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 and recent reports,
attached are summaries of our selection of South
African labour-related stories.
|
Toyota plans to make components locally, with new jobs likely to be created Business Times reports that Toyota SA plans to invest in new equipment to upgrade facilities and carbon neutral activities and will soon make an announcement on manufacturing components locally, which is likely to create jobs. “We are making significant investments even in this soft economic environment because we have a long-term view that if we don’t invest, it’s going to be very difficult for us in the future,” said Toyota SA president and CEO Andrew Kirby. He did not reveal how much the company would spend, but said manufacturing operations would need to change significantly, not only to achieve carbon neutral targets but because the technology and processes used would be different. Despite weak trading in 2023, Kirby said no jobs had been lost and this year Toyota would implement programmes that were likely to result in new jobs. “The biggest opportunity for job creation is in localising manufacturing components and we’ll make some announcements later in the year related to investments,” Kirby said at Toyota's annual state of the motor industry event. He indicated that the car industry expected volumes for this year to marginally increase 1.5% as excess stock was cleared out after soft trading last year. Toyota bucked the negative retail trend by ending 2023 on 142,612 units. Leon Theron, head of sales, said 2023 was a tough year for the industry and added: “To achieve 142,000 units is remarkable in a market that really slowed down.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thabiso Mochiko at Business Times (subscriber access only)
JMPD appoints 200 informal traffic officers and deploys them to intersections TimesLIVE reports that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has appointed 200 points officials to help improve urban traffic flow in the city, especially at malfunctioning traffic lights during load-shedding. The newly trained officials, some of whom had previously managed traffic at intersections for tips, without authorisation, started their duties on Monday. More than 100,000 applications were received. Councillor Mgcini Tshwaku, member of the mayoral committee for public safety said the city could not take in more applicants due to budget constraints, but hoped to increase the numbers later. “Under the JMPD’s guidance, we assure you there will be strict oversight and accountability for our points officials’ work. Our focus is to ensure traffic control in the city is in the hands of trained, authorised professionals from this point forward," he indicated. The selection process was stringent, with criminal background and fit-for-purpose screenings, Tshwaku said. Notably, among those selected were people who had previously taken the initiative to manage traffic at intersections, albeit without official training. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessLive Concerns that new JMPD pointsmen are directing cars at traffic lights that are working The Citizen reports that the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) on Monday appointed 200 pointsmen to help alleviate traffic congestion, but the public has already raised concerns. Citizens have taken to social media to ask why are some of them are not wearing uniforms and why pointsmen are conducting traffic even at intersections where the traffic lights are working. According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, all legal pointsmen are easily identifiable by their unique uniforms: “They wear blue shirts with reflective jackets that have Johannesburg Metro Police Department written on it, and they also have white gloves and caps with the city’s crest on it.” He said any person conducting traffic while not wearing a uniform should be reported to the authorities. Fihla explained that the deployment of the official pointsmen to busy intersections was one of the department’s strategies to get unofficial pointsmen off the road. “With them being deployed, high risk intersections will be covered. But we still have some intersections not covered as yet, which is why our officers have been tasked to arrest whoever is not authorised to be there.” Addressing concerns that the pointsmen continued with their duties at intersections that have traffic lights that worked, Fihla said they did this to ease congestion. Without addressing the safety concerns that this created, Fihla said the traffic controllers were unable to access the switches that turned the traffic lights off. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Enkosi Selane at The Citizen Ramaphosa calls on businesses to cut ‘prior work experience’ requirements for jobs where possible BusinessTech reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on businesses to remove prior work experience requirements for job positions, in a bid to boost the employability of SA’s job-seeking youth. In his weekly letter to the nation, the President said that the record success of the country’s matric class of 2023 meant that thousands of fresh matriculants would be moving on to various tertiary institutions to further their education. However, there were many who would also move into the working world with just their matric, and he called on “all of society” to make more job opportunities available to them. “As government, we have made the call for businesses to invest in our nation’s future by employing more young people, and, where possible, to do away with the requirement of prior work experience,” he indicated. Ramaphosa pointed out that the government has made tax incentives available to businesses to encourage more youth employment, and said companies should make use of this avenue to ensure those seeking jobs can find them. “I encourage companies to use the Employee Tax Incentive to hire more young job-seekers, to make more training and mentorship opportunities available, and to sign up with the Youth Employment Service and other initiatives being rolled out in partnership with government.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessTech Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Exploitive labour broking is alive and well, while the CCMA bumbles In an interesting opinion piece, David Dickinson and Thabang Mohlala argue that the 2015 amendments to the Labour Relations Act (LRA) regulating temporary employment services – better known as labour broking – have proved to be a hollow victory for vulnerable workers. The amendments provided that workers placed by a labour broker with a client company would be deemed to be permanent employees of the client after three months. Once deemed permanent, section 198A(5) of the LRA requires that the employee be treated no less favourably than other employees of the client company doing similar work. Yet no sooner had the legislation been promulgated than lawfare erupted over the meaning of the word “deemed”. In July 2018, the Constitutional Court ruled on what “deemed” meant in the Numsa v Assign Services case and it clearly stated that after three months “the employee automatically becomes employed on the same terms and conditions of similar employees [of the client company] with the same employment benefits...” At this point the client company becomes the sole employer and any remaining contractual relationship with the labour broker is purely administrative, such as managing the payroll. But labour broking companies are said to have kept exploitive labour broking practices in place. Section 198D(3) of the LRA requires that applications to be deemed as an employee of the client company must be referred within six months of completing three months of employment with the client company. If longer than six months, the applicant must convince the commissioner to condone lateness and one aspect the commissioner must consider is the length of delay. Thus, the longer workers have been without the rights afforded them, the less chance they have of realising them. Also, citing labour court cases, commissioners are now ruling that they can declare workers to be deemed employees of the client company but are unable to award them equal pay and conditions. The advice from commissioners denying relief to deemed permanent workers in terms of section 198A(5) is that applicants must now pursue equal pay and conditions through other avenues, such as the Employment Equity Act, an unfair labour dispute or a mutual interest dispute. This in addition to the many points in limine routinely raised. The authors conlcude that the CCMA is complicit in denying employees of labour brokers their rights. Read the full original of the article in the above regard by David Dickinson & Thabang Mohlala at BusinessLive Other internet posting(s) in this news category
First group of companies approved for the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) immigration process BusinessTech reports that the Department of Home Affairs has approved the first set of companies to be part of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), which aims to address some of SA’s most significant labour shortfalls. The TES was announced during President Ramaphosa’s 2023 State of the Nation Address and is set to improve the immigration process for large employers and investors through a more predictable and efficient system that attracts talent and foreign investment. According to Marisa Jacobs of Xpatweb, the TES has strict qualification criteria, ensuring that only the most reputable and reliable companies gain access. “This select list of companies will enjoy a streamlined and expedited immigration process, ultimately benefitting South Africa’s economic growth and stability,” Jacobs said. She added that the scheme promised several key benefits to employers, including efficiency, reduced documentation and accelerated processing times. All the applicants for the scheme have been receiving feedback from 19 January, and this will continue until 26 January. “Over the last 24 months, the Department of Home Affairs has faced numerous challenges in managing immigration-related processes. The TES represents a bold step forward in addressing these issues, offering a solution that benefits both employers and the South African government,” Jacobs commented. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luke Fraser at BusinessTech Labour minister Nxesi sounds early warning to employers still hiring undocumented migrants The Citizen reports that Department of Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has confirmed that his department together with the Department of Home Affairs are currently working on legislation to respond decisively to the challenges posed by foreigner employment in the country. Nxesi said ways could now be found to address the issue considering that internal government consultations on the country’s National Employment Policy (NEP) have been concluded. He explained that the NEP would provide an overarching framework on issues of employment including the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP). Nxesi cautioned South African employers against hiring illegal immigrants who offered the option of cheap labour. “I can only sound an early warning to employers continuing to employ undocumented migrants to desist – you are stoking up problems for the future,” he said. Nxesi said the draft NEP suggested several actions to help the country reach the employment goals outlined in the National Development Plan. One of the ideas, was to re-engage discouraged and inactive job-seekers to get them back into the job market. They are planning to do this by taking specific actions in different industries and companies, aiming to increase investment, productivity, and overall employment. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Devina Haripersad at The Citizen Other internet posting(s) in this news category
On eve of National Police Day, two off-duty police officers shot and killed in the Western Cape News24 reports that on the eve of National Police Day, two off-duty police officers was shot and killed in the Western Cape. The officers of the Cape Town Central SA Police Service (SAPS) were shot on Friday evening in Site C, Khayelitsha. Both died in hospital later that night. Police are seeking three male suspects who escaped from the scene on foot. The Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, said he was greatly saddened to hear of the murder, especially as the country was observing National Police Day. “It is particularly sad that we had to lose another officer of the law in this manner. Today should be one of reflection on why SAPS members became officers of the law while also recognising the contribution they are making to serving and protecting us and being champions of the law," he stated. Police Ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba indicated that the SAPS lost 140 police officers in the last four years, 33 of whom have been killed in the line duty since January 2023. National Police Day was sombre for the family of Constable Nosipho Zuma, who was killed by a truck on the M7 highway in KwaZulu-Natal while attending an accident scene on 17 January. Police Minister General Bheki Cele and the police National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, were at her funeral on Saturday. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Alex Patrick at News24 SAPS remembers 140 officers who died in line of duty over past four years EWN reports that the SA Police Service (SAPS) remembered its 140 police officers who died in the line of duty over the past four years. The SAPS commemorated the National Police Day on Saturday by raising over R6 million towards supporting the children of the fallen police officers. Golfers from several corporate companies clubbed together earlier in the week to raise funds for the SA Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET). Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the trust fund for the children of slain officers would be making a meaningful difference in their lives: "To date, the fund has assisted 1,078 children. Fifty-four of them have graduated and 146 of them have completed or are in possession of a National Senior Certificate. The management of the SAPS, led by the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele has paid gratitude to all sponsors and donors for ploughing back." Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Melikhaya Zagagana at EWN Report on deadly Lohatlha fire referred to defence department’s legal division for scrutiny SABC News reports that a report on the outcome of an inquiry into the deaths of six soldiers in a fire at the Lohatlha Combat Training base in the Northern Cape has been referred to the Defence Department’s legal team for scrutiny. The fire ravaged the training base in October last year causing extensive damage. The department’s spokesperson Amos Phago indicated: “A board of inquiry was indeed established. In fact, it completed its investigations on the 23rd of December 2023. The report has been taken to the legal division for legal scrutiny, after which it will be handed over to the convening authority, who is the Chief of the South African National Defence Force before it is handed to the minister.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard at SABC News Soldiers forced to work in unbearable conditions at Air Force headquarters without air conditioners that work City Press reports that three floors underground at the SA Air Force (SAAF) headquarters in Pretoria, soldiers are swelrering in temperatures of almost 40°C with no ventilation. It gets so hot that the computer servers frequently overheat. After the working conditions became unbearable, the SA National Defence Union (Sandu) issued an ultimatum last week that SAAF chief Lieutenant-General Wiseman Mbambo must provide an outline of how the situation will be brought into line with occupational safety regulations. If not, the union will ask the Department of Employment and Labour to intervene. The SAAF headquarters, which was commissioned 30 years ago and has room for 1,200 employees, has two floors above ground and three floors below. Only one of six enormous temperature control systems on the roof is currently in working order. Of the three systems that must control the temperature of the floors underground, two are operating at 50% capacity and one is completely unserviceable because it has reached the end of its life. Components for the systems are so out of date that they are no longer reparable. It is estimated that replacing the systems could cost up to R5 billion. But with the budget currently so tight that more than three-quarters of the SAAF’s aircraft are unserviceable, the replacement of air conditioning systems is low on the priority list. According to Sandu, the problem has been an issue for years and its members in the building are exposed to “inhumane, unsafe and illegal” working conditions at the expense of their own health. According to defence force spokesperson Brigadier-General Andries Mahapa, the SAAF is trying to remedy the situation with the installation of mobile air conditioners. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Erika Gibson at City Press (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
SARS abandons appeal against judgment that it must honour last leg of three-year salary deal Sunday Independent reports that the SA Revenue Service (SARS) has abandoned its appeal of the North Gauteng High Court’s judgment ordering the taxman to honour the agreement it entered into with unions to increase employees’ salaries. SARS signed a three-year wage deal in 2019 with the Public Servants Association (PSA) and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union. However, the agency refused to honour the 2021/22 leg of the agreement despite effecting the increases in 2019/20 and 2020/21. In April 2021 SARS employees had been due to receive salary increases of consumer price index (CPI) plus 2% when CPI was 4.4%. In July 2021, the PSA approached the High Court in a bid to have the increase declared binding on SARS. In November, Judge Elizabeth Kubushi ruled in the PSA’s favour and declared the implementation of the pay hikes valid and binding and ordered that the salary increases be implemented. SARS then launched an application for leave to appeal Judge Kubushi’s ruling, but on 14 December filed a notice of withdrawal of the application for leave to appeal. “The PSA has already agreed to start constructive engagements early in January 2024 to ensure that payment to members can be effected as quickly as possible,” the union indicated, adding that SARS “had made a sober decision when it withdrew its application for leave to appeal.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Loyiso Sidimba at Sunday Independent
At 5.1% in December, consumer inflation hit lowest level in months, averages 6% for 2023 Fin24 reports that in December, annual consumer price inflation eased for a second consecutive month, to 5.1% from 5.5% in November. December's inflation rate was the lowest since August last year. The average consumer inflation for last year was 6%, which was lower than the 6.9% in 2022. December's inflation decrease was driven by a decrease in fuel prices, which lowered the cost of transport. Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages, household contents and services, and recreation and culture also fell in December. Bread and cereal prices fell by 0.2% from November to December but remain 7.5% higher than a year ago. Maize meal prices eased by 0.9% from November to December, with the average price of a bag of maize meal (2.5 kg) declining from R37.04 in November to R36.64 in December. But meat prices ticked higher – to 3.9% in December from 3.5% in November. Risks to the inflation outcome remain to the upside, with CPI inflation likely to rise to around 5.8% year-on-year in January despite another petrol price cut in the first month of the year, according to Investec. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Renée Bonorchis at Fin24. Read too, Consumer inflation continues its downward path, at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Consumers under siege as food inflation remains high City Press reports that despite a modest drop in the general prices of the food basket in December 2023, consumers continue paying through the nose for most basic items, making some of them out of reach. Items such as coffee, a staple for most households, now cost about 20% more, while white rice has gone up 32% year-on-year in January 2024 compared with January 2023. Consumers are also still recovering from the shock of egg prices brought on by the onset of the avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak. The household affordability index by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group found that eggs have gone up 50% in the past 12 months. The average cost of food has for many months outstripped the actual consumer price index (CPI) number, which is currently 5.1%. Even though food inflation has reduced from its recent double digits, it remains high, at 8.5%. Delivering the monetary policy committee’s decision to hold interest rates at the current level for the third consecutive time, Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago said last week that the committee was dealing with issues of reduced household consumption and disposable income in real terms. Inflation, he said, was “eating people’s disposable incomes”, thus constraining their ability to spend. Asked when interest rates were likely to start coming down, Kganyago said the committee wanted to see inflation moderate on a sustained basis before considering a cut. He advised: “There’s no discernible trend which shows that inflation is declining towards our target and as long as [that’s the case] – and, more importantly, as long as inflation [remains where it is] – don’t expect us to recalibrate the policy.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Dimakatso Leshoro at City Press (subscriber access only). Read too, More than 30% of income for minimum wage earners spent on food, at The Mercury Other internet posting(s) in this news category
People queue from 2:30am at Goodwood labour office, with many unable to use online system GroundUp reports that people are having to queue for more than nine hours before being helped, if at all, at the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) office in Goodwood, Cape Town. To avoid waiting in queues, the DEL has encouraged employees to use online tools like the uFiling system, however, these methods are not accessible to everyone. Last Wednesday it was former retail worker Adrienne Loufoukou’s fourth attempt to try and sort out her UIF claim. Homeless people sleep in front of the gates and offer their spots in exchange for money. To avoid waiting in vain once again, Loufoukou paid a homeless person R50 for a spot in the front of the queue when she arrived at 6am. “We don’t have internet or laptops to do it and not everyone is computer literate or has a smartphone,” said Samantha Beerwinkle. She arrived at 2:30am on Wednesday and was eighth in the queue. “I was here yesterday [Tuesday] at 5:45am and at 2:25pm they sent me away and said they can’t help anymore because it’s full.” Also in the queue, it was Hilton Dickenson’s third time visiting the office to sort out his UIF payment. He arrived there shortly after 5am. During his previous visit, he arrived at 6:40am but still wasn’t assisted when the office closed at 4pm. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Marecia Damons at GroundUp
Mine buses missing after hijacking in Lydenburg area Lowvelder reported last week that more than ten buses from various mines in the Lydenburg area were hijacked on Thursday morning. Mineworkers, who were either coming off night shift or going onto morning shift, were supposed to get onto these vehicles, but were left stranded when perpetrators forced the vehicles off the Roossenekal road. The R555/Roossenekal road is the main road from Lydenburg to almost all mining operations in the area. According to information received, the busses were then instructed to drive to an undisclosed location. No hostages were taken. The SA Police Service (SAPS) were called out to the scene and the incident is being investigated. As of last week, the suspects responsible for the hijacking had not been identified, nor had their modus operandi been established. Speculation is that several community groups are unhappy that miners from Limpopo are being appointed at the mines in the area and that local workforce is not being utilised. The true reason behind the hijackings, is, however, still uncertain. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Narda Engelbrecht at Lowvelder News
Koeberg manager suspended in 2021 by De Ruyter over performance issues is back and is 'crucially needed' News24 reports that Velaphi Ntuli has returned as the general manager of Koeberg nuclear power station after he was suspended in June 2021 over performance issues – allegations of which he has since been cleared. At the time of his suspension, Koeberg's Unit 1 had not returned to service in May 2021 as scheduled and the delay contributed to load shedding escalating to Stage 4 in June. Ntuli was subsequently suspended by former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter while investigations into the performance of Koeberg power station were conducted. Ntuli, who is an electrical engineering graduate, had started working at Koeberg in 2001 and became head of nuclear engineering in 2016. Following his suspension he was deployed as general manager for coal and clean technology at Eskom. In response to enquiries, Eskom said that there was ultimately "no lack of performance finding" against Ntuli. It added: “In November 2023, Eskom decided to redeploy Mr Ntuli to his previous position as the power station general manager at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station as his expertise and experience is crucially needed to assist the power station in completing the steam generator replacement project, Koeberg's long-term operation programme, and continue to safely operate the plant once its licence is granted by the National Nuclear Regulator.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lameez Omarjee at Fin24 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Cosatu slams ‘appalling neglect’ and ‘abuse’ of Post Office employees Business Report writes that on Friday the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) slammed what it alleged were “shocking abuses” being imposed upon the 14,000 hard-working SA Post Office (Sapo) employees. It pointed out the pending retrenchments of 6,000 postal workers came on the back of management failing to pay workers their back pay and denying them access to their medical aid services by failing to transfer their contributions to their scheme despite deducting them. In December, the Business Rescue Plan to restructure financially troubled Sapo was approved and will see the reduction of the branch network to about 600 branches that will be staffed by about 5,000 employees. Sapo was placed under business rescue in July. Cosatu said in its statement on Friday: “Forcing workers to take devastating 40% salary cuts while the management oversees the staggering mismanagement and systematic destruction of the once well-respected Post Office is nothing short of scandalous.” Cosatu called on the government to work with the union to find an amicable solution and take seriously the issues that were raised with regards to the employees’ working conditions. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Philippa Larkin at Business Report
Fedusa calls on Durban University of Technology vice-chancellor to step down The Citizen reports that the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) is calling for the resignation of the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Fedusa Deputy General Secretary Ashely Benjamin advised that the federation had raised concerns about issues of irregular tenders, governance matters, questionable appointments, purging of staff and irregular financial spending by the leadership of the university. “In light of the outlined issues, Fedusa calls for the immediate dissolution of the DUT Council, the resignation of Vice Chancellor Prof. Thandwa Mthembu, and the appointment of an Administrator to conduct a comprehensive investigation and a Lifestyle Audit of Council members and Executive,” Benjamin indicated in a statement. He also said there were issues with the security tender at the university. “Fedusa has consistently raised concerns about irregularities in the university’s tender processes, notably in the security tender process leading to the appointment of Izikhova Security Services,” he advised. Benjamin said the federation had no choice but to ask for a complete overhaul of the university’s management. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Itumeleng Mafisa at The Citizen
Matlosana Municipality CFO’s bail paid for by son of service provider she was arrested with Sunday Independent reports that the chief financial officer of Matlosana Local Municipality, who was arrested and charged with corruption last week, was bailed out by the son of the service provider she was arrested with. In what may strengthen the case of corruption against Mercy Phetla, it has emerged that Phetla’s bail, of R35,000, was paid by the son of her co-accused, 49 year-old Nomthandazo Mokasule, who is accused number three in the case. This was after she was charged for allegedly receiving a kickback gift of a car worth R1.4 million in exchange for a service delivery tender she gave to GMHM Construction and Projects, a company doing business with the municipality. Mokasule is one of the two GMHM employees who was arrested alongside Phetla and charged with corruption. Following their arrests, the trio appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court and were released on R35,000 bail each. Their case was postponed to 1 March 2024 for further investigation. In the bail receipt, it emerged that the person who paid for Phetla’s bail was Masego Mokasule, the son of Mokasule, who is alleged to have paid millions to Phetla in exchange for favours. Asked to disclose who had paid for her bail application and why the name of the son of her co-accused appeared on the receipt, Phetla denied it was the son of the accused and said that it was a friend. According to Masego’s father Thomas Patric Mokasule, who is Mokasule’s husband, the bail money was a loan to Phetla which she has since paid back. On Thursday, the Matlosana council, which is led by the ANC, resolved that Phetla should continue with her municipal duties despite her facing serious charges of corruption. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thabo Makwakwa at Sunday Independent Other internet posting(s) in this news category
|
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page