In our Wednesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South African
labour-related reports.
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SA could lose 100,000 jobs if car manufacturing doesn't decarbonise, Gungubele warns Fin24 reports that Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele has warned that SA’s manufacturing sector needs to move urgently towards producing electric vehicles, or around 100,000 jobs could be wiped out in the next five years as key export destinations move to ban petrol and diesel cars. The European Union has given local vehicle exporters until 2030 to decarbonise the sector, after which they will stop importing internal combustion engine vehicles assembled in SA. "If we don't move in pace with that call, no fewer than 100,000 jobs are under threat. In other words, in that sector, we lose our status as a stakeholder and trading partner in the sector beyond that period," Gungubele told Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy on Tuesday. Gungubele was talking about the country's Just Energy Transition (JET) Investment Plan, which prioritises investment in the energy sector, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen from 2023 to 2027. The plan sets out a goal to decarbonise SA’s economy by 2030 in a manner that preserves the environment, the economy, and livelihoods. It outlines spending of R1.5 trillion in five years, but currently has an estimated funding gap of 44% or R700 billion. Head of the Presidential Climate Change Task Team, Daniel Mminele, said SA would continue mobilising for more funding from other countries, regional economic groupings, and philanthropies, with the outstanding amount to be raised from "as diverse a set of funders as we can get". He indicated €600 million was secured and would begin to flow into the system next year from French and German financing institutions. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Fin24. Read too, SA faces R700bn funding gap for just transition, at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Calls for urgent intervention and probe of Intercape bus attacks after another driver shot IOL reports that an urgent meeting was held on Tuesday between the Western Cape Government and the management of Intercape Bus after yet another attack led to the shooting of a bus driver. There have been a spate of attacks on Intercape buses in the Western and Eastern Cape over the past few months. According to Western Cape MEC for mobility Daylin Mitchell, the matter has been brought to the attention of relevant authorities in the security and enforcement sectors for urgent co-ordination of investigation and intervention. The latest attack took place on Sunday, when a gunman opened fire on a bus along Jakes Gerwel Drive as the vehicle was en route to the Cape Town CBD’s long-distance rank to load passengers. The driver was hit and two other occupants of the bus were fortunate to escape unharmed. Mitchell condemned the latest attack in the strongest terms and said the continued attacks on long-distance buses constituted organised crime. Western Cape MEC for police oversight and community safety Reagan Allen said the attacks were a blatant and a clear attempt to destabilise the long-distance bus industry. In August, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting an urgent meeting and co-ordinated intervention at national level to combat the extortion and racketeering in the public transport sector. Ramaphosa referred the matter to security cluster ministers, but action is still awaited. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Robin-Lee Francke at IOL. Lees ook, Minister doen ‘steeds niks’ oor geweld teen busse, by Maroela Media Hefty prison sentence for man who killed stranded KZN cop while pretending to offer help News24 reports that a man who murdered a KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police officer, after pretending that he wanted to help him with his broken-down car, has been jailed. A second man, who was only convicted of an attempt to rob the officer, has also been sentenced to imprisonment. On Friday, the KZN High Court in Madadeni sentenced Sboniso Linda, 36, to an effective 25 years' imprisonment, and Nkanyiso Mungwe, 25, to five years' imprisonment. According to Hawks spokesperson, Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo, 39-year-old Sergeant Mzamiseni Mbele, who was stationed at the Msinga police station, was on his way home in April last year when his car broke down on the R74 highway in Weenen. While Mbele was stationary on the road, Linda and Mungwe approached him and offered to help. But, they severely assaulted Mbele and robbed him of his belongings after which they fled the scene. A farm worker found Mbele's body the next day. The men were subsequently arrested and appeared in court several times until they were found guilty. Read the full original of the report in the above regard compiled by Nicole McCain at News24 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Surprise growth in Q3 makes SA’s economy bigger than pre-Covid, but weak growth forecast for Q4 Bloomberg reports that SA’s economy is bigger than before the coronavirus pandemic struck, after growing faster than expected in the third quarter (Q3) on increased farm output. Gross domestic product expanded 1.6% in the three months through September, compared with a contraction of 0.7% in the previous quarter, Statistics SA reported on Tuesday. The economy grew 4.1% from a year earlier. Full-year growth may also surprise on the upside. The central bank forecasts an expansion of 1.8% and the National Treasury 1.9%. For the nine months through September, GDP grew by 2.3% from last year. The 2.3% expansion in the first three quarters was a “reasonable indicator” of the annual number, said Joe de Beer, deputy director-general of economic statistics at Stats SA. “After taking into account the firmer-than-expected third-quarter figure, we expect growth to average closer to 2.5% in 2022, before slowing to just above 1% next year,” said Sanisha Packirisamy, an economist at Momentum Investments. Weak growth is forecast for the final quarter because of continued rolling blackouts and a strike over wages that took place at state-owned logistics company Transnet. The central bank forecasts expansion of 0.1% in the fourth quarter. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Monique Vanek at Moneyweb. Lees ook, SA ekonomie nou sterker as voor Covid-19, by Maroela Media Cosatu, Saftu worried about SA economy despite better than expected GDP data EWN reports that trade union federations Cosatu and Saftu remain concerned about the country's economy, despite its best performance since the Covid-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Stats SA announced that the country's economy had rallied by 1.6% in the third quarter of 2022, after contracting by 0.7% in the previous quarter. While experts had expected a positive outlook, the GDP data was higher than most predictions by economists. Despite this, Saftu spokesperson Trevor Shaku does not believe the improvement is worth celebrating. "If anything, the figures continue their usual trajectory of zigzags i.e. a trajectory characterised by constant fluctuations of growth and decline. If we trace the GDP stats to 19 quarters ago, the zigzag path is most graphic and lucid. Therefore, we have no illusions in the 1.6% growth for this quarter," Shaku commented. Meanwhile, Cosatu said that the country's economy would only recover once the state had cleaned up its act and state-owned enterprises were managed efficiently. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Nokukhanya Mntambo at EWN Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Petrol prices increase ahead of the festive season, but diesel users get a break Moneyweb reports that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on Tuesday announced the fuel price adjustments for December, leaving some motorists in a tighter spot while others received a much-needed reprieve. The price changes took effect on Wednesday, 7 December. Both grades of petrol increased by 59c/l, while the wholesale price for a litre of 0.05% sulphur and 0.005% sulphur diesel decreased by R1.57/l and R1.52/l respectively. Illuminating paraffin dropped by 57c/l. Fuel price adjustments in SA are made monthly and are informed by both international and local factors. This time around, the department put forth as some of the main reasons for its adjustments the slump in oil prices from $90.79 to $88.77 during the period under review, the movement in international refined petroleum products – particularly diesel and illuminating paraffin – as well as the stronger rand to the dollar over the period and the implementation of the slate levy. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Moneyweb. Lees ook, Dieselprys daal skerp, maar petrol duurder, by Maroela Media Golden Arrow to increase bus fares on average by 6.95% after Christmas IOL reports that Golden Arrow Bus Services has announced an increase in bus fares effective from 27 December for Western Cape commuters. The bus company says that it will be implementing an average 6.95% across the board increase on all cash and multi journey products (formerly known as clipcards) and GABS Gold Cards. A once-off purchase, will however remain at R35. However, the company said passengers could postpone paying the increased fares until 25 January 2023 in the case of 10-ride multi-journey products (which are valid for 30 days) bought on 26 December 2022, and until 26 March 2023 in the case of 48-ride multi-journey products (valid for 90 days) bought on the same date. The company said the increases in the cost of diesel coupled with wage hikes and unexpectedly high increases in the cost of components had made it impossible to avoid the move to increase fares. “We remain acutely aware that our passengers find themselves in the same difficult economic climate as we do. We would therefore like to assure our passengers and stakeholders that this decision was not taken lightly and that the increased amount is significantly lower than what is required to actually offset cost increases,” GABS indicated in a statement. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sibuliso Duba at IOL
Jodi Scholtz to take over as Lotteries Commission boss from early next year GroundUp reports that Jodi Scholtz, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Department of Trade, Industry and Commerce (DTIC), will take over as Commissioner of the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) from early next year. Her appointment has yet to be officially announced, but it has been confirmed by three different sources with knowledge of the appointment. Scholz was deployed to the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) as co-administrator in 2018, after it was placed under administration. She was promoted to lead administrator in 2020 but has retained her DTIC COO title throughout her deployment. Scholtz will take over as NLC Commissioner at a time when the organisation is facing a credibility crisis. It is under investigation by the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which recently told Parliament it was probing dodgy Lottery grants worth over R14-billion. The entire NLC board has been replaced and the former Commissioner, Thabang Mampane, resigned with immediate effect in August, just weeks before her term ended. Former NLC COO Phillemon Letwaba resigned with immediate effect just over a week after Mampane quit, and shortly before he was due to appear before a disciplinary hearing to answer charges of abusing his position to enrich himself and his family. Several senior staff members have also been suspended and will face disciplinary hearings early in 2023. Scholtz, who has worked for DTIC since 2002, is said to be well-qualified for the task of repairing the damage caused to the NLC by years of rampant corruption. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Raymond Joseph at GroundUp
Earnings in the top-paying jobs in banking, law, tech, and procurement in SA Business Insider SA reports that lawyers and accountants at the top of their field in SA are likely to earn the biggest salaries, but certain developers and analysts working in the technology space can make nearly R2 million per year without the responsibility of managing other people. By contrast, factory managers can expect to top out at around R1.7 million per year. The relatively high salaries in the technology space are partially explained by international demand, says Paul Newman, operating director of international recruitment company Michael Page, in a foreword to its "South Africa Salary Guide and Hiring Insights 2023" report released on Monday. "Various industries are open to adopting a work from anywhere approach should their operations allow for such an arrangement; however, we’ve seen the biggest interest from the technology sector. South Africa appears to be high on the priority list due to time zones, language, available resources, and cost, which creates a challenge for local employers competing for the same talent," Newman pointed out. Michael Page captures details from job advertisements and placements throughout the year, which is "supplemented with insights from our consultants validated by their interactions with employers and job applicants in the region" to come up with salary benchmarks for in-demand skills. The Business Insider SA report outlines the top-end annual salaries that can be earned in the top-paying jobs in sales, engineering, finance, and other fields in SA, according to data from Michael Page South Africa. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Phillip de Wet at Business Insider SA
Labour Court rules pregnant cashier's dismissal for short-changing Truworths was lawful News24 reports that a former Truworths cashier fired for short-changing the company won't be going back to her job at the fashion retailer after the Labour Court found that her dismissal was lawful. In a groundbreaking judgment penned in Sesotho by acting Judge Smanga Sethene, the court disagreed with the CCMA’s ruling that overturned the company's decision to fire Maphasha Mochekgechekge. According to the judgment, on several occasions when Mochekgechekge cashed in, there would be a discrepancy. When management asked her why the money was short, she apparently used her pregnancy as an excuse. Mochekgechekge continued to cash in short until she was given two warning letters, but that didn't resolve the matter. The woman was fired following a disciplinary hearing. However, she went to the CCMA to contest her dismissal, which ruled in her favour. The CCMA found that the company was unfair in firing her because she was pregnant at the time. It said the company should have taken that into account. But Truworths argued that the CCMA’s decision was unlawful, adding that the commission failed to take evidence into account that the woman was consistent in short-changing the company from 2014 until 2018. The Labour Court found that Mochekgechekge's axing was, in fact, lawful and set aside the CCMA's ruling. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jeanette Chabalala & Tebogo Monama at News24
Suspended public enterprises DG wants disciplinary case chaired by ‘hired gun’ to be heard by bargaining council to ensure fairness News24 reports that according to the suspended director-general (DG) of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), Kgathatso Tlhakudi, he has received an email "warning" him about the chairperson of his disciplinary inquiry. The email, sent by an unknown source, accuses the chairperson of his disciplinary inquiry of being a "hired gun", sent by DPE Minister Pravin Gordhan, to destroy him. According to the unknown source, Advocate Rathaga Ramawele SC is a long-time friend of Gordhan. The sender claims Ramawele's friendship with the minister dates back to his tenure as the SARS commissioner, which should raise a concern of a conflict of interest. As a result, Tlhakudi has asked that his disciplinary hearing, due to resume in January, be heard before an arbitrator of the bargaining council, to ensure fairness. His term expires in July next year. In his affidavit, Tlhakudi states: “These allegations, while their veracity cannot be determined, are quite shocking and the all the more reason why the matter ought to be placed at the bargaining council before an arbitrator, so that fairness can prevail. I am made to feel anxious and distrustful of the process after receiving such an email.” Tlhakudi was suspended on 22 June after an unknown whistleblower laid a corruption complaint, via a national anti-corruption line, alleging he had failed to follow due process in the appointment of a candidate for a position that had been vacant in the department. Gordhan forwarded the complaint to the Presidency, to which President Cyril Ramaphosa responded by appointing Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola to deal with the matter. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cebelihle Bhengu at News24
Long adjournment in KZN director-general’s 'whistleblower intimidation' case News24 reports that the case involving the intimidation of a whistleblower by Nonhlanhla Mkhize, director-general in the office of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) premier, and others was adjourned until April 2023. The matter was back in the Durban Special Commercial Crime Court on Tuesday after Mkhize and her three co-accused, Siphiwe Mabaso, Sthembelo Ralph Mhlanga and Mthokozisi Pius Duze, had previously been granted bail. The four are accused of being involved in intimidating the chairperson of Mhlathuze Water Board after an individual impersonating a National Intelligence Agency allegedly approached the board chair at her home. He claimed he was with the NIA, but had been sent from the KZN premier’s office. State prosecutor Reenai Ramouthar told Magistrate Dawn Soomaroo, who was presiding over the case for the first time, that investigators and the State required a lengthy adjournment for further investigations. She said imaging of electronic devices had to still be analysed and investigators would have to apply to international companies for assistance to gain access to some of the devices. Ramouthar proposed a seven-month adjournment, but objections from defence attorneys put the matter back in court on 6 April 2023 when the state would give an update on its investigation. Mkhize, meanwhile, continues to perform her duties in the premier's office with Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube refusing to answer why Mkhize has not been placed on special leave. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kaveel Singh at News24
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