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,
see summaries of our selection of South African
labour-related stories that recently appeared.
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Mercedes-Benz says some 700 jobs at its East London plant at risk BL Premium reports that Mercedes-Benz SA is to enter a consultation process regarding the restructuring of its manufacturing operations which could affect about 700 jobs at its East London plant. “Mercedes-Benz SA (MBSA) has reached the decision to enter a consultation process in accordance with section 189(3) of the Labour Relations Act,” the company advised on Thursday. The consultations will involve discussions regarding the restructuring of its manufacturing operations, involving transitioning from the current 3-shift model to a 2-shift model. The company explained that in recent years the automotive industry had faced several challenges that had also affected MBSA and its suppliers. Those included deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and prolonged port challenges. The group has implemented various measures to address and improve the performance of its manufacturing operations, including cost-saving initiatives and efficiency improvements. However, despite these efforts, the operating environment remained challenging, necessitating further action to ensure the long-term sustainability of MBSA’s manufacturing operations. Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, the company estimates that about 700 employees at the East London manufacturing plant could potentially be affected by the retrenchments and the transition to a 2-shift operating model. The section 189 consultation process could see the number of employees retrenched though the implementation of early retirement, voluntary severance, and natural attrition measures, MBSA said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jacqueline Mackenzie at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). See too, Mercedes-Benz aims to cut 700 jobs in East London, blames SA port crisis, at Fin24 Union federations slam Mercedes-Benz for proposed job cuts after recording R4.4bn profit Business Report writes that trade union federations have categorically rejected the proposed retrenchments at Mercedes-Benz SA (MBSA), saying the jobs bloodbath would have devastating consequences for the workers and the economy. On Thursday, MBSA announced plans to cut 700 jobs out of roughly 3,000 employees at its East London manufacturing plant due to deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, and prolonged port challenges. The luxury carmaker said it would enter into consultations in line with section 189(3) of the Labour Relations Act after it resolved to restructure its operations from a three-shift model to a two-shift model. But the unions have vowed to wage a relentless battle in defence of workers’ jobs as retrenchments would have a devastating impact on the community and value chains of Buffalo City Metro, and deepen the already high unemployment rate. Cosatu on Friday said this development at MBSA was astounding considering the company had declared a staggering 35% rise in net profit after tax to R4.4 billion for the year ended December 2023. Meanwhile, the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) also rejected the MBSA retrenchments, saying they would exacerbate the crisis of unemployment. Saftu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said that while the complaints about other economic factors were legitimate, “they are not the primary reason for restructuring and retrenchments. As their annual report shows, they are interested in ensuring continued growth of their profit margins.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siphelele Dludla at Business Report. Lees ook, Afleggings by Mercedes-Benz moet voorkom word, sê vakbond, by Maroela Media
Truck driver burnt beyond recognition in KZN Midlands crash on Sunday TimesLIVE reports that a truck driver was burnt beyond recognition in a crash on the R617 at Landies Hill near Boston in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands on Sunday. Midlands emergency services spokesperson Roland Robertson said upon their arrival on the scene shortly after 3pm, the truck was on fire with firefighters attending to the blaze. “The driver was trapped in the vehicle while the passenger was found outside the vehicle in a serious condition, requiring urgent medical care,” Robertson reported. When the fire was extinguished the charred remains of the driver were found in the vehicle. Police are investigating the cause of the crash. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Mfundo Mkhize at TimesLIVE JMPD member attacked and critically injured in pursuit of wanted suspect in Randburg on Sunday TimesLIVE reports that a Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer was attacked on an officer in Bloubosrand, Randburg, on Sunday. The officer was critically injured when he and his colleagues from the tactical response unit were following up information about a person suspected of drug dealing. When they approached the suspect and identified themselves as police officials, they called for reinforcement, alleging a robbery. This led to a violent attack on one of the officers. “During the ensuing events two suspects were shot, one was critically wounded and taken to Olivedale Hospital and the other sustained a hand wound. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and subsequently arrested,” the JMPD reported. A third suspect, who transported the critically wounded suspect to hospital, was identified by the officers and apprehended. The officer’s firearm was recovered by Douglasdale police and a police vehicle was damaged in the incident. An investigation is under way by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, while a case of attempted murder and public violence has been opened. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Shonisani Tshikalange at TimesLIVE In second attack on a cop in three days, officer shot dead while conducting stop-and-search in Khayelitsha on Wednesday News24 reports that Western Cape police are on the hunt for a gunman who killed an on-duty police officer in Site B, Khayelitsha, on Wednesday evening. The 30-year-old constable, who was stationed at the Khayelitsha police station and was part of the crime prevention unit, was conducting a stop-and-search operation in Q-Block when he was attacked. Police have opened a murder and attempted murder docket. A Hawks spokesperson said the matter was under investigation but that no arrest had yet been made. Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile said he was disheartened by yet another attack on a police officer. The officer's killing follows an attack on an off-duty, Parow police station cop who is still recovering in hospital after he was shot in the leg and arm while walking in Delft with his girlfriend on 9 June. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lisalee Solomons at News24. Lees ook, Konstabel in Khayelitsha doodgeskiet, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Numsa in wage dispute with Gautrain IOL News reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has lodged a dispute with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) against Gautrain after a deadlock was reached with management over wage demands. Numsa is the majority union representing Gautrain workers. Negotiations began on 17 April and the last meeting was held on 11 June, when the talks reached an impasse. The union is demanding a 13% increase across the board, a R2,000 monthly housing allowance for each employee and for Gautrain to contribute 60% and employees to contribute 40% towards medical aid. Numsa’s Phakamile Hlubi-Majola added that in the past, workers had to report to work for five days but then it was changed to six days. “Workers have not been remunerated for these additional hours and we are demanding that they must be compensated for this. Going forward, they must be paid the overtime rate for the 6th day,” said Hlubi-Majola. Moreover, she indicated that the union was demanding a guaranteed bonus because the bosses at Bombela Operating Company, the company which operates the Gautrain, gave themselves and office workers R22,000 bonuses. The union is now waiting for a date for conciliation with the CCMA. “We are calling on the bosses at BOC to come back to the table with a proposal that can prevent a strike at Gautrain,” Hlubi-Majola concluded. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sinenhlanhla Masilela at IOL News. Lees ook, Numsa begin met dispuut teen Gautrein-werkgewers, by Maroela Media
Security guards protest outside Durban hospital, demanding their jobs back GroundUp reports that more than 50 former security guards picketed outside the R.K. Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, Durban last Wednesday to demand their jobs back. The guards lost their jobs after participating in an unprotected strike last year. They were among 174 workers that were employed by Mafoko Security to guard R.K. Khan Hospital, Stanger Provincial Hospital and Murchison Hospital. The workers went on strike after their June 2023 salaries were not paid. They were told that the contract with Mafoko, which had a month-to-month agreement with the provincial health department, had not been renewed. Many of them were then hired by the new company, Calvin and Family security company, that took over the contract at the hospital. However, on 6 May many of the workers were informed that their contracts would not be renewed at the end of May. On Wednesday, the workers indicated that they went on strike after the company ended their contracts. They claimed that their attempts to get satisfactory answers had been futile. The owner of the new company, Calvin and Family security company, Calvin Mathibeli, said he had signed a three-year contract with the department and added: “The contract I have signed is between me and the department. I cannot be told by anyone to hire. Some of those guards picketing do not have proper documents.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tsoanelo Sefoloko at GroundUp
Limpopo’s first female premier Phophi Ramathuba aims to support mining sector in boost to create jobs SABC News reports that Limpopo’s first female premier Phophi Ramathuba says she plans to develop the province’s mining sector to create more jobs. According to the premier, the province also has a lot of potential for development in its tourism and agriculture sectors, which she also plans to improve. Ramathuba was sworn in at the legislature in Lebowakgomo on Friday. She indicated that the state needed to create a conducive environment by providing investors with the necessary support: “If an investor wants to start mining and they’ve got a challenge of power supply, we must make sure we address that issue; if the problem is water, we should do that; if the problem is roads infrastructure or network infrastructure, we should be able to do that so that they can start mining. Because by starting to mine, production on its own creates jobs. Then move to the second layer by getting a certain percentage of the minerals not to be exported, but to remain for processing and move up to beneficiation. The same can be done in terms of agriculture.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard at SABC News. Lees ook, Phophi Ramathuba Limpopo se eerste vrouepremier, by Maroela Media Two Lesotho zama zamas sentenced to 45 years for murder, attempted murder and illegal mining The Citizen writes that like other mining towns, Odendaalsrus in the Free State is seeing an increase in organised crime due to illegal mining, mostly by foreign nationals working with legitimate miners to steal gold and gold-related materials. Two of these foreign nations Taelo Manuel Mmereko and Koketso Azaih Futho from Lesotho, were convicted and sentenced to 45 years of direct imprisonment on Wednesday for murder, attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, and illegal immigration. At around midnight on 20 April 2020, during level 5 Covid-19 lockdown, specialised police units received an intelligence report about zama zamas who were extracting gold-bearing material from the Kudu old mine plant mine in Matjhabeng near Odendaalsrus. “Upon their arrival at this old mine, the suspects began shooting at the TRT members. These highly trained members of the SAPS retaliated by firing back. During the ensuing gun battle between zama zamas and the police, three illegal miners, who were later identified as Lesotho nationals, were fatally wounded, and two accused, Futho and Mmereko, sustained injuries,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane. Five 9-mm firearms and live ammunition were recovered and seized, while Futho and Mmereko were admitted to the hospital. “The Prosecuting Authority envisages that these sentences will send a clear statement to illegal miners that the state is serious about fighting the scourge of illegal mining that is currently ravaging the once-thriving mining towns within the country,” Senokoatsane said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chulumanco Mahamba at The Citizen
Solidarity demands answers as Media24 newspapers said to be shutting down in October The Citizen reports that in a dramatic shake-up, the axe is reportedly set to fall in October on four major newspapers, namely City Press, Rapport, Beeld and Daily Sun. According to Moneyweb, four sources within the media company independently confirmed the decision to close these iconic print publications. The Cape Town-headquartered Die Burger is expected to be the sole print publication from Media24 to remain in circulation. Ishmet Davidson, CEO of Media24, said “Media24 continuously reviews its operations to ensure viability and long-term sustainability amid the transition to an increasingly digital media landscape. We will continue to consult with staff about potential actions and remain committed to following due process,” According to Davidson, a final decision regarding the closure of its print brands has not been reached. The news was apparently completely unexpected in the affected newsrooms. In a letter to Media24, trade union Solidarity demanded clarity on the rumours that the printed editions of Afrikaans newspapers like Rapport and Beeld might soon cease to exist. Dr. Dirk Hermann, Chief Executive of Solidarity, pointed out that numerous Solidarity members were employed by these newspapers, including some in senior roles. “Some of our members learned about these drastic changes through the media without prior consultation or official communication. Our understanding is that despite talks of closure in October, some of these newspapers remain profitable and continue to attract significant advertising revenue. On behalf of our members and the Afrikaans community, we demand answers,” Hermann wrote. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Carien Grobler at The Citizen. Lees ook, Talle gedrukte Media24-koerante glo gou gestaak, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
State wants bogus Prasa engineer Daniel Mthimkhulu imprisoned for 15 years News24 reports that the State is pushing for a 15-year prison term for a former Passenger Rail Association of SA (Prasa) executive who doctored his qualifications and submitted a fake offer of employment to drive his salary higher. Prasa's former head of engineering, Daniel Mthimkhulu, appeared in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court for sentencing proceedings on Thursday. Mthimkhulu was convicted on three counts of fraud after it was proven that he had misrepresented his qualifications to Prasa after claiming to have a master's degree from Wits University and a doctorate in engineering management from the Technische Universitat Munchen in Germany. In his arguments for sentencing, prosecutor Sithembiso Bhengu said Mthimkhulu had been convicted of a serious crime that was prevalent in SA. He added: "Our court rolls are overrun and over-burdened with these types of cases, and it is only fair to characterise the situation as having reached epidemic proportions." Bhengu noted that as an engineer, Mthimkhulu had been involved in massive capital projects within Prasa and did not have engineering qualifications, placing all the projects at considerable risk. According to Bhengu, a non-custodial sentence and correctional supervision would not properly address the seriousness of the offence. Mthimkhulu is expected to be sentenced later this year. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Belinda Pheto at News24
Mpumalanga police commissioner suspended amid allegations of abusing staff and state resources News24 reports that national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has suspended Mpumalanga police commissioner General Daphney Manamela following allegations of serious misconduct. A delegation from Pretoria reportedly arrived on Friday morning at Mpumalanga police headquarters in Mbombela to officially suspend Manamela. According to the charge sheet, Manamela is facing a raft of serious allegations, including using state vehicles to escort her on personal trips, demanding that a junior official buy her shoes to approve a transfer to another province, and unlawfully installing CCTV systems at the provincial head office in Mbombela to effectively spy on colleagues. She is also alleged to have threatened staff and sworn at subordinates, including a deputy district commissioner whom she allegedly told to "voetsek" and "fokof". She also allegedly told a provincial supply chain management head, in Setswana, that he was "full of shit" and an "arsehole". The allegations prompted the national commissioner to serve Manamela with a notice of intention to suspend her pending the outcome of a board of inquiry into the allegations of misconduct. The inquiry was established in March 2023, but was delayed following a legal challenge by Manamela. Since then, more allegations of misconduct have come to light. The North Gauteng High Court dismissed Manamela's challenge to the lawfulness of the inquiry in April this year. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Belinda Pheto at News24 More than 50 police officers arrested in Gauteng police commissioner's first 100 days in office News24 reports that since Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni took up the Gauteng police commissioner post almost four months ago, more than 50 police officers in the province have been arrested for various crimes, including corruption. Mthombeni was appointed in March, following the retirement of Lieutenant General Elias Mawela. At a press briefing on Thursday to mark his first 100 days in office, Mthombeni outlined his plans to tackle crime and highlighted some of the province's successes. In a bid to root out criminal elements in the Gauteng police service, Mthombeni said 51 police officers had been arrested since his appointment for crimes that included corruption, rape and murder. Of the police officers arrested, 12 have been discharged from the police service. Five officers were fired for corruption, two for fraud, one for rape and one for murder, Mthombeni indicated. In addition, police in Gauteng effected a total of 69,435 arrests, which included 423 arrests for murder; 327 for attempted murder; 1,399 for illegal mining and contravening the Immigration Act; and 1,019 for gender-based violence. During the same period, police in the province recovered 1,912 firearms, including 131 rifles and 92 shotguns. More than 28,600 rounds of ammunition were also seized and three alleged drug laboratories were uncovered, which resulted in eight arrests. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Alex Mitchley at News24
SAFA’s technical director Walter Steenbok faces disciplinary action City Press reports that the days at the SA Football Association (SAFA) of its technical director, Walter Steenbok, might be numbered as disciplinary action against him are set to commence in the coming days. SAFA held an impromptu national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Bloemfontein last week, at which CEO Lydia Monyepao instituted the disciplinary action against Steenbok. There is said to be no love lost between Steenbok and SAFA and he has been accused by some of the organisation’s members of stepping on a number of other officials’ toes. In February, he had a spectacular fallout with NEC member David Molwantwa, after calling him 'stupid' and 'low class'. Steenbok has also been accused of having booted SAFA women’s football director Romney Pinnock out of a meeting, forcing her to relocate back to Cape Town. The move to take action against Steenbok is expected to create huge and unnecessary controversy within the football fraternity. Some are already asking whether SAFA, known to be reeling from one controversy to the next, can afford to take punitive action against one of its hardest-working officials. Yet according to others, the disciplinary action was a foregone conclusion. An NEC member remarked: “This is just a box-ticking exercise, as Steenbok’s fate has been sealed. He’s no longer wanted within the association.” SAFA refused to comment on the latest developments, stating that it did not discuss internal matters with the media. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Timothy Molobi at City Press (subscriber access only)
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