In our Wednesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
|
Families of Cape Town fishermen lost at sea back Creecy’s call for safety inspection of commercial vessels News24 reports that a call to carry out an urgent safety inspection of all commercial fishing vessels is too little too late for the families of 11 men who died when their trawler sank earlier this year. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy on Monday called for the urgent safety inspection of all commercial fishing vessels after the MVF Armana had a fire onboard around 60 nautical miles offshore from Gansbaai during the early hours of Sunday morning. Creecy said there had been an "increasing number of incidents involving fishing vessels in our waters". She indicated: "This year alone, we have witnessed no fewer than five significant incidents, tragically resulting in the loss of 18 lives. Such incidents are deeply concerning, and it is clear that we must take immediate action to improve the safety of our fishing fleet." Among these incidents was the sinking of the MFV Lepanto 34 nautical miles off the coast of Hout Bay in May. Last month, the Western Cape High Court declared dead the 11 fishermen who were lost at sea when the vessel sank. Meanwhile, the SA Maritime Authority (Samsa) said the MVF Armana crew of 20 had been rescued unharmed this week. According to Creecy, Samsa has been instructed to develop a fishing vessel safety improvement plan to prevent future incidents and ensure that vessels operating in SA’s waters meet the highest safety standards. "Samsa acknowledges and has taken note of the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy’s directive to Samsa on Sunday to implement a programme to develop a more comprehensive fishing vessel safety improvement plan and is committed to working with all fishing industry stakeholders to ensure that we achieve this end goal," it said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicole McCain at News24 (trial registration required)
Two ex-Clover workers who 'acted in common purpose' found guilty of murdering two security officers during strike TimesLIVE reports that the South Gauteng High Court has convicted former Clover employees Mohale Shokane and Vusumuzi Duumba of the murder of security officers Terence Tegg and JJ Cassanga. Sentencing proceedings will begin on Wednesday, according to AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, which represented Tegg’s fiancée Michelle Bebbington and the Cassanga family and helped gather evidence in the case. On 17 February 2022, striking Clover employees attacked several guards outside the dairy producer’s facility in Olifantsfontein. Video footage showed how the mob ambushed and overwhelmed Tegg, who worked for a security company contracted during the strike. He was punched and kicked to the floor before rocks and others items were used to smash his head. Cassanga was chased and overwhelmed and his head smashed and beaten with his own shotgun. Tegg died on the day, while Cassanga died in June 2022 as a result of complications from the injuries he sustained. The court found the accused were part of the group that acted in common purpose when it attacked the security officers and that their intention was to murder Tegg and Cassanga. Barry Bateman, spokesperson for the AfriForum unit, said the conviction demonstrated how close work between the state and the unit could ensure justice for victims of crime. A detective ensured critical evidence was gathered and analysed, the unit commissioned a video expert, and helped assess the surveillance footage and video recorded on cellphones. Using clothing and other identifying markers, an expert tracked each individual’s movement on the day and how they were involved in the murders, he explained. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at TimesLIVE. Read too, Two former Clover employees found guilty of murder of two security officers, at News24 (trial registration required). And also, Former Clover workers found guilty of murdering two security guards amid protest, at IOL News
Fuel prices likely to rise in November, says AA BusinessLive reports that according to the Automobile Association (AA), the five-month trend of fuel price decreases is set to end in November. Commenting on unaudited data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF), the AA said that in November it expected the first fuel price increases since May as a result of higher international product prices and a steady softening of the rand against the dollar. According to the CEF’s figures, the price of ULP95 is expected to increase by about 14c/l, while ULP93 is expected to go up by about 3c/l. Diesel is expected to increase by 13c/l to 14c/l, while illuminating paraffin will increase by about 7c/l. The AA added this was a mid-month review of the CEF data and prices were likely to change before the end of the month. The AA commented further as follows: “Lower stable fuel prices play a crucial role in reducing inflation and lowering prices of goods and services. It would greatly benefit our economy if the fuel price decrease trajectory continued for longer but the expected increase, though marginal at this stage, comes at a time when most consumers are still struggling financially and any increase now will add pressure on them”. Officially adjusted fuel prices will come into effect on 6 November. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessLive. See too, The five-month fuel price reprieve may be over, at Moneyweb
Dire shortage of health inspectors in Tshwane and Ekurhuleni SowetanLive reports that the City of Tshwane has the highest shortage of health inspectors in Gauteng, with one inspector for every 60,000 persons in the metro. The ratio is well below national health regulations and international guidelines, which stipulate there should be at least one inspector for every 10,000 people. This has resulted in one inspection of shops per year instead of twice, which is the minimum according to the city’s norms and standards. According to Tshwane’s health director Jerry Motsamai, they only have 74 inspectors in the metro, which has a population of more than four-million. Motsamai attributed the staff shortage to budget constraints and resignations. He said they are not filling posts fast enough to close the gap. The city’s health department has a budget of R460m for salaries for the financial year with 144 vacant posts, which would cost the city R93m to fill. According to council documents, 285 fines valued at R1.2m were issued to food-supplying establishments in the last quarter of 2023. The fines were for food found stored on floors, unsound food and pest control challenges. The situation is similar in Ekurhuleni, where only 94 inspectors are available for a population of 4.2-million, with a ratio of one inspector to every 44,680 people. According to the director of environmental health in Ekurhuleni, Dr Jerry Chaka, the city is supposed to have 420 inspectors, but numbers have dropped from 102 early last year to 94. In Johannesburg, there are 221 inspectors with a single inspector servicing 27,000 people. Environmental health director Peter Manganye said they lost six inspectors in 2023. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Koena Mashale at BusinessLive Restaurant industry facing a simmering chef scarcity Financial Mail reports that the restaurant industry is reliant on tourism, and tourism is reliant on restaurants, award-winning chef Luke Dale Roberts points out. But a shortage of chefs may threaten both, in SA and elsewhere. According to the Hotel Management Network, long hours, meagre pay and a high-pressure environment are driving chefs into less demanding occupations in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. The UK has been particularly hard hit. To plug the gap, the country’s restaurants have looked elsewhere – and well-trained South African chefs are on the list. It’s just part of the reason South Africa is feeling the pinch. Chefs are coming through cooking schools, says Dale Roberts, but many want to work on cruises as soon as possible because of the lure of tax-free earnings, hard currency and travel. Some do want to stay and really learn to cook, “but the percentage has shifted”. Covid has had a hand in the shortage too as lockdown meant chefs stayed home and experienced life away from the high-pressured kitchen environment and the long, unsocial hours. But, it’s not all bad news. The V&A Waterfront has started a pilot project for training hospitality personnel. In a partnership with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the V&A Academy will, from next year, prepare 2,500 young people a year for roles in the tourism, hospitality and retail sectors. Sun City Resort is looking to start its own culinary academy, working with institutions and chefs, and setting up training kitchens and classrooms. And there are also the traditional training schools. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Adele Shevel at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht is SA’s best-paid retail boss with package of R83m BusinessLive reports that Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht’s salary (inclusive of bonuses) rose to R83.3m in the 2024 financial year, cementing his place as SA’s best-paid retail CEO. Engelbrecht earned a 6.6% inflationary adjusted increase as part of a revamped executive compensation structure that included the new executive deferred incentive. Over the past three years, Engelbrecht’s salary has steadily increased, from R63.5m in 2022 to R64.7m in 2023. Remuneration committee chair Peter Cooper cited strong financial results as a key factor for these increases. CFO Anton de Bruyn received a 16% adjustment following a benchmarking review to ensure competitive pay in a challenging economic environment. The group has also taken steps to increase wages for its lowest-paid workers. All general staff employed as of 1 May 2024 received an annual increase, resulting in an average hourly rate of R30.63, which is 11.1% above the national minimum wage of R27.58 an hour. However, the hefty rise in executive compensation raises concerns when compared with the earnings of the company’s lowest-paid workers. According to a report by Just Share, the average CEO in the retail and wholesale sector earns 597 times more than the lowest-paid worker. At Shoprite, the CEO earns 991 times more than the lowest-paid employee. The average lowest-paid worker in the wholesale and retail sector would need to work for 21 months to earn what an average CEO in this sector earns in one day, according to Just Share. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nompilo Goba at BusinessLive. Read too, While Woolies CEO takes a pay cut of R57m, Shoprite CEO gets a R20m bump, at Fin24 (trial registration required). And also, R83 million payday for Shoprite CEO, at BusinessTech
Eastern Cape health spokesperson’s trial over 'fraudulent' matric certificate postponed until March next year News24 reports that the trial of Eastern Cape Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo, who is accused of using a fraudulent matric certificate to get a government job in 2002, has been postponed until March next year. On Tuesday, the seasoned spin doctor briefly appeared before the East London Magistrate's Court for the start of his trial, but Magistrate Sadia Jacobs postponed the matter due to "state logistics". Kupelo is facing two counts of fraud, two counts of uttering and one count of forgery. He was arrested by the Hawks in April. It is the state's case that Kupelo applied for a communication officer post in the office of the premier in March 2002 and was appointed a month later. In November 2002, Kupelo was appointed as a deputy director of communications for the DOH in in Bhisho. According to Hawks Eastern Cape spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, it was established in 2020, when the DOH conducted a skills audit on employees, that Kupelo had never held a matric certificate. "He instead allegedly submitted a fraudulent certificate during his employment," Mhlakuvana alleged. Kupelo is out on R30,000 bail. Jacobs postponed the trial until 18 to 20 March 2025. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sithandiwe Velaphi at News24 (trial registration required) Trial of woman without matric, but who earned R1.2 million working as school teacher, postponed IOL News reports that a forty-year-old Mpumalanga woman, Ntombelanga Pretty Labane, will return to court on 21 November to answer charges of fraud after she earned more than R1.2 million working as a school teacher under false pretenses. Allegedly, Labane does not have a matric certificate, although she does hold a Bachelor of Education degree. She allegedly used a fraudulent matric certificate to apply at the Walter Sisulu University, where she obtained her degree. According to the Hawks, Labane, who has been working as a teacher since 2016, wrote matric four times, namely in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. But, in all her four attempts, she failed. It is alleged that in September 2016, Labane applied for a business and accounting teacher’s post at Hlelimfundo Secondary School in Amersfoort. “Labane submitted a CV, copies of a fraudulent matric certificate, a B-ED degree, and SACE (SA Council for Educators) certificates to the school principal, who informed the school management team to consider her application. They then agreed that she is suitable for the post,” said Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi. Trouble started for Labane when a whistle-blower who knew that the woman did not pass matric, reported the matter to the Public Service Commission (PSC) offices in Mpumalanga. The matter was investigated by the PSC and findings and recommendations were made. During further investigations by the Hawks, it was discovered that Labane did not have a Grade 12 certificate. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jonisayi Maromo at IOL News
Home Affairs clampdown sees thirty-one officials disciplined and two others prosecuted, with more arrests on the way BusinessLive reports that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) took action against 33 officials between July and September as part of its plan to stamp out corruption and maladministration in its ranks. Thirty-one officials have been disciplined and two others prosecuted, with more arrests on the way, the department said on Tuesday. A range of sanctions have been imposed, including criminal prosecution, dismissal, suspension without pay and final written warnings. The officials faced transgressions relating to irregular recruitment, violation of the Citizenship Act and violation of the Immigration Act. Eight of the cases came from the Free State, followed by six cases from KwaZulu-Natal. Further arrests are expected as the department and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), assisted by the Hawks, progress with the implementation of a proclamation that empowers the SIU to investigate serious maladministration and improper conduct in the department relating to the issuance of various permits. “Our determination to root out corruption is absolute, as winning this fight is essential to our vision of turning home affairs into a respected and ethical institution that delivers dignity to all our clients,” DHA Minister Leon Schreiber said, adding that “we have zero tolerance for unethical conduct or corruption.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Linda Ensor at BusinessLive Former RAF employee in KZN who demanded bribe of R500,000 to fast-track payout jailed for 10 years News24 reports that a former KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Road Accident Fund (RAF) employee who demanded a bride of R500,000 from a claimant was sentenced to 10 years' direct imprisonment after she was found guilty of corruption. Nobuhle Magwaza, 45, was sentenced in the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Monday. The Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) said Magwaza was employed as a claims and legal officer. She solicited the gratification to fast-track the processing and authorisation of a R2.7 million claim that was due to the claimant. KZN Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo indicated: "She (Magwaza) requested R50,000 to be paid in cash, while the balance of R450,000 was to be deposited into her bank account once the claim is finalised." He said a case of corruption was reported to the Hawks and an undercover operation was conducted. Magwaza was arrested in February 2020, and released on bail. Mhlongo said Magwaza appeared in court several times before she was found guilty. "She was sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment of which two years is suspended for five years. Thus, Magwaza will serve 10 years of direct imprisonment," Mhlongo reported. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sakhiseni Nxumalo at News24 (trial registration required) Durban logistics manager sentenced to an effective eight years for defrauding company of R24 million using fake invoices IOL News reports that on Tuesday the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court sentenced a 46-year-old man, Rakesh Maharaj, to an effective eight years of imprisonment for 103 counts of fraud, 102 counts of corruption, and one count of money laundering. According to the KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesperson, Simphiwe Mhlongo, Maharaj was employed between January 2015 and September 2017 by Consulens Health Care Solution as a logistics manager. “It was discovered that he colluded with his accomplices and manipulated stock levels on the company system. They allegedly created a requirement for certain products in order to purchase more stock,” said Mhlongo. He reported that Maharaj was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for fraud, of which two years was suspended for three years. This was in addition to another 10 years’ imprisonment for corruption, of which two years was also suspended for three years, and five years’ imprisonment for money laundering, which was wholly suspended for three years. His sentences will run concurrently which means that he will effectively serve eight years direct imprisonment. The trial of Maharaj’s accomplices, Oleena Dauchand, 51, and Debi George, 61, will continue on 30 October 2024. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sinenhlanhla Masilela at IOL News
Cops accused of stealing jewels worth millions from mansion in Llandudno in court TimesLIVE reports that police officers implicated in the alleged theft of jewellery worth millions from a mansion in Llandudno appeared in court on Tuesday in Cape Town. Jacobus Groenewald, 44, Bradley Minnaar, 28, Mthuthuzeli Mafanya, 33, and Bathandwa Soldati, 38, face charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court. Their fingerprints were found at the house in the upmarket suburb after the incident on 14 September. The court earlier heard testimony from Groenewald, who denied involvement. He had received information from informants, he said, about Nigerian nationals who were at the house, in the country illegally, and wanted by Interpol. “The informants took us to an address in Llandudno where access was gained to this house by simply jumping over the wall and opening the gate from the inside,” said Groenewald. The informants said they should wear balaclavas as one informer was known to the suspects. “We searched the premises and split into three groups where the individuals were with us for them to see that nothing had been planted. When I got to the main bedroom, I opened the cupboards where there were multiple Rolex and Cartier boxes and expensive jewellery boxes which were all empty,” said Groenewald. While in the room, a security company arrived after receiving received complaints about activity on the property. The case was postponed to Wednesday. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kim Swartz at TimesLIVE Other internet posting(s) in this news category
|
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page