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 Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of South African
labour-related reports.
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BMW SA denies job cuts or strike, says protest action relates to probe into medical scheme fraud Fin24 reports that BMW Group SA has denied that that it is looking to cut jobs or that employees at its Rosslyn Plant have taken part in a strike. This was advised after videos emerged online of dozens of people protesting at the plant in Pretoria claiming that the German car company planned to dismiss 700 workers. According to BMW, the worker discontent was linked to an ongoing fraud investigation into the BMW Employees Medical Aid Scheme (BEMAS) and that there were no plans to cut jobs. The scheme is currently administered by Discovery Health, which said the investigation involved allegations of fraudulent claims between members of the scheme and health practitioners. "BMW can confirm a protest action today is in response to an ongoing fraud investigation within the BEMAS," a spokesperson said on Monday. In response to questions about whether any plant workers had been suspended amid the investigation, the company said the inquiry was ongoing and that any further decisions would be based on its findings. BMW also confirmed that production at its plant had not been interrupted by the protest action. Discovery Health's Stephen Johnston said they were "disappointed" about the alleged fraud that had taken place at the medical scheme. He indicated: "As the administrator, Discovery Health supports BEMAS in its investigation with the South African Police Service into irregular and fraudulent medical claims between members of the medical scheme and certain health practitioners.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Na'ilah Ebrahim at Fin24 (registration for trial period required). Read too, Disgruntled BMW SA workers embark on strike over ‘fraud investigation’, at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Many teachers can't cope without anti-depressants as workload and stress push them to the brink News24 reports that the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysers Unie (SAOU) has expressed concerns over the spate of experienced teachers leaving the profession because of burnout, depression and other mental health issues. A study by the trade union, in conjunction with North-West University, found that 1,446 of 1,722 members surveyed, needed, and would use, crisis hotlines, counselling and mentorship programmes to support them to cope with stress in the classroom. At least 56% of those surveyed indicated that they need some type of intervention to help them improve their mental health. This comes amid revelations by staff at a health and wellness centre in Gauteng that 18 of its 32 beds in August were occupied by teachers admitted for stress-related problems. Meantime, six of the 12 matric teachers at a high school in Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal are reportedly using anti-depressants to cope with stress. "The paperwork is too much. You must teach, make sure the learners perform, give reports, prepare tasks, mark them… it's a lot. Many of us can't cope without anti-depressants," said a high school teacher who was admitted for depression to a health and wellness centre in Gauteng last week. A report by the Gauteng Department of Education that was presented to the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) in May 2023 revealed that 111 teachers, who applied for incapacity leave, had mental and behavioural disorders. The SAOU report, which was completed in August, showed that 43% of teachers were “far from satisfied with the current state of their mental health and despite their best efforts, are not able to maintain healthy and sustainable work life integration and often feel helpless and voiceless". Dr Thabo Mogotlane, a specialist psychiatrist based at Mediclinic Legae in Pretoria, said about 20% of their clients every month were teachers.. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Prega Govender at News24 (trial registration required) Cape Town social workers are being targeted by extortionists demanding protection money GroundUp reports that social workers operating in vulnerable communities in Cape Town have become the latest targets for criminal syndicates demanding cash “as a protection fee”. In two recent incidents, staff in Delft were threatened by extortionists. “In Delft, they tell us if you want to go out (and) be safe, give us money,” Annemie van Reenen, chief director of service delivery, management and coordination in the Western Cape Department of Social Development, told the standing committee on social development at a briefing on Friday. Van Reenen added: “They know we’ve got laptops and cellphones … It is terrible. I get messages [from social workers] to say they can’t cope anymore. Then we have to remove them to another area. They are hugely traumatised.” In August, the province called for the justice department to implement harsher penalties for attacks on social workers after an “alarming increase” in attacks on social workers, but there has not yet been a response. Since 2019, 41 incidents were reported, including six robberies and assaults, and 35 hijackings and attempted hijackings. Most of these happened in a period of less than 18 months. Hotspot areas include Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Wynberg, Crossroads, Philippi, Mfuleni, Gugulethu, Delft, Mitchells Plain, Paarl East and Langa. On Monday, Wendy Kaizer-Philander (DA), chairperson of the social development committee, indicated: “The R20-million spent on overtime to accommodate the need for two social workers per case in high-risk areas is straining the department’s resources. Doubling up on cases reduces the overall number of cases that can be handled, stretching the department’s already limited capacity.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Matthew Hirsch at GroundUp. Lees ook, Afpersers teiken nou maatskaplike werkers, by Maroela Media Off-duty police officer found murdered on street in East London News24 reports that an off-duty East London police officer was found dead on the street on Saturday morning. The 28-year-old constable, whose name has not yet been released, was discovered on Mxina Street in Beacon Bay's Nompumelelo Township, East London. He was attached to the Duncan Village police station. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli indicated: "At this stage, the circumstances surrounding the incident are unknown. Police have opened a case of murder, and the investigation has been taken over by the Hawks for further investigation." The Eastern Cape's police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene, condemned the incident and pointed out: "Our foot soldiers dedicate their lives to protect their communities - and, for that reason, they could easily be targeted by criminals when they are off-duty." Anti-crime activist Amanda Timms said police officers were being targeted by criminals and elaborated: "Police officers put their lives on the line each day. Now, criminals are targeting off-duty members as well. I hope the perpetrator or perpetrators are caught. Life means nothing to these criminals." Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sithandiwe Velaphi at News24
Labour Court postpones decision on interdicting security guard strike at Heideveld Day Hospital in Cape Town GroundUp reports that security guards working for Golden Security in Cape Town will have to wait until this Friday to learn the outcome of an interdict application brought against them. The 28 security guards, who are stationed at the Heideveld Day Hospital, downed tools two weeks ago over salary payments. On Friday, the Labour Court postponed a decision on finalising an interim interdict granted on 3 September. The interdict restrains the striking guards “from participating in any disruptive and unlawful activities or actions that may compromise the functioning and operation of Heideveld Day Hospital”, or assaulting, intimidating or threatening other employees, patients or staff. During Friday’s hearing, advocate Bheki Msiza, representing the guards, told the court that the application for a final interdict should be dismissed with costs. Golden Services attorney Lubabalo Ntsholo successfully asked acting Judge Tapiwa Gandidze for a postponement so that his client could get an affidavit signed. Nkululeko Ngadlela, one of the guards who claims he is owed R2,149 by the security company, stated: “All we want is money that is owed to us. There is no need for all of this. If they don’t want us to work for them anymore, they must just pay us and we’ll try and find other jobs. Most of us had to borrow money for transport to come here. Right now, we are sitting at home jobless while this whole thing plays out.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mary-Anne Gontsana at GroundUp Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Two suspects charged with possession of chrome worth millions and illegal mining granted bail of R5,000 each SABC News reports that two suspected illegal miners have been granted bail of R5,000 each by the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court outside Burgersfort in Limpopo. Justine Mitchell and Gerry Mitchell were arrested last Friday for alleged possession of chrome valued at over R20 million. The pair made their first court appearance facing charges of illegal mining and possession of suspected stolen chrome among other charges. Their case was postponed to 27 and 28 January next year at the Burgersfort Regional Court. The Hawks are confident that investigations will uncover other suspects involved in the operation. Hawks Limpopo spokesperson Lethunya Mmuroa commented: “At the moment, we cannot say if there are links with the illegal mining activities that are happening in Sekhukhune and if we find that there are, we will make more arrests.” Read the original of the short report in the above regard at SABC News
Some previous ministers and deputies have left government-allocated homes in ‘awful’ state BL Premium reports that luxury homes allocated to ministers and deputy ministers are to be inspected because of theft and extensive damage at some of the properties. Some of the homes have reportedly been left in a deplorable state. In one of the properties nine carpets were ripped up and in another the new occupant had to deal with the remnants of a taxi rank operating from the state-owned house. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson indicated: “A number of properties have been left in an awful condition by previous ministers and deputies. We’ve had items stolen and pure destruction in [some] cases.” Macpherson said he was disappointed by the example set by some of SA’s leaders. “I am looking at how to have an incoming inspection and outgoing [one], so we hold people financially liable for damages,” he said. There are 97 state-allocated homes around the country. The homes in Cape Town are worth almost R830m, and those in Pretoria are valued at R137m. Members of cabinet are entitled to these houses in terms of the ministerial handbook, which also provides them with freebies, including four luxury vehicles each, VIP protection and international travel perks. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hajra Omarjee at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Good news for consumers as chicken prices expected to ease BusinessLIve reports that chicken accounts for roughly two-thirds of the meat consumed in SA, and the steep price increases for poultry over the past two years contributed to high food price inflation. As global poultry supply recovers from disease outbreaks such as avian influenza, which saw chicken prices spike in 2023, prices for certain chicken pieces have already moderated after showing double-digit hikes over the past two years, Marlene Louw, senior economist at Absa Agribusiness reported. She elaborated: “In recent times, the outbreak of diseases like avian influenza has caused a global shortage of this protein source, which put upward pressure on prices. While potential new disease outbreaks may change the price outlook going forward, all things being equal we expect that lower feed prices will improve margins for producers, which could stimulate supply. This could in turn assist in keeping price increases contained over the medium term, which is good news for consumers.” The average price for a whole frozen chicken increased by 19% since 2021 from R29.22/kg to R36.20/kg in 2024. Over the next two years, the price for whole frozen birds is expected to increase at a much slower rate at about 8% to R39/kg by 2026. The price increases for individually quick-frozen (IQF) chicken pieces, a product that many lower-income households rely on as an affordable source of protein, were even more dramatic, rising almost 23% since 2021. This product, according to Absa, is expected to show modest increases over the next two years, rising by about 5% to R32.82/kg by 2026. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Denene Erasmus at BusinessLive Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Plans for remote-working visas held up by tax regulation issues Bloomberg News reports that SA’s plan to attract more professionals to its skills-starved economy through the introduction of a so-called nomad visa for remote workers has been slowed by the need to amend tax regulations. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his intention to introduce a remote-working visa in his 2022 state-of-the-nation address. There was an initial delay when changes to the visa regime had to be temporarily withdrawn because mandatory public consultation procedures had not been followed. Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Minister Leon Schreiber explained the new impediment: “There is just a tax-related matter that needs to be addressed in the regulations. Once that is done, the department will commence with the rollout,” The DHA initially proposed allowing people employed and paid by companies elsewhere to live in the country for as long as six months a year without paying tax, as long as they earned at least R1 million annually. SA’s byzantine work permit regime, which means that securing a work permit can take well over a year, has been flagged as a hurdle to economic growth by both the Presidency and the country’s main business organisations. Still, a backlog of more than 300 000 applications for all kinds of residence permits has been halved since the new cabinet was announced on 30 June after the formation of a coalition government. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at Fin24
Four Educor colleges officially re-registered on ‘humanitarian grounds’ The Citizen reports that four colleges owned by Educor that were deregistered more than a year ago have officially been re-registered. Damelin, City Varsity, Icesa City Campus and Lyceum College were deregistered in July last year for allegedly failing to provide financial statements and comply with regulations. This put into doubt the futures of tens of thousands of students and teachers across the country. On Monday, the Department of Higher Education and Training’s director-general, Nkosinathi Sishi, advised that the decision to re-register the institutions was made on “humanitarian grounds”. He elaborated: “After consideration on humanitarian grounds by the minister of the consequences of the closure of the institutions, the minister took a decision that on humanitarian grounds the institution be re-registered. Therefore, at this point in time, this institution is back in its operation. We demand compliance within specific timeframes that were provided for and in line with the laws of our country around the registration of institutions.” In August, a departmental statement revealed Educor would be provisionally reinstated on several detailed conditions and clauses. The conditions as specified are set out in The Citizen news report. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicholas Zaal at The Citizen
Labour Court orders former National Health Laboratory Service chief to pay more than R22m in damages Daily Maverick reports that the Labour Court has dismissed a claim for unfair dismissal brought by former National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) CEO Joyce Mogale against the NHLS. It further ruled that she must pay the public entity more than R22-million in light of irregularities in procurements made while she was in charge. Mogale was fired from the NHLS in 2019, along with former CFO Sikhumbuzo Zulu, after the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing. At the time, it was reported that they had been charged with irregularities and failure to fulfil their duties concerning three procurements totalling about R200-million. Mogale was fired from the NHLS in 2019, along with former CFO Sikhumbuzo Zulu, after the conclusion of a disciplinary hearing. Although Zulu joined Mogale in her application to the Labour Court, he died before proceedings could begin and was substituted by Masello Zulu in her capacity as executrix of his estate. In the judgment handed down on 13 September 2024, Mogale and Zulu’s estate were found to be jointly liable to pay the NHLS R342,545 due to their handling of a tender for the provision of Multiprotocol Label Switching wide area network services, awarded to the company DV8 Consulting CC in 2016. The court ordered Mogale to pay an additional sum of R22,135,346 to the NHLS concerning a tender for the leasing of motor vehicles for the public entity, awarded to the company Afrirent in 2016. Mogale reportedly entered into a service-level agreement of R79,691,269 with the company without taking the matter to the board for approval. In her judgment, Prinsloo noted that the irregularities in the three tenders painted a “concerning picture” of an entity where control and accountability were inadequate. “The way in which Ms Mogale, Mr Zulu and their subordinates operated and advised, reminds this Court of the proverbial blind leading the blind,” she said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tamsin Metelerkamp at Daily Maverick
Fifteen suspects nabbed in Mpumalanga for fraud relating to irregular issuing of drivers' licences TimesLIVE reports that fourteen traffic officials and a driving school operator were arrested in Mpumalanga on Monday on charges of fraud and corruption relating to irregular issuing of drivers' licences. The 15 were arrested in a joint operation by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU) and the Hawks. The suspects, aged between 34 and 59, were arrested in Sabie, Granskop, Lydenburg, Elukwatini and Verena. NTACU investigates cases of alleged corruption at driver learner testing centres, vehicle resting centres, vehicle registration centres and officer corruption, among other offences. The suspects will appear in court soon. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at TimesLIVE. See too, Officers nabbed for licence fraud, bribery, at SABC News
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