In our Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Union members take to the streets in Cape Town, Joburg and Durban to demand decent work GroundUp reports that workers marched in Cape Town on Monday to commemorate World Day for Decent Work by presenting a memorandum to Parliament. Workers also marched in Johannesburg and Durban. Compiled by labour federation Cosatu, the memo handed over at Parliament demanded a stop to the reduction in teacher posts, measures to eliminate gender-based violence in the workplace, an urgent solution to the cost of living crisis, a reduction in electricity prices and other measures to support workers. In Cape Town, Minister of Higher Education Nobuhle Nkabane collected and signed the memo and indicated that Cosatu leadership would receive a response by their deadline of 21 October. In Johannesburg, workers marched through Sandton to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Members of unions affiliated to Cosatu were joined by members of unions affiliated to the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) and members of the SA Communist Party (SACP). In a memorandum of demands, the workers demanded that companies listed on the JSE do more to promote jobs. They also demanded more information on pay differentials between highest and lowest-paid employees and on the gender pay gap. In Durban, union members marched from King Dinizulu Park to the city hall demanding an end to retrenchments and other changes. Cosatu’s Edwin Mkhize said they were concerned about workers not getting the service they were due from the Unemployment Insurance Fund and about unfair dismissals. The marchers’ memo was accepted by Minister of Science and Technology Blade Nzimande. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tori Newby, Ihsaan Haffejee & Tsoanelo Sefoloko at GroundUp Cosatu marches to protest against SA’s socioeconomic crises BL Premium reports that the government of national unity (GNU) was in the crosshairs when labour federation Cosatu embarked on a national day of action on Monday against the “crippling economic crisis in the country, characterised by joblessness, poverty and inequality”. This after Cosatu and SACP leaders took potshots at the “neoliberal” GNU which they described as the “highest form of betrayal of our people”. The event by a key ally of the ANC saw provincial marches held across the country to mark the World Day for Decent Work. “Chief among our grievances is the staggering unemployment rate in the country. As it stands 11.3-million people need jobs. This includes people who have given up looking for work, but that does not mean they don’t need jobs,” Cosatu spokesperson Zanele Sabela said. She added: “Given the high rate of unemployment, Cosatu is demanding a moratorium on retrenchments. It is nonsensical for employers to continue retrenching the few workers who do have jobs.” In Gauteng, Cosatu members marched to the JSE in Sandton, where they presented a list of demands to the bourse’s executives. Among its demands, Cosatu called on the government and employers to place a moratorium on retrenchments, an increase in the number of labour inspectors after a spike in non-complying employers and elimination of the gender pay gap. Other demands were that the government needed to come up with an urgent solution to the cost-of-living crisis, address illicit financial flows and tax evasion, swiftly implement the state capture commission recommendations and implement strategies to combat sexual harassment and abuse. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
CCMA records more than 22,500 retrenchments in 2023/2024 financial year The Citizen reports that recent economic challenges have led to significant job losses across various sectors in South Africa. In respect of the 2023/2024 financial year, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) reported 22,554 retrenchments. According to the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL), “out of 38,428 employees who were likely to be retrenched, 14,887 jobs (39%) were saved through various interventions”. According to the DEL, the highest number of job losses were recorded in the following sectors, namely, mining (5153), manufacturing (2125) and telecommunications (1680). The department’s Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (Ters) has been instrumental in supporting various industries severely impacted by economic challenges. The following sectors have notably benefited from the scheme, namely, hospitality and tourism (hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies affected by decreased tourism); manufacturing (factories that experienced reduced demand and supply chain disruptions); retail (non-essential retail businesses that faced reduced consumer spending); and transportation (bus services and logistics companies that had to deal with decreased operations). The DEL said the single adjudication committee administered by the CCMA evaluated all Ters applications for eligibility using a combination of indicators. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Oratile Mashilo at The Citizen High number of retrenchments drives up Ters budget from R400m to R2.4bn TimesLIVE reports that the budget for the temporary employer/employee relief scheme (Ters) has been increased to R2.4bn from R400m for the latest financial year in response to the loss of 22,554 jobs through retrenchments in the formal sector. The job losses for the 2023/2024 financial year were recorded by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). The commission also reported that out of 38,428 employees who were likely to be retrenched, 14,887 jobs (39%) were saved through interventions. Department of Employment & Labour (DEL) Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said the increase in the Ters budget was intended to assist companies in distress and prevent employee layoffs amid unstable economic conditions. “The alarming number of job losses necessitated an adjustment in our budget to enhance Ters. Our goal is to preserve jobs and support companies facing financial difficulties,” she elaborated. Ters provides financial assistance to companies in distress for up to 12 months. The scheme enables employers to retain employees by covering their salaries while the company focuses on implementing a turnaround strategy to remain operational. During this time, employers are required to cover only employee social costs such as provident fund and medical aid contributions. Ters was introduced in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. By its two-year anniversary, R64bn had been disbursed to 5.7-million workers. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessLive
Technology Innovation Agency has had a CEO in an acting capacity for more than four years BL Premium reports that the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), which is an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), has not had a permanent CEO since 2019. Former diplomat Patrick Krappie has acted in the role since 2020, which has led to paralysis in the entity. Several members of the key entity’s executive committee are also in acting capacities, with some having acted for years. The agency blames the paralysis on an institutional review by Minister Blade Nzimande four years ago – a process that was apparently concluded only a few months ago. “The review concluded in March 2024, and the board is now in the process of appointing a permanent CEO, informed by the review’s recommendations to ensure the future direction of the organisation. The permanent CEO role was advertised in the past five years. It was last advertised on 20 October 2019, however, the recruitment process was terminated by guidance from the minister of higher education, science and innovation, pending the outcomes of the institutional review,” the TIA and DSI indicated. The TIA was set up in 2009 to support the state in stimulating and intensifying technological innovation to improve economic growth by developing and exploiting technological innovations. The agency is also mandated to invest in and support innovators, entrepreneurs and SMEs to commercialise their technology. To date, however, the effect of the TIA on the innovation landscape has been muted. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Over 2,700 SANDF personnel aged 55 and older released, but new recruitment will depend on funding The Citizen reports that more than 2,700 SA National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel aged 55 and older were released during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 financial years to create space for new recruits and rejuvenate the military. In 2020, the Department of Defence raised concerns about the urgent need to rejuvenate the SANDF, citing an increasing number of personnel considered over-age. The retirement age is 60, according to Regulation 21 of Chapter III of the General Regulations for the SANDF. But, the recruitment process has not kept pace with the rate at which soldiers are leaving the army service. In a recent parliamentary reply, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga disclosed that the Department of Defence planned to bring in new recruits through the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) recruitment drive, but this would depend on funding. The minister further revealed that the department has engaged with Treasury “on several occasions to find workable solutions” to the SANDF’s funding challenges, which have hindered the rejuvenation process. In a separate response, Motshekga addressed the veld fire in the Northern Cape that claimed the lives of six soldiers in October last year. The fire swept through the SANDF Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, causing significant damage to military vehicles and equipment. Motshekga indicated that some of the damaged equipment has been replaced. She reported: “Vehicles and equipment that were partially damaged, have been repaired, whilst vehicles damaged beyond repair have not been replaced. Personal military equipment and battle kits destroyed, were re-issued.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Molefe Seeletsa at The Citizen DPSA turns down Steenhuisen’s request to appoint unqualified candidates The Citizen reports that Minister of Agriculture and Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen is again under the spotlight after a failed attempt to appoint unqualified staff to his ministerial team. This was revealed by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) through the Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, in a response to a parliamentary question. Buthelezi was asked about ministers who since 3 July 2024 have requested deviations from the Public Service Act to appoint candidates who did not meet the minimum requirements for specific jobs. According to the Act, senior management service and chief director or director posts require a qualification at NQF level 7, with a minimum of five years of experience for these positions. In response, Buthelezi revealed that Steenhuisen, Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and Minister of Minerals and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe had made the requests. Steenhuisen made four requests, while Majodina made one, and Mantashe made two. Three of the deviations requested by Steenhuisen were turned down for not possessing the minimum qualifications, while one request was rejected for lacking the required years of experience. Majodina’s and Mantashe’s requests for deviation were also rejected for not meeting the minimum qualifications. Last month, Steenhuisen had to ask his controversial chief of staff, Roman Cabanac, to consider resigning from his position amid outrage over his appointment. At the time, Steenhuisen admitted that he made a mistake by appointing Cabanac, who is known for his controversial social media comments. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Vhahangwele Nemakonde at The Citizen
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu turns to private security sector in war on crime BL Premium reports that police minister Senzo Mchunu has called for greater collaboration between the police and private security firms in confronting SA’s rapidly evolving crime situation. A more formal partnership between the SA Police Service (SAPS) and the private security industry would signify a shift in government policy. Previous police ministers regarded the private security sector with suspicion, viewing their involvement in crime fighting as a threat to national security. This stance softened in the last term, with former police minister Bheki Cele roping in private security to help maintain order in the run-up to the 2024 election. In an interview with Business Day, Mchunu said he had met the umbrella Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority and intended to engage big players in the sector soon “to get things moving”. The response so far had been positive, he said. “The effort of the SAPS and private security forces will be bolstered by specialised units that will lead and co-ordinate the focus on hot spots. In particular in metros we are concerned about the surge in kidnappings and extortions but we are confident we will get the upper hand,” Mchunu elaborated. Extortion syndicates have caused disruptions in crucial sectors of the economy including construction, transport, security, mining, informal businesses, municipalities and vulnerable communities. SA has also experienced a rise in kidnappings for ransom. The involvement of private security would greatly bolster government crime prevention strategies by using the vast workforce of private security personnel to increase the visibility of law enforcement in urban centres. Mchunu has also committed to have the SAPS work with metro police in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal to do “far more” than just traffic policing. To that end he will be signing memorandums of understanding with provincial governments. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hajra Omarjee at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Medical scheme warns that hefty contribution hikes increase support for NHI BL Premium reports that Bestmed Medical Scheme, SA’s fourth-largest open medical scheme, has warned that substantial contribution hikes by medical schemes bolster support for National Health Insurance (NHI). The medical scheme said unchecked rises could put more young people off medical aid membership. On Friday, Bestmed became the latest medical scheme to announce hefty rises for its more than 100,000 main members. It proposed contribution rises averaging 12.75% for all options in 2025, subject to Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) approval. Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS), SA’s largest open medical scheme with a 57.8% market share, told clients last month to expect increases of 7.4% to 10.9% next year, depending on the plan concerned. MediHelp has proposed rises of 10.8%, Bonitas 10.2% and Momentum 9.4%. Bestmed CEO and principal officer Leo Dlamini said big rises, which were unavoidable due to rising medical inflation, harmed the sector’s reputation and reinforced the idea that NHI, which the scheme opposed in its present form, was a cure-all for SA’s healthcare issues. “We run the risk of an industry that’s unaffordable, which alienates customers with our pricing. It is a real long-term concern,” he warned. Dlamini pointed out that the sector covered only 9-million people, which was a “small percentage” of the population. When the government looked at tariff rises and inflation within the Reserve Bank’s target range “they would think we are just profiteering and cater for just the elites in society”. Medical scheme membership has been flat for years, due largely due to high unemployment. Medical inflation and scheme contributions increases have for years exceeded the consumer price index (CPI). Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Fourteen police officers arrested – seven in Soweto for murder and seven in Cape Town for extortion News24 reports that seven police officers accused of murdering a 41-year-old man in Soweto were granted bail of R3,000 each in the Protea Magistrate's Court in Soweto on Monday. The group, attached to the Diepkloof police station, were arrested on Friday by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). Their arrest was in connection with the assault and subsequent death of Sfiso Dlamini in his home on 20 January 2023. IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said that on that day, the police officers received information about a person dealing in drugs at a house in in Diepkloof and then drove to the address. They found Sfiso Dlamini in the house and allegedly assaulted him severely. He later succumbed to his injuries. Suping said the police officers also allegedly stole R2,000 found in the house. The case was postponed to 1 November 2024 for the officers to be provided with the indictment. In a separate incident in the Western Cape, seven police officers attached to the Public Order Police Unit, were arrested on Sunday for alleged extortion at two shops owned by Chinese nationals in Milnerton. Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said it was alleged that the members, accompanied by a suspect in civilian clothes, took an undisclosed amount of cash from the two shops as protection fees. The officers, aged between 24 and 43, are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. More suspects could be arrested. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 Cato Manor cop arrested with bank card from deadly carjacking found with 105 more cards News24 reports that a Cato Manor constable appeared in court on Monday after being found with a bank card belonging to the owner of a vehicle that was stolen during a deadly carjacking. During the carjacking at a McDonalds in Malvern, Durban, last month, 11-year-old Zarah Ramsamy died when gunmen drove over her as she hid from them under her family's vehicle. When the car was recovered in Cato Manor, Constable Minenhle Joshua Makhaye was instructed to drive it to Malvern, and that is when he allegedly stole the card. The Durban Magistrate's Court heard on Monday that Makhaye, 27, was also allegedly found with 105 other bank cards, which the State believes could possibly have been taken during the hijacking of a car belonging to a courier company. He was also allegedly found with a number plate that was suspected to have been stolen. Makhaye was charged with possession of suspected stolen property and with defeating the ends of justice for allegedly stealing from and tampering with a crime scene. He is also alleged to have stolen R1,000 from the Ramsamy bank account to purchase alcohol. The magistrate granted the State's application for an adjournment to allow for a further bail investigation. Makhaye will appear back in court on 14 October. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Anelisa Kubheka at News24 (registration required). Read too, Cato Manor cop found with more than 100 stolen bank cards appears in court, at TimesLIVE Ipid recorded a decrease in complaints against police in last financial year Saturday Star reports that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) recorded a decrease in the number of complaints levelled against the police in the last financial year. In its annual report, Ipid indicated that a total of 5,136 cases were reported during the 2023-24 financial year. “The Ipid has experienced an overall decrease of 138 (3%) compared to the same period in the previous financial year,” the annual report tabled in Parliament recently advised. Of the cases reported, 3,176 were cases of assault, 621 were cases of complaints of discharge of an official firearm, 460 were cases of deaths as a result of police action, followed by 273 cases of torture and 212 deaths in police custody. The report said a total of 672 deaths in police custody and as a result of police action were recorded during the period under review. KwaZulu-Natal reported the highest number of 166 (25%) cases, followed by Gauteng with 145 (22%), Eastern Cape with 94 (14%) cases and Western Cape with 71 (11%) cases. The police watchdog observed a decrease of 4% on the cases of deaths in police custody compared to the prior year – 212 were recorded, down from 221. However, the number of incidents of deaths as a result of police action increased by 67 from 393 to 460. Ipid said there were 110 cases of rape by officers with 58 committed by those while on-duty and 252 by off-duty officers. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mayibongwe Maqhina on page 2 of Saturday Star of 6 October 2024 Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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