In our Wednesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South African
labour-related reports.
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Transport unions UNTU and Satawu plan wage strikes at Transnet in coming days Fin24 reports that two unions plan to strike at Transnet within the next week after rejecting the state-owned freight logistics group’s wage offer. The United National Transport Union (UNTU) said it had served a 48-hour notice on Transnet of its intention to embark on a protected strike from Thursday, while the SA Transport and Allied Workers’ Union (Satawu) plans to down tools from next Monday. Transnet's offer includes a wage increase of 1.5% from this month and a 13th cheque, among other benefits. The organisation’s wage bill makes up 66% of its operating costs. Transnet indicated in a statement that it had applied to the CCMA to convene conciliation discussions over the current wage negotiations. "This follows the unions' rejection yesterday [Monday] of a new offer which the company firmly believes is fair and reasonable given the current financial and operational challenges," the statement reported. Satawu confirmed it had received a letter from the CMMA to facilitate a conciliatory intervention process between the parties. The union indicated that the process would commence on 12 October, but that the CCMA process “will not affect our protected industrial action." UNTU’s Cobus van Vuuren said that Transnet's offer was an insult to its members "who have put everything on the line" to help get Transnet back on track. Van Vuuren said Transnet must provide a salary increase offer aligned with the increased cost of living and CPI of 7.6%. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Fin24. Read too, Transnet workers threaten to strike after rejecting wage offer, at BusinessLive. And also, Transnet applies for CCMA intervention as unions prepare to strike, at Moneyweb
Cracks between Cosatu affiliates widen as Sadtu gives government’s 3% wage increase the ‘thumbs up’ BusinessLive reports that cracks between Cosatu affiliates are widening, with the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) breaking ranks with other public service unions with its support of the government’s revised final 3% wage offer for SA’s 1.3-million civil servants. Sadtu president Magope Maphila, in his opening address at the union’s national general council (NGC) on Tuesday, said most members were in support of the offer. Sadtu has a membership of about 260,000. Unions initially demanded a 10% wage increase when negotiations began in May, but trimmed the figure down to 6.5%. Workers were given 21 days in August to get a mandate from their members on the government’s final offer of a 3% salary increase, continuation of a R1,000 after-tax cash gratuity and a 1.5% pay progression hike linked to years of service. Public Sector Co-ordinating Bargaining Council general secretary Frikkie de Bruin said on Tuesday that the bargaining council had held a special meeting, where parties noted that the 21-day period had lapsed. Cosatu’s largest unions, including Nehawu, Popcru and Denosa, “indicated they are in dispute and will be invoking the dispute resolution procedure of council”. Hospersa, a Fedusa affiliate also rejected the offer. The Public Servants Association (PSA) the SA Policing Union (Sapu) had earlier declared disputes which remain unresolved, with certificates of non-resolution having been issued. The bargaining council is now awaiting the dispute referral forms from Nehawu, Popcru, Denosa and Hospersa. De Bruin indicated: “We will also call on PSA to discuss picketing rules and sit down with Sapu as to discuss the arbitration process as Sapu is an essential service.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive
Cosatu calls on workers to join pickets for World Day for Decent Work on Friday IOL reports that the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) is gearing up for nationwide protests and other activities across the country on Friday to mark the World Day for Decent Work. Cosatu national spokesperson Sizwe Pamla indicated that the action was a Section 77 protected national action that formed part of the International Day of Decent Work Day. Cosatu called on all workers to participate in the planned activities and to exercise their right to demand the respect of labour laws and the calls for decent work from employers and policymakers. The federation said it felt obligated more now than ever to stand up for workers, given that the government had found itself unable to deal with an ongoing capitalist crisis which had resulted in increasing austerity measures. The cuts in public spending had led to a reduction in social and economic benefits to the people, in wages, retirement benefits and pensions, health and education and social welfare transfers, Pamla said. “The workers need to unite in defending jobs, fighting corruption, as well as the shortcomings of our law enforcement agencies in fighting corruption and gender-based violence. We need to fearlessly express our determination to protect the integrity of collective bargaining, and to resist all attempts by employers to undermine it,” Pamla stated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sisipho Bhuta at IOL
Luxury vehicles impounded as Hawks raid alleged zama zama leaders' homes in Carletonville and Khutsong TimesLive reports that a Range Rover Evoque, Ford Raptor, Amarok bakkie, Audi A3 and two Golf GTIs were some of the high-powered vehicles the Hawks seized on Tuesday during a raid to combat illegal mining in Carletonville and Khutsong on the West Rand. A total of 14 vehicles, including a truck, were seized. Seven suspects were arrested. They are due to appear at the Carletonville Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Precious Metals Act. Two more were being questioned, said police. Hawks spokesperson Lt-Col Katlego Mogale said the investigation, which began in 2018, related to six transactions amounting to R500,000. He indicated: “This morning the suspects who had been identified for those transactions were arrested. We’re not leaving out the possibility that these suspects could be linked to other suspects in the country and outside. This is a transnational crime.” The vehicles were seized on suspicion of being the proceeds of crime. Spokesperson for the police ministry, Lirandzu Themba, said the arrests formed part of the Hawks "Gillette" project, which has been ongoing since 2018. "It was targeting individuals higher in the illegal mining activities," Themba explained. Maj-Gen Fred Kekana of the SAPS indicated: “This is not the end. We expect to continue to flush, remove and arrest those who might still be outside [on the streets].” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kgaugelo Masweneng at TimesLive. Read too, 'Illegal mining kingpin' lives life of luxury around poverty, at SowetanLive Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Eskom’s new chair says board isn’t planning any immediate change to management Bloomberg News reports that according to Eskom’s new chairperson, Mpho Makwana, the board isn’t planning any immediate changes to management as it conducts an assessment of the utility’s power plants. Makwana, who was appointed along with almost all of the board last week, said the plants’ performance would be reviewed over the next 30 to 60 days to ascertain how to make them operational at an average of 75% of the time – a target set by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan. "We have to assume office and give the existing team the benefit of the doubt," Makwana said in an interview with Newzroom Afrika. Chief Executive Officer Andre de Ruyter’s "heart is in the right place. We have to applaud him and support him for as long as he is group CEO,” he added. The board’s appointment comes at a time when SA is suffering its worst-ever blackouts as Eskom’s plants keep breaking down. The government and the utility’s management is facing increasing criticism. Eskom’s management blames years of skimping on maintenance for the poor performance of the plants. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Antony Sguazzin & Rene Vollgraaff at Fin24 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Auditor-General warns of SABC collapse despite reduction in financial losses BL Premium reports that the Auditor-General (AG) has raised doubts about the SA Broadcasting Corporation’s (SABC’s) ability to remain in business despite the public broadcaster more than halving its losses in the most recent financial year. The state-owned entity, which has previously been beset by governance and financial crises that took it to the brink of collapse, reported a net loss of R201m for the 2021/2022 financial year ended March, down from R530m the previous year. It expects to break even in the 2022/2023 financial year, but AG Tsakani Maluleke is uncertain it can continue as a going concern. Indications are that it will continue to struggle amid a slump in advertising spend and reduced collections of TV licence fees, which are two key revenue streams. Maluleke said in the SABC’s annual report for the year ending March 2022, which was tabled in parliament this week, that “a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the public [broadcaster’s] ability to continue as a going concern.” Maluleke also pointed out that irregular expenditure continued to hamper the SABC. It remains the main source of news and commentary for many viewers, especially in remote areas. The AG pointed out that management did not prepare regular, accurate and complete financial and performance reports that were supported and evidenced by reliable information. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bekezela Phakathi at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
No talk of 'dumping' the ANC yet, Cosatu clarifies at Sadtu general council meeting TimesLive reports that Cosatu’s newly elected general secretary Solly Phetoe told the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) on the first day of the union’s national general council meeting on Tuesday that the labour federation has not taken a resolution to “dump the ANC”. “There was no discussion about Cosatu dumping the ANC, but there was a discussion around intensifying a reconfigured alliance,” Phetoe said at the meeting at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. Phetoe further indicated: “We want to confirm taking a resolution to support the party to contest the elections in 2024. I want to clarify Cosatu is not against the SA Communist Party (SACP) contesting the elections. What the congress and delegates were saying is allow us time to process, to consult and convene the consultative progress as we presented our midterm review, and then we come back and convene a special congress.” Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Amanda Khoza at SowetanLive. Read too, Humiliation of Mantashe at Cosatu congress was planned in advance, Sadtu told, at SowetanLive
Ramaphosa hits back at 'stupid’ negative criticism of his job stimulus package TimesLive reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa used the first day of the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) national general council meeting to hit back at those criticising his presidential employment stimulus programme. Reiterating what he wrote in his weekly letter on Monday, Ramaphosa noted the initiative had now reached more than a million participants. He indicated: “More than 60% of these participants are women and more than 80% are young people. Alongside the creation of these opportunities, the presidential employment stimulus has also been making a difference in several areas of development.” He pointed out that one of the most significant areas of impact had been in schools where “more than 600,000 young people have been placed as school assistants in more than 22,000 schools.” Ramaphosa went on the defend the programme by saying: “There are others who always want to look at the dark side of life, who have dismissed this initiative and said could you say that somebody has had a job when you employ them in your garden for a day? That is the most stupid analysis I have ever heard and that came from a politician from one of the parties without understanding the affect that many of you have felt about these assistants who came into your schools during the period of Covid-19.” Ramaphosa added that not only had these young people been empowered and given meaningful work experience, but many of them had also discovered a passion for teaching and now aimed to study further. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Amanda Khoza at TimesLive. Read too, Sadtu national general council: Ramaphosa tells teachers they have a great responsibility, at The Citizen Up to 500 new Grade R teachers to be permanently appointed in Western Cape Cape Times reports that in the lead up to #WorldTeachersDay on Wednesday, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) announced it would be permanently appointing 500 Grade R teachers next year. Education MEC David Maynier confirmed that they would offer up to 500 qualified Grade R teachers permanent posts with service benefits from 1 January 2023. “This is part of our commitment to expanding access to Grade R and boosting early learning in the Western Cape. This is a major step forward and reflects the importance of Grade R as part of the Foundation Phase, which has been identified as a priority by our Department. Early Learning makes all the difference to a child’s later school grades, and we must make sure the basics are in place during this phase if we want to see improved results in later schooling years, particularly matric,” said Maynier. The offer will apply to teachers who are already employed at a school in a subsidised Grade R position. These teachers must meet the required teaching qualification in order to be appointed as a Post Level 1 teacher. The appointment of the teachers will cost approximately R321 million over the next three years. Maynier further indicated: “We are also in the process of exploring a qualification pathway that would allow under qualified Grade R practitioners to obtain the required qualifications for appointment.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Cape Times
Drop in petrol price on Wednesday, but rise in diesel price BusinessLive reports that there is good news for SA motorists with petrol cars, with the price of 93 octane fuel reducing by 89c/l and 95 octane by R1.02/l on Wednesday. However, drivers of diesel cars face a 10c/l increase for high sulphur (0.05%) diesel and 15c/l for low sulphur (0.005%). The price of illuminating paraffin will decrease by 82c/l. From Wednesday the retail price of 95 unleaded in Gauteng will be R22.36/l and 93 unleaded will cost R22.06. The wholesale price of 0.05% diesel will be R24.06/l and 0.005% diesel will be R24.30. The Department of Mineral Resources & Energy attributed the price adjustments to changes in the international fuel prices during the period under review. The rand depreciated against the US dollar, from R16.70 to R17.55, which prevented further reductions in the prices of petrol and paraffin. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at BusinessLive
Government facing shortage of sign language interpreters in courts across the country Cape Argus reports that while the government faces a sign language interpreters conundrum in courts across the country, it does not have a single full-time sign interpreter in the Western Cape. A justice expert has labelled this a constitutional violation. Justice and Constitutional Development Department spokesperson Steve Mahlangu confirmed that the Western Cape does not have a single sign language interpreter employed on a full-time basis, and that the department was forced to rely on “three or four” freelancers who serviced courts across the entire province. The Eastern Cape has a lone full-time sign language interpreter working a backlog. Last week, Public Service Commission commissioner Anele Gxoyiya lamented the general lack of sign language interpreters working in the government but did not give a full account of the issue. The dearth of sign language interpreters came to the fore in the last week of September, which marked World International Deaf Week. This amid ongoing parliamentary processes to rubber-stamp sign language as a twelfth official language after President Cyril Ramaphosa in May approved the publication of the 18th Amendment Bill for public comment. “The department takes a serious view of this challenge, especially with the promulgation of sign language as a 12th official language. The department is currently implementing a plan to remedy this, beginning with an ongoing process within our human resources section to secure the permanent services of a sign language interpreter in Mitchells Plain,” Mahlangu said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Soyiso Maliti at Cape Argus
SARS taxes GEPF pensioners heavily Mail & Guardian reports that an estimated 40,000 beneficiaries of the Government Employment Pensions Fund (GEPF) received sharply reduced income for October due to tax deductions as high as 60% in some cases. The SA Revenue Service (SARS) insisted that it explained the tax deduction to the GEPF, but the latter said the communication “could have been clearer”. The two entities met on Monday to discuss the deductions after the GEPF received numerous complaints and inquiries from its members and to determine whether any wrongful income tax deductions had occurred. SARS implemented enhancements to its IBIR-006 Tax Directive Interface Specification in March 2022. It said the directive aimed to address the “tax debt” many pensioners earning more than one income experienced at year-end. Asked for clarity on the matter, SARS spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko confirmed that “there is a directive but pensioners can opt out”. Sibeko said this “has been made clear to GEPF in order to explain to pensioners”. But GEPF spokesperson Matau Molapo suggested the communication was not as clear as it should have been. Molapo said the GEPF had informed its members about the tax directive but added that “some might not have understood”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Eunice Stoltz at Mail & Guardian (subscriber access only)
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