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 roundup of weekend and recent reports,
see summaries of our selection of recent
South African labour-related articles.
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Over 560 ‘starving and dehydrated’ illegal miners flushed out from shafts in Orkney in North West TimesLIVE reports that more than 500 illegal miners have resurfaced from abandoned mine shafts in Orkney, North West, after an operation by police and members of the defence force to flush them out. On Saturday, 225 illegal miners resurfaced and on Sunday morning another 340 returned to the surface, taking the total arrested to 565. Many of the miners were reported to be starving and dehydrated as community members were barred from sending essential supplies underground to them during Operation Vala Umgodi (close the pit). According to Brig Sabata Mokgwaabone, North West police spokesperson, the illegal miners were among what is believed to be hundreds if not thousands of illegal miners stuck underground with no food, water or other necessities. “The Vala Umgodi teams led by the SAPS and SANDF are blocking routes used to deliver food and necessities to these illegal miners,” Mokgwaabone advised. Acting police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya said the operation was yielding positive results across the country. “Since its inception in December 2023 to date, more than 13,691 suspects have been arrested in the seven provinces that are hotspots for illegal mining,” said Sibiya. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at TimesLIVE. Read too, Number of illegal miners who have resurfaced in Orkney rises to 565, at The Citizen. En ook, Nog 340 onwettige myners uit skagte gedwing, by Maroela Media
Ekurhuleni metro police officer shot dead in suspected hijacking incident on Sunday The Star reports that two Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officers were shot in the early hours of Sunday morning, resulting in one fatality and the other person being left in a critical condition. The incident occurred in Vosloorus in what is suspected to be a hijacking. According to the City of Ekurhuleni, the off-duty officers, Constable Xolani Maxwell Ndlovu and Constable Papo Khumalo, both aged 36, were attacked at approximately 3am at the corner of Nguza Road and Pelser Bridge, Ext 25. A witness reported hearing gunshots and found the officers lying on the side of the road, with one empty cartridge discovered at the scene. Emergency services were called, but Ndlovu was pronounced dead at the scene, while Khumalo was transported to Alberton Hospital for treatment. The officers’ vehicle, a grey Hyundai Tucson, was later recovered near Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Vosloorus, with a bullet hole in the driver’s window. The motive for the attack is unclear, and no arrests have been made. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ntombi Nkosi at The Star Two KZN cash-in-transit heists last week leave one dead and others injured Daily News reports that a cash guard was killed and others were injured in two separate cash-in-transit (CIT) incidents in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) last week. KZN Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo advised: “We can confirm that Hawks members from Newcastle Serious Organised Crime Investigation are investigating a case of cash in transit heist which happened on the N11 (between Newcastle and Ladysmith) on Monday.” He reported that a cash van was attacked by about 15 suspects, who fired shots until the van stopped. “Two security guards were robbed of their service firearms and explosives were used to blow the back of the cash van. The safes did not open, unfortunately, the security guard who was inside was burnt to death,” Mhlongo indicated. He also confirmed that Hawks members from Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation were investigating a CIT heist which happened on Monday along the N2 where a cash van was attacked by unknown suspects. “They shot at the cash van and robbed the security guards of their firearms. They then used explosives to blow up the safes. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash,” Mhlongo said. Two officers sustained moderate injuries from gunshot and assault wounds. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thobeka Ngema at Daily News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Road freight and logistics industry signs two-year wage agreement with unions Engineering News reports that the parties to the National Bargaining Council for the Road Freight and Logistics Industry (NBCRFLI) have concluded a two-year wage agreement, and ensured the extension of the agreement by the Minister of Employment and Labour to non-parties. The agreement will see industry workers receive an across-the-board increase of 7% in the first year (1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026), including extended bargaining unit (EBU) employees up to Paterson Grade B4. EBU employees in Paterson Grade C1 will receive a 6% increase. In year two (1 March 2026 to 28 February 2027) all employees, including EBU employees up to Paterson Grade B4, will receive a 6% increase. EBU employees in Paterson Grade C1 will be allocated a 5% increase. In addition, workers will receive across-the-board increases of 7% in year one, and 6% in year two on consolidated allowances; night shift allowances; subsistence and cross border allowances; and dangerous goods allowances. The signatories to the agreement are the Motor Transport Workers Union of SA, the SA Transport and Allied Workers Union, the Road Freight Association, and the National Employers’ Association of SA. Read the original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News
Cosatu opposes axing of older public servants through early retirement programme Sunday World reports that government’s plan to axe older and experienced civil servants and replace them with young blood would lead to a brain drain in the public service. This was the criticism of labour federation Cosatu after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the early voluntary retirement programme, estimated to cost R11-billion over 2025/26 and 2026/27. Godongwana said the programme was meant to reduce the government’s excessive employment costs while retaining critical skills and promoting the entry of young talent. However, Cosatu believes the move will only serve to cripple public service in the long run/ “We’re wary of offering workers early retirement packages in case it sparks a brain drain of critical skills. Previously government did this and regretted it later,” asserted Cosatu’s Matthew Parks. “Teachers were offered VSPs in the former president Nelson Mandela administration and government regretted the loss of skills. Transnet, Denel and Eskom are trying to bring back skilled workers they lost. SAPS has offered retired members a chance to come back,” Parks pointed out. He also raised concern that staff might leave and their positions might not be filled, worsening the strain on public services. SA Federation of Trade Unions’ (Saftu’s) Zwelinzima Vavi said there were certain ministers, deputy ministers and some top bureaucrats whose salaries should be cut and bemoaned that the working class has borne the brunt of policy positions. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mpho Sibanyoni at Sunday World
For first time in five months, fuel prices expected to rise on Wednesday BusinessLive reports that the Automobile Association (AA) says motorists will have to budget more for their fuel costs in November. Unaudited fuel data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) indicates an increase for all grades of fuel when the adjustments are made on 6 November. According to the data, 93 ULP and 95 ULP petrol costs are expected to climb by 14c/l and 25c/l, respectively, while diesel is expected to increase by 22c/l. Illuminating paraffin is expected to be 21c/l more expensive. The AA said the movement in international oil prices increased sharply in the middle of October but slowed towards the end of the month, cushioning what would otherwise have been an even wider under-recovery. The average rand to dollar exchange is also adding a smaller margin to the expected increases. Based on the numbers, a litre of 95 ULP inland will climb from its current level of R21.05/l to R21.30/l, while the price of 93 ULP inland will increase from R20.73/l to R20.87/l. These prices are still cheaper than they were at the beginning of the year. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessLive. Lees ook, Brandstofpryse styg waarskynlik vandeesmaand, by Maroela Media Godongwana cautious on lowering consumer inflation target range Business Times reports that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has asked the National Treasury and the SA Reserve Bank (SARB) to determine the full impact of a transition to a lower inflation target on consumers and the economy. He indicated on Wednesday that a macro standing committee, namely a joint platform between Treasury and the central bank, had recommended lowering the target, but because the process towards a lower target would be a painful one for South Africans, its impact must be measured before the target could be moved. Godongwana commented: “It may well be that it makes sense in economic terms to have a lower inflation target,” as it would lead to a benefit for the economy as a whole. “But you don’t get there in a manner which is painless. To get there is tough. The question then is: what needs to be done?” he added. SA has an inflation target band of between 3% and 6%. Godongwana said that until an impact assessment had been undertaken, the inflation target would remain as it was. However, SARB governor Lesetja Kganyago has been arguing the merits of a lower target. “South Africa’s inflation target is out of sync. What is clear is that if we revise the target, the target can only be revised lower,” he opined at the annual International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in Washington. The current target was set in 2000. Of late, the Bank has been working to get inflation within the midpoint of the target, and it slowed down to 3.8% in September, raising hopes of another interest rate cut. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Caiphus Kgosana & Khulekani Magubane at Business Times (subscriber access only)
Transnet security chief in R30m row over conditions for contracts to protect rail network Sunday Times reports that in a blow to efforts to revive SA’s battered rail network, a senior Transnet executive is in hot water after demanding that six security companies contracted to secure railway corridors must cough up R30m to subcontract some of the work to a third party. The demand made at a face-to-face meeting and repeated in a WhatsApp message, is seen as highly irregular as it had not been a condition of the contract and would entail additional costs for the security companies. Transnet confirmed on Friday that the allegations against Marius Bennett, general manager for safety and security at Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), would be included in an independent investigation that has already started into its R6.7bn “outcomes-based security” (OBS) contract to combat theft and vandalism on TFR’s rail network. Bennett has apparently been moved out of TFR to Transnet’s group office to await the results of the investigation, which Transnet said was expected to be concluded within two weeks. Bennett was meant to start this month as head of security for the newly established Transnet Infrastructure Manager, an entity set up to facilitate the opening of the rail network to private enterprise, among other things. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sabelo Skiti at Sunday Times (subscriber access only)
Swellendam municipal manager placed on special leave amid allegations of misconduct News24 reports that the Swellendam Municipality was plunged into turmoil after the speaker placed the municipal manager on special leave. The municipal manager faces a slew of allegations of misconduct. Speaker Juan van Schalkwyk last week informed the municipal manager, Anneleen Vorster, that she had been placed on special leave for seven days. The decision was made during a council meeting, which was held behind closed doors. In a letter sent by Van Schalkwyk to Vorster, the municipal manager was informed of the decision to place her on special leave while the council appoints an independent investigator. "Allegations of various types of misconduct within the supply chain process were brought to council's attention. Abiding by the Municipal Systems Act … the council met within seven days to consider these allegations. Council resolved that there is reasonable cause to believe that misconduct within the supply chain has occurred and justifies a formal investigation," the letter advised. It also instructed Vorster to immediately vacate her office, leave the municipal premises, and hand in the municipality's communication and electronic devices to the acting municipal manager. Vorster has apparently also been accused of misappropriation of funds and maladministration. The Swellendam Municipality is currently governed by the DA and FF Plus. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Marvin Charles at News24
Corruption case against Zizi Kodwa and co-accused businessman Jehan Mackay withdrawn TimesLIVE reports that the corruption case against ANC politician Zizi Kodwa and his co-accused businessman Jehan Mackay has been withdrawn. Kodwa and Mackay appeared briefly in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Friday. The state had alleged Kodwa received R1.68m from Mackay, including payments for stays in seaside villas in an upmarket area of Cape Town, between April 2015 and February 2016. This was allegedly in exchange for an IT software tender. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the decision to abandon the prosecution was based on successful representations lodged by the accused with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The representations were considered alongside the evidential material contained in the case docket, the reports from the prosecutor and the regional head of the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit and consultation with the investigating officer. Mjonondwane said the NPA was not in a position to share the details contained in the representations and the factors that informed the DPP’s decision. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Phathu Luvhengo at BusinessLive Batohi to review decision to withdraw corruption charges against Zizi Kodwa News24 reports that National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss Shamila Batohi is to review the decision to withdraw corruption charges against former sports, arts and culture minister Zizi Kodwa and his co-accused. In a statement on Friday, NPA spokesperson advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) had received a letter from the Hawks to request that Batohi review the decision by the South Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), advocate Andrew Chauke. "In terms of Section 179 (5) (d) of the Constitution, the NDPP may review a decision to prosecute or not to prosecute, after consultation with the relevant DPP and after taking representations within a specified period from the accused person; the complainant; any other person or party whom the NDPP considers to be relevant. The NDPP will review the decision in line with the above-stated legal framework and communicate the decision accordingly," Mhaga indicated. Earlier on Friday, it was reported that Kodwa and his co-accused, former EOH executive Jehan Mackay, briefly appeared in the Palm Ridge Commercial Crime Court, where the State announced its decision to withdraw the charges. The charges against Kodwa allegedly emanated from an investigation into a 2015 State Information Technology Agency tender. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Alex Mitchley at News24 (subscription or trial registration required). Lees ook, Batohi gaan besluit oor Kodwa hersien, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Three North West cops face corruption charges for allegedly issuing clearance certificates for stolen vehicles News24 reports that three North West police officers who allegedly received bribes to issue vehicle clearance certificates for two stolen vehicles have been arrested and charged with corruption. The police officers, Tshepiso Theresa Boikanyo, 45, Keorapetse Aubrey Molefe, 44, and Tshedimosetso Bridgette Nku, 22, appeared in the Lehurutshe Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, where they were granted R500 bail each. The police officers were stationed at the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit in Lehurutshe. They allegedly received payment to issue a clearance certificate for a stolen White Toyota Hilux and a silver Volkswagen Polo. Police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh reported: "When these vehicles were stopped at the Ramatlabama Port of Entry, the alert police officer realised the vehicles were issued with SARPCCO (Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Coordination) clearances, but the vehicles had been tampered with. The vehicles were seized and the incident [was] reported to the Anti-Corruption Unit, which resulted in the arrest of the trio." The three officers are expected back in court on 9 December. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (subscription or trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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