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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Key ‘two-pot’ bill signed into law by Ramaphosa BusinessLive reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Pension Funds Amendment Bill, which is key for the implementation of the two-pot retirement system that will take effect on 1 September The signature into law of the bill gives legal certainty to the retirement industry, which has been implementing the necessary changes. The new system will provide members of retirement funds with the ability to access part of their retirement savings without having to resign or cash out their pension funds. The new law complements the Revenue Laws Amendment Act that was signed by Ramaphosa in June. The Pension Funds Amendment Act amends the Pension Funds Act, the Post and Telecommunications-Related Matters Act, the Transnet Pension Fund Act and the Government Employees Pension Law. “The act requires pension funds to amend their rules, adjust their investment portfolios and prepare administrative systems for pension fund members to apply to access portions of their pension funds from 1 September 2024,” the Presidency advised in a statement. Retirement funds will not be able to allow the withdrawal of funds unless their rule amendments have been registered. Cosatu acting national spokesperson and parliamentary co-ordinator Matthew Parks welcomed the move and commented: “The pension laws were excessively inflexible, only allowing workers access to their pension funds upon retirement, losing their job or resignation. Consequently, many workers resign to cash out their entire pension funds leaving them unemployed and with no savings left.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Linda Ensor at BusinessLive. Lees ook, Ramaphosa bekragtig Pensioenwet met tweepotstelsel, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Trainee traffic wardens injured after vehicle drove into them at military base IOL News reports that according to a statement from the SA National Defence Force (SANDF), members of a traffic wardens programme have received medical attention following an incident at the Dunnottar Military Base in Gauteng. The statement indicated that several members of the Gauteng Traffic Warden Training Programme were injured during their training on 19 July. The incident took place when a vehicle drove into the wardens during their drill session training. Following the incident, the trainees who had been injured were taken to several hospitals around the base. Fourteen members of the programme with minor injuries have since been discharged, while nine persons are still in hospital for further medical attention. The person that caused the incident was taken into custody and is under medical supervision. A case has been opened with the SA Police Service. An investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances is ongoing. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Dhivana Rajgopaul at IOL News. Lees ook, 23 weermaglede beseer toe motor deur hulle ploeg, by Maroela Media Water safety fears at national health department’s head office in Tshwane Sunday Independent reports that staff members at the National Department of Health's head office, namely the Dr AB Xuma Building in Tshwane, are refusing to drink the building’s water supply. They have raised concerns over the contaminated water posing serious health risks, which they claim violates the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and is jeopardising employee well-being. The building houses the offices of Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, his deputy Dr Joe Phaahla, and director-general Dr Sandile Buthelezi. The Public Servants Association (PSA) has formally engaged with the department to highlight its non-compliance with national environmental health norms and standards requiring the provision of safe drinking water and appropriate signage to non-potable sources. The trade union has demanded the department’s immediate intervention to provide solutions including bottled water for all employees until the problems have been resolved. The PSA has also threatened to approach the Department of Employment and Labour’s inspectorate for intervention with the possibility of closing down the building should it be discovered that the water is of poor quality. The PSA’s Reuben Maleka explained that employees were anxious and frustrated by the situation and warned that it was not practical for them to continue providing effective and efficient services under such conditions. “It is the responsibility of the department to provide safe water to its employees not the landlord. It is clear that the department has abdicated its responsibilities to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. It is concerning that the health department is so unhealthy and dangerous,” Maleka commented. In addition to the water, there are also concerns about the air-conditioning system, which staff complain was last inspected more than a decade ago. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Loyiso Sidimba at Sunday Independent Labour department inspectors shut down unsafe Free State school IOL News reports that inspectors from the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) have shut down the Thato Secondary School in Botshabelo, Free State, because of its failure to comply with occupational health and safety regulations. This came after concerned teachers, parents, and learners staged a protest on 16 July outside the school premises to highlight issues such as falling ceilings that could pose hazards to learners and teachers. According to reports, the school has been in a dire and dilapidated state since 2018, yet no action has been taken to address the issues. Cebisa Siyobi, spokesperson for the provincial DEL, reported: “The school has been closed down due to unsafe electrical installation, mobile classrooms that are not stable on the ground, and broken ablution facilities. These findings pose imminent danger and possible injury or death to learners and employees.” She said that before the current prohibition, in 2021 the facility was found to be non-compliant with certain provisions of the OHS Act (environmental regulations for workplaces, facilities regulations, and electrical installations regulations). Meanwhile, the provincial Chief Inspector Manelisi Luxande expressed concern over the Department of Education’s ongoing disregard for occupational health and safety regulations. The DEL said the school would remain closed until the education department properly implemented corrective measures for the findings as determined by inspectors. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Simon Majadibodu at IOL News Ten years on, families of soldiers who died on Bangui battlefield in the CAR, still waiting for benefits City Press reports that boards of inquiry, bureaucratic red tape and a lack of proper support from the military establishment are seemingly the rule rather than the exception when soldiers die in the service of the country. Advocate Pikkie Greeff of the SA National Defence Union (Sandu) last week told Rapport that he was still receiving complaints from paratroopers who were part of the controversial Battle of Bangui in the Central African Republic in 2013. The soldiers were severely wounded during this fight against the Seleka rebels while a handful of South Africans had to defend against an advance of about 7,000 rebels. In all, 13 South African soldiers died during two days of fighting and two more succumbed to their injuries later. At least 27 others were wounded and several reportedly took their own lives afterwards due to the trauma of the battle. The wounded soldiers filed their claims for in-service injuries with the Compensation Fund commissioner on their return home, as the military no longer handles such payments. According to Greeff, there was still no feedback 10 years later. There were also promises from the Presidency that the soldiers would be compensated for their heroic deeds, but nothing came of it. Greeff said neither they nor the relatives ever received psychological counselling afterwards. Red tape and the Covid-19 pandemic also caused long delays in the investigation of a young navy diver, leading seaman Brendon du Plessis (22), from Durban. He died in 2019 during a “toughen-up exercise” in Simon’s Town in the Cape Peninsula due to heat exhaustion. 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
Opposition parties label Ramaphosa’s job creation plans a ‘bunch of lies’ Sunday World reports that opposition parties that are not part of the government of national unity (GNU), chiefly the so-called Progressive Caucus, have dismissed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s opening of parliament speech as “a bunch of lies”. The caucus comprises the MK Party, EFF and ATM, among others. According to MK parliamentary leader Dr John Hlophe, there was nothing that Ramaphosa said that was going to come to fruition because he had made the same promises since coming into office in 2018. In his speech on Thursday, Ramaphosa placed job creation at the top of the GNU administration’s agenda. But, EFF leader Julius Malema reacted by saying: “[It is] a pure lie that he created 2 million jobs.” Ramaphosa said the resolve to tackle unemployment would go hand in hand with inclusive economic growth. He detailed that things that the GNU government would do to create jobs included the processing of raw minerals within the country before shipping them out as finished products. Furthermore, there would be the acceleration of the just transition, which was moving away from fossil fuels to renewable energy and which would create thousands of jobs. Ramaphosa also said: “We will continue to pursue programmes that encourage broad-based black economic empowerment, employment equity and support to small and medium-sized enterprises. We will continue to protect and uphold the hard-won rights of workers. And continually strive to improve the conditions in which they work and live. Inclusive growth demands that we affirm the position of women and youth in the economy. It requires that we remove the social, economic, cultural and other barriers to the full participation of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in the economy.” Ramaphosa said he had already instructed all departments to reduce the red tape as it was a stumbling block to employment and economic growth. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mawande Amashabalala at Sunday World
SA’s high energy costs hampering mining industry, study by consulting group finds BusinessLive reports that according to a study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), high energy costs are damaging SA’s mining industry, which accounts for about 8% of GDP. The latest mining outlook report by the consulting firm noted that SA was grappling with a 4GW-5GW energy supply shortfall as a result of Eskom’s failure to invest in new capacity over an extended period. “Energy is also becoming expensive: SA’s energy costs are the fourth highest in a comparison of similar mining jurisdictions and are expected to continue increasing as electricity prices become more reflective of their true costs,” the report indicates, adding that SA’s transmission capacity is increasingly becoming the bottleneck for the addition of new generation capacity. In a bid to address its transmission challenges, Eskom’s National Transmission Company of SA (NTCSA) officially began trading this month after unbundling from the power utility. BCG warned in its report that SA’s mining sector, which directly employs about half-a-million people, faced the triple challenge of unreliable energy supply, rising costs and significant greenhouse gas emissions in recent years. It advised mining firms to invest in cost-effective, reliable green energy. “Given SA’s attractive solar and wind resources, as well as its existing unreliable carbon-intensive generation assets, shifting to cleaner sources of energy can simultaneously increase the reliability and cost-efficiency of energy access for mining companies,” it said. “However, the solution is not as simple as having every mine build its own renewable plant, because a large proportion of variable energy supply cannot address power needs during times of lower energy production, for example at night. Storage and peaking solutions as well as a portfolio of assets with complementary production profiles are critical.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Media24 receives new offer from Caxton amid controversial restructuring Moneyweb reports that Media24 has received a renewed and concrete offer from Caxton/Capital Newspapers to purchase its media logistics company, On the Dot, and its portfolio of community newspapers. This offer also includes a formalised bid for the four newspapers previously earmarked for closure. In June, it was reported that Media24 planned to close several iconic print titles, including City Press, Rapport, Beeld, and Daily Sun. However, Media24 later halted these closure plans and potential employee dismissals, pending regulatory approval for the sale of its distribution business, On the Dot, to Novus Holdings. In a note to staff, Media24 CEO Ishmet Davidson confirmed the receipt of a letter from Caxton that reiterated its initial offer and presented a definitive written proposal to acquire the four newspapers due to be closed. He indicated that Media24 has already accepted an offer from Novus Holdings for On the Dot, the community newspapers, and Soccer Laduma, subject to regulatory approval. As part of the restructuring plan, Rapport’s news will continue under its own masthead on Netwerk24 and City Press on News24. According to Davidson, the potential sale of the community newspaper portfolio to Caxton could result in it controlling 76% of the community newspaper market in SA. But to minimise job losses and preserve the Beeld brand, Media24 said it was open to serious offers for the title, provided the purchaser retained the approximately 30 employees affected by Beeld’s proposed closure. Although Media24 rejected Caxton’s offer, it invited Caxton to bid for Beeld, welcoming “reasonable and considered proposals” from all interested parties, subject to regulatory approval and ongoing consultations. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jeremy Maggs at Moneyweb
Automobile Association welcomes fuel price review, saying users are struggling BusinessLive reports that the Automobile Association (AA) has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement of a fuel price review at his opening of parliament address on Thursday. Ramaphosa said the Government of National Unity (GNU) would undertake a comprehensive review of administered prices, including the fuel price formula, to identify areas where prices could be reduced. The AA reacted as follows: “The announcement by the president validates our calls for a fuel price review to mitigate rising fuel costs, which continue to add pressure on already embattled consumers. As far back as 2019 the AA called for a review of the fuel pricing structure, and an audit of all the components that comprise the fuel price. We noted at the time that fuel prices impact on all South Africans and that an assessment of the fuel pricing formula is necessary to determine whether all components are properly calculated and still necessary on the current formula.” Thursday’s announcement by the President was a step in the right direction, the association said. Fuel prices have increased steadily in the past five years. Since January 2022, a litre of ULP 95 petrol inland has increased from R19.61 to R24.25/l, an increase of almost R5/l. Added to this is the inclusion of two substantial taxes on fuel – the General Fuel Levy, pegged at R3.96/l for petrol and R3.84/l for diesel, and the Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy at R2.18/l for petrol and diesel. Combined these levies contribute R6.14 to every litre of petrol and R6.02 to every litre of diesel sold in SA. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessLive
City of Cape Town invests R77 million to upskill youth through EPWP IOL News reports that the City of Cape Town is taking a significant step to tackle youth unemployment and skills shortages in informal settlements with a R77 million skills development programme. This initiative, led by the City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate, aims to empower 955 young individuals from these areas by providing them with job opportunities and accredited training. As part of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for the 2024/2025 financial year, the City will employ the youths on temporary, 18-month contracts as janitors. The Directorate's Informal Settlements Basic Services Branch will ensure that toilets in informal settlements are kept clean and well-maintained. The janitors will not only perform essential cleaning duties but will also receive training in various fields, including plumbing, computer literacy, customer relations, driver's licence, and financial literacy. Each completed module will award participants with a certificate of competence, recognised with National Qualifications Framework (NQF) credits. The new programme targets individuals aged 18 to 35 who are either directly employed by the City or working through City-appointed contractors. The 18-month contracts will require janitors to work six days a week, with training sessions scheduled during regular working hours. The selection process will involve a written assessment, and priority will be given to candidates with demonstrated literacy skills. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ronewa Jessica Mashamba at IOL News
Business 'encouraged' by Ramaphosa's NHI remarks, wants meeting with health minister Fin24 reports that Business Unity SA (BUSA) says it is encouraged by President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent remarks on the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, whereby he promised to "resolve differences" and "bring stakeholders together". The business lobby group was responding to Ramaphosa's address at the opening of Parliament. The President signed the NHI Act into law just weeks before SA’s general election. The move was opposed by medical practitioners, business groups, and some opposition parties, who slammed the legislation as unaffordable and unworkable. When speaking about the act on Thursday, Ramaphosa took what some saw as a more conciliatory tone, emphasising that resources from both the public and private sectors were needed to meet SA's healthcare needs. For BUSA, this was an encouraging sign. Its CEO Cas Coovadia reacted: "The NHI Act in its current form is unaffordable, unsustainable and creates material risk for the country and taxpayers. We believe a collaborative approach is crucial in advancing our nation’s healthcare objectives, and our collective vision for universal health coverage in particular." Coovadia advised that BUSA would urgently seek a meeting with Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and added that “we are committed to constructive engagement with government in this regard." The DA has been fiercely critical of the Act, saying it would worsen the overall quality of healthcare in SA while chasing away private sector skills. The ANC, on the other hand, has said it unequivocally supports the Act, which it states will improve and transform SA's "fragmented and inequitable" healthcare system. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jan Cronje at Fin24. Read too, NHI, Bela Bill to be carried out despite dissent within GNU, says ANC’s Mbalula, at EWN
Correctional services union wants probe after Goodwood Prison inmate accessed cellphone EWN reports that the SA Correctional Services Workers Union (SACOSWU) has called for a thorough investigation into how a prisoner in Goodwood Prison had access to a cellphone. The union said if officials were implicated, the outcome of the investigation should guide the disciplinary proceedings. Last week, a video went viral on social media showing an inmate boasting about free education, free rental and free food. Officials subsequently conducted a raid on his cell, resulting in the inmate being moved to the maximum-security section. SACOSWU noted that such videos created a bad image for the Department of Correctional Services. "Prisons are not playgrounds for inmates to play influencers. Inmates who have access to cellphones in prison are not only painting the wardens in [a bad light] by playing influencers, but they also pose a danger to their victims. For instance, Thabo Bester’s access to digital devices proved to be deadly,” said the union's spokesperson Alude Jizana. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Mbali Dhlamini at EWN
SAPS acts swiftly to dismiss alleged sex offender at Philippi police academy IOL News reports that Ian Cameron, chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, said on Thursday that the dismissal of a senior instructor at a police training academy was a good start to rid the SA Police Service (SAPS) of members involved in misconduct and crime. Cameron’s statement came after a police training instructor accused of raping a female trainee at the Philippi Training Academy was dismissed last week. The instructor was dismissed after the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court released the 50-year-old on warning. Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, advised further: “It is alleged that on March 31, 2024, a police instructor at a Phillipi Police Training Academy in the Western Cape called a female police trainee to his office and she went to the office after she had several excuses in the past for not going to his office. It is alleged that the instructor locked the door once the complainant was inside, and raped her. She was allowed to leave after the alleged rape, but she did not report the incident immediately.” The suspect was arrested by IPID on 21 April. “The dismissal of the disgraced instructor is a strong indication of the drive to root out criminals within the SAPS. It is also a strong message that gender-based violence will not be tolerated within the SAPS and in the country in general,” Cameron said. He added: “It is unacceptable that those in position of authority can abuse financial resources and trainees and every effort must be made to hold those in power accountable.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sinenhlanhla Masilela at IOL News
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