seen dancing, in his blue uniform, during a soccer match at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. The policeman was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when he took centre stage to entertain soccer fans. According to police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the police officer, who is attached to the Rapid Railway Unit (RRU), went to the stadium on his own accord. The officer's woes began when he was booked off duty for arriving at work intoxicated on Saturday morning. His commander booked him off duty, based on his condition. The member was also immediately disarmed and sent back home. "It was later discovered that the constable proceeded, on his own accord, to Orlando Stadium in Soweto, and gained access to the stadium. He was seen on a video clip, dancing on the soccer pitch," Mathe said. "The status and dignity of the SAPS badge and uniform must be safeguarded and protected with pride, especially by police officers. Therefore, the management of the SAPS views the unbecoming behaviour of the said member in a very serious light,” Mathe indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ntwaagae Seleka at News24. Lees ook, Optrede kom teen dansende, ‘dronk’ konstabel, by Maroela Media
Six nabbed for R1.38m PPE procurement corruption in Mpumalanga’s public works, roads and transport department The Citizen reports that six persons have been arrested for fraud, corruption and money laundering in connection with the procurement of Covid-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) in the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport. The accused are three government officials employed by the provincial department and the other three are suppliers who won the tender. The six were arrested last week by the Hawks and appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday. They allegedly defrauded the state of R1.38 million. A Special Investigating Unit (SIU) found that there had been fraudulent invoicing for services not rendered and inflation of kilometres claimed. “In an instance where service providers were contracted to do fumigations, there was fraudulent inflation of square metres claimed, which resulted in the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport paying more than what it should have,” the SIU indicated. The suspects were released on bail of R10,000 each and are expected to return to court on 2 November 2022. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at The Citizen
Former intern sues BMFI for R5m, claiming rape, unfair dismissal SowetanLive reports that a former intern at Black Management Forum Investment (BMFI) is demanding damages of R5m for unfair dismissal and in respect of allegations of rape she made against the forum’s president Andile Nomlala. The employee, 27, who left the company in July after her contract was terminated, said she was “raped and sexually assaulted” by Nomlala at his Bryanston home in May last year. She claimed this happened after attending a work function when Nomlala offered her a lift home but instead drove to his house where he allegedly made sexual advances to her. Nomlala has denied the allegations, saying they were an “attempt to weaponise the seriousness of sexual harassment and sexual assault’’. The former employee also lodged a claim of unfair dismissal with the CCMA in August after the company terminated her contract in July, citing “human capital rationalisation strategy”. She is demanding a two-year payout. She said she was also traumatised after being humiliated by a senior manager who yelled at her in front of colleagues for having gone out to buy menstrual products. The woman did not detail any allegations of rape or sexual assault in her CCMA case. Instead, she said Nomlala contacted her on 30 August asking her to “name her price or return to work”. The investment company allegedly withdrew its termination letter on 9 September and requested the complainant to report for work, but she apparently refused the offer. On 19 September, the woman’s lawyers wrote to the BMFI claiming damages for severe trauma, stress and humiliation suffered allegedly from the sexual assault. BMF acting managing director Philippe Bakohoukoutela confirmed that the company had instituted an investigation into the allegations. He said Nomlala had requested a three-month leave of absence until the investigations were concluded. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mpho Koka at SowetanLive
Mabula assures frustrated Gauteng train commuters of more efficient services EWN reports that Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has assured frustrated train commuters of more efficient services in parts of Gauteng. Mbalula launched the October Transport Month Campaign on Monday morning when he showcased the revitalisation of some rail lines. Lines in Pretoria and Johannesburg were disrupted last year after key infrastructure was vandalised. The Passenger Railway Agency of SA (Prasa) revitalisation drive has seen the recovery of the Pretoria and Pienaarspoort line, as well as the Pretoria and Kaalfontein line. Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Mbalula lauded the strides made by the embattled state entity. “We know our people have been very much patient; others can’t afford taxi fares… but they believed the president and all of us here when we said the trains would come back,” Mbalula stated. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Nokukhanya Mntambo at EWN
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