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 Thursday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of South African
labour-related reports.
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In August consumer inflation cooled for third consecutive month to lowest rate since 2021 BL Premium reports that consumer inflation in August slowed for the third consecutive month, moderating to 4.4% from 4.6% in July. According to Stats SA, which published the August inflation data on Wednesday, this was the lowest inflation print since 2021. Lower annual rates were recorded for several product groups, most notably transport (as a result of recent fuel price cuts) and housing. In contrast, inflation rates for food and nonalcoholic beverages edged higher in August. Inflation dipping below the SA Reserve Bank’s midpoint target of 4.5% earlier than expected should provide further impetus for the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to lower rates at its meeting on Thursday. The Bureau for Economic Research’s (BER’s) third-quarter inflation expectations survey published last week showed that analysts, businesses and trade unions expected headline inflation to average 5.1% in 2024. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Denene Erasmus at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Lees ook, Inflasie daal weer: Goedkoper suiker skrale troos vir bitter duur koffie, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Three workers hospitalised after trench collapse during pipeline installation in Cape Town on Tuesday News24 reports that three workers were taken to hospital on Tuesday afternoon after being trapped in a collapsed trench during the installation of a pipeline linked to the Gordon's Bay sewer system. MMC for Water and Sanitation in the City of Cape Town, Dr Zahid Badroodien, said a contractor was installing the sewer main along Broadway Boulevard when a section of the trench collapsed, trapping the three people. "Fortunately, no one sustained serious injuries, and they have been taken to hospital for medical assessment," he indicated. The site has been closed off pending an investigation by the Department of Water and Sanitation officials. Badroodien said all necessary safety measures were in place, including stepping and battering the trench to prevent the structure from caving in. "The contractor will be expected to submit a proposal for additional safety measures before the work can reconvene," he advised. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Mines need to revisit intoxication policies, do risk-based assessments for cannabis Mining Weekly reports that with the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act expected to come into force in the near future, law firm Webber Wentzel has delved into the impact this may have on mine site health and safety and the implications for policies related to substance abuse. The private use of cannabis by adults was decriminalised in SA in 2018. Key provisions in the incoming Act include public restrictions, exceeding legal limits, dealing, transporting of cannabis and expungement of criminal records. Webber Wentzel’s Lizle Louw suggests that cannabis be treated in the same way as alcohol on mine sites, with a zero-tolerance approach that denies access of workers on to the site if they test positive for cannabis. However, mining companies will need to decide whether and how to distinguish between actively intoxicated persons, whose working ability would be influenced by cannabis, and those who may have traces of cannabis in their system, for example, from weekend or leave-time use. According to Louw, a zero-tolerance approach against actual intoxication is still possible but must be based on rational and justifiable risk-based assessments. Policies related to cannabis also need to be consistent with other intoxication rules, Louw stressed. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly
Pass rate for Saipa’s candidate accountants increased from 63% last year to 70% this year Moneyweb reports that the number of aspirant accountants who passed the SA Institute of Professional Accountants (Saipa) professional evaluation examination in June was up from 63% last year to 70% this year. The candidates demonstrated the country’s demographics and diversity, Tia van der Sandt, acting chief executive, pointed out. Of the 229 candidates who passed the exam, 136 were female. The top nine students completed the Project Achiever programme, which assists candidates in preparing for the examination. “Initially created to provide previously disadvantaged individuals with greater access to the profession, the programme has evolved into a cornerstone of Saipa’s efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the accountancy field,” Van der Sandt said. This year, the institute offered the 229 successful candidates a 12-month complimentary membership to help foster their professional growth at the start of their careers. Professional accountants can pursue careers as business advisors, business analysts, management accountants, financial performance managers, risk managers and chief financial officers. Saipa has also partnered with the University of the Western Cape to increase access, opportunities, and employability for graduates. Through practical simulations, students are prepared to enter the workforce with a professional certification at the accounting technician level. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Amanda Visser at Moneyweb
AfriForum says 5,000 civil engineers stand ready to ensure safety standards of dams Engineering News reports that AfriForum on Tuesday called on Department Water and Sanitation (DWS) Minister Pemmy Majodina to urgently work with more than 5,000 registered civil engineers in the SA water infrastructure sector. This followed the DWS’s comments that it did not have enough inspectors to ensure that safety standards were met at nearly 6,000 dams. There were thousands of engineers across the country who could be reached by the DWS through professional bodies, AfriForum asserted. However, their valuable engineering skills and knowledge were being lost owing to the department’s restrictive procurement practices. Currently, contracts are awarded only to engineering firms instead of registered, professional engineers being engaged individually. AfriForum emphasised that intervention from the private sector was needed to prevent further deterioration of public infrastructure and catastrophes, such as the recent collapse of three dams on a farm in Riverlands near Malmesbury. According to the DWS, the collapse was owing to the dam owner’s non-compliance with legal safety standards, but AfriForum environmental affairs adviser Marais de Vaal said that it actually revealed the DWS’s crippling shortage of competent and professional technical staff. The DWS simply did not have the capacity to act as an effective regulator, De Vaal pointed out. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News Stats SA in dire straits with 21% vacant jobs due to budget cuts, staff exodus Fin24 reports that Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke outlined to MPs on Wednesday the devastation that a shrinking budget and rising staff costs have had on SA's official statistics agency over the past seven years. These have led to a 21% vacancy rate, dilapidated technology, and the cancellation or delay of several of its surveys. Statistics SA (Stats SA) was facing an exodus of staff who have received better offers from international agencies while others have left to prevent being associated with "a bad organisation" as technology was outdated and falling behind the world, said Maluleke. Of a total staff establishment of 3,301 posts, Stats SA has 689 vacancies. Between 2016/17 and 2021/22, despite resignations, only one appointment, namely the Statistician-General, was made due to a hiring freeze. The freeze was briefly lifted in 2023/24, but put back in place in 2024/25. In the last week, it has received approval from Treasury to fill seven crucial posts, which is being allowed on projections of the number of retirements in next few months. One of the surveys that Stats SA delayed for almost a decade was the Income and Expenditure Survey, which tracks poverty. Maluleke said that any additional funding that would previously have been used for the survey, had been put into plugging the hole of salary increases. Stats SA has the same budget allocation in 2024/25 as it had four years ago. Maluleke said that following resignations and a staff member's transfer to a regional office, the team producing CPI was stretched very thin. "If one more person resigns from that team, the CPI survey will collapse," he said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Carol Paton at Fin24 (trial registration required)
Ocean Basket restaurant in Menlyn denies owing workers more than R800,000 in unpaid wages News24 writes that seafood restaurant Ocean Basket has denied a report by the Department of Employment & Labour (DEL) alleging its Menlyn Mall branch owed its employees more than R800,000 in unpaid wages. In a statement on Monday, the DEL flagged various unlawful practices at the restaurant, including R813,969 in unpaid wages. The statement followed a blitz inspection of the restaurant on Sunday evening, which included immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs and the Hawks. The department’s investigation found the restaurant's waitresses were remunerated on tips and commissions, in contravention of the law. The restaurant also allegedly did not comply with the Compensation of Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. According to Ocean Basket CEO Grace Harding, the franchise then investigated Menlyn Ocean Basket using an independent labour lawyer, internal auditors, as well as an accounting firm. After hours of thorough scrutiny, they failed to find the alleged contraventions claimed by the DEL. Harding indicated: "There are no illegal foreigners currently employed at Ocean Basket Menlyn, and this has been confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs who visited on Sunday night. All staff receive their monthly wages, tips and commission as per their employment contracts. No money is currently owed to any staff members, and staff have voluntarily supplied affidavits to this effect.” She elaborated: "In the event that commissions earned fall below the minimum wage – in relation to the number of hours a person has worked – a top-up amount is provided to get them to the minimum wage per hour. Tips are over and above commission earned. It is a separate payment that is made on top of commission." Harding said the DEL had not contacted the restaurant or supplied any documentation of its findings. Read the full original of the report in the above regard compiled by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (trial registration required)
Business Unity SA meets with Ramaphosa over NHI, comes away ‘encouraged’ Engineering News reports that following a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, Business Unity SA (Busa) said it was encouraged by government's “openness” to engage on its concerns around the controversial National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. Tuesday’s meeting included Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Deputy Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla, as well as senior officials of the health department. Busa pointed out that business, healthcare providers and other stakeholders have consistently supported the goal of universal health coverage, but have concerns about the NHI Act's potential impact on healthcare, taxpayers, the economy, and investor confidence. “Busa’s primary objective is to render the NHI Act workable, affordable, and implementable, while advancing universal health coverage and ensuring an equitable healthcare system for all,” the organisation explained. Busa and government reportedly both expressed commitment to engaging with all stakeholders on healthcare reform. Busa said that, at the President’s request, it would submit a proposal detailing solutions to address its concerns. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News. Read too, Business welcomes President’s request for proposals on NHI Act, at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). En ook, Ramaphosa pols Busa vir oplossings omtrent NGV, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Numsa calls for meeting with BMW SA leadership over medical fraud investigation BL Premium reports that some employees at the German carmaker BMW in SA downed tools on Monday after accusing the company of wanting to implement the mass dismissal of about 700 staff. BMW denied the allegations, saying the protest was in response to a fraud investigation at the BMW Employees Medical Aid Scheme (Bemas). “The rumours of workforce reduction to cut a shift are untrue and, should there be any termination of an associate’s contract due to the (Bemas) fraud investigation, we will recruit and upskill new associates, ensuring business continuity,” the company said in a statement. BMW added: “The integrity of Bemas is critical to our value proposition as an employer. Its core function is to guarantee that our employees and their families have access to the best possible health care.” In response, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) called for all parties involved in alleged fraud within Bemas to face the music. Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim said while the union did not condone criminal activity, “one should have a holistic approach to the entire issue at hand and deal with all involved equally and there should be no holy cows”. Jim said the union would insist on full exposure of all facets of the saga and all rights are reserved as there was much at stake. “I have written to the senior leadership of BMW ... We have called on the senior leadership of both Numsa and BMW to be prepared to meet and dialogue on these matters including reaching a permanent solution, in the best interests of both parties and broader society as a whole,” he indicated. When contacted for comment on Wednesday, BMW SA said it did not have a response “at the moment”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Extraordinary array of allegations leveled against principal of Hoërskool Waterkloof News24 reports that Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria, one of the country's most prestigious schools, was rocked by explosive allegations last week, including indecency and financial mismanagement claims against the principal. Among the allegations against principal Chris Denysschen are claims that he exhibits unusual religious practices at school and directs inappropriate comments towards pupils. It is also alleged that the giant school auditorium, which is being constructed at a cost of R45 million under Denysschen's leadership, has been earmarked for use by gospel singer Retief Burger's church. Among the allegations is that he “does this thing where he apparently smells the children's hair and then makes judgements about what he thinks is happening in their lives based on the smell." Denysschen, 49, has since been provisionally removed from his post following a complaint that lawyer Sean Hefferman submitted to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) on behalf of pupils' parents. The school governing body (SGB) met on Monday to discuss the array of extraordinary allegations (details of which are contained in the News24 report). Denysschen refused to comment on the allegations and referred Rapport to his union, the Suid Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (SAOU). SAOU head Paul Sauer said the union's legal team was having discussions with Denysschen, but it was important to remember that the claims were only allegations and that a probe was underway. GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that Denysschen had been temporarily transferred to the department's district offices. He described the complaint against the headmaster as "serious" and said the department had ordered an investigation into the allegations. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jana Marx & Antoinette Slabbert at News24 (trial registration required)
Crackdown on fake driving licences leads to 33 arrests in KZN The Citizen reports that over 30 suspects from a licence centre in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) appeared at the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for their involvement in fraudulently issuing driving licences for R2,500 each. The KZN Department of Transport‘s traffic and transport inspection unit with the Hawks initially arrested nine people from the Melmoth Driving Licence Centre in the Mthonjaneni Local Municipality. However, the number has since increased to 33. In court on Wednesday morning, accused number 32 missed the court appearance because he was involved in a road accident while driving with a fake driver’s licence he obtained after writing a fake test. Accused number 16 also missed court, but no explanation was provided for his absence. As a result, a warrant for his arrest was issued. According to the department, the state also temporarily forfeited accused number 32’s bail and issued an arrest warrant for him. The warrant was, however, suspended until the suspect’s next court appearance on 26 November. Meanwhile, the department has revoked all the learners’ licences issued by those arrested. Siboniso Duma, member of the executive council for Transport and Human Settlements said on Tuesday: “Our message is that fake drivers who underwent fake driving tests will be removed from our roads, arrested, and locked up in jail.” According to the department, 87 people have been rounded up and brought to court to date. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chulumanco Mahamba at The Citizen Lees ook, 33 in hof oor rybewys-bedrog, by Maroela Media Former Sekhukhune municipality CFO, four others face fraud charges TimesLIVE reports that one of the suspects in the fraud and money laundering case against Sekhukhune municipality officials and others is expected to plead guilty. This emerged on Wednesday during the appearance of Modimolle-Mookgophong municipality CFO Charles Malema, Andries Mokgotho, Bongani Masupye, Kedibone Magagane and Sivhadana Murovhi in the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. They face charges of fraud, money laundering and contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act. It is alleged Mokgotho, expenditure clerk at Sekhukhune municipality, Sekhune municipality's expenditure manager Magagane and Malema, who was CFO at the municipality in 2018, directed the payment of R5.4m to Murovhi and Masupye in 2018. However, Murovhi and Masupye never rendered services to the municipality. The money was supposed to be paid to three service providers rendering security services, conducting water reticulation and completion of precast VIP toilets structures. “Murovhi is expected to submit a plea and sentence agreement, which is expected to be filed with the state before 17 October. The case was postponed until 4 November for pretrial. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at TimesLIVE. See too, Fraud case against former Sekhukhune Municipality CFO postponed, at SABC News
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