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 recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Take-home pay in nominal and real terms increased significantly in 2024 The Citizen reports that the take-home pay of employed South Africans increased significantly in 2024 according to BankservAfrica’s Take-home Pay Index (BTPI), which tracks the average nominal take-home pay of an estimated four million salary earners in SA. The BTPI closed December 2024 on a high note, showing a continuation of the growth observed throughout the year. “The average take-home pay increased by 11.9% year-on-year to reach R17,202 in December 2024, a significant leap from the R15,367 recorded in December 2023,” BankservAfrica’s Shergeran Naidoo noted. The upward momentum in average salaries was evident throughout the year, despite some monthly volatility. “The BTPI consistently highlighted 2024 as the strongest salary year since 2020. The positive shifts in the nominal take-home pay were buoyed by the recovering business environment, load shedding suspension, moderating inflation, new political landscape and two repo rate cuts,” economist Elize Kruger commented. The average nominal take-home pay increased by 7.9% in 2024, the highest growth in years. However, Kruger pointed out that this increase was from a low base, as 2023 as well as 2022 were dismal years for take-home pay. With inflation moderating notably during 2024, salary earners were better off in real terms in 2024, she pointed out. According to Kruger, salaries are expected to stay buoyant in 2025. According to the latest Quarterly Bulletin of the SA Reserve Bank (Sarb), the average nominal salary increase in the first half of 2024 was 5.2% compared to a full-year average of 4.5% in 2023. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ina Opperman at The Citizen. Read too, Awesome news for take-home pay and 2025 salaries in South Africa, at BusinessTech
Ramaphosa blames M23 and Rwandan soldiers for surge in DRC fighting BL Premium reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa has blamed the escalation of fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which led to the deaths of 13 SA soldiers, on the rebel M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia. Ramaphosa, who has held two phone conversations with Rwanda counterpart Paul Kagame over the surge in fighting, said the deployment of the SANDF in the mineral-rich state was not a “declaration of war” against any country. SA is actively pushing for a ceasefire through various diplomatic forums including the UN Security Council, the AU and SA Development Community (Sadc), and has demanded that M23 and Rwanda remove their forces. SA has also supported calls by the UN Security Council for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from the region and halt its support of M23. The rebel group on Sunday took control of the city of Goma, a key hub in the crossfire between M23 and the Congolese armed forces. “The territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected in accordance with the UN charter on the respect of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of other states. We call on all parties to this conflict to fully embrace the current diplomatic efforts that are aimed at finding a peaceful resolution, including honouring the Luanda process agreements,” Ramaphosa said in a statement. The takeover of Goma by M23 “complicates” the push by SA and other actors calling for a ceasefire as it adds another dimension to the conflict, said defence minister Angie Motshekga. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thando Maeko at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Read too, Ramaphosa lauds 'brave' soldiers who died in the DRC as portfolio committee demands answers, at News24 (subscription or trial registration required) ‘They didn’t die in DRC to protect someone’s minerals,’ says Fikile Mbalula on SANDF deaths TimesLIVE reports that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has dismissed speculation that the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed to Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for war and to protect private interests. Thirteen SA soldiers died last week in eastern DRC in an exchange of mortar bombs with M23 rebels near the airport where the SANDF base is located. Briefing the media on Tuesday, Mbalula emphasised that the SANDF's mission was to help maintain peace in accordance with the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) mutual defence pact of 2003. “They didn’t die there because they were protecting someone’s minerals. Our people must not be misled. They went there for peace and that is what it’s all about, it must be understood. Our foreign policy has made a commitment to work for peace in the context of democratic institutions such as the AU and Sadc … Our soldiers died there, but they are brave and must be celebrated because they died on duty for the pan-Africanist cause this government has embraced,” Mbalula argued. Opposition parties including the DA, EFF, MK Party and ATM have called for the withdrawal of SANDF troops from DRC, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of SA soldiers. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Innocentia Nkadimeng at BusinessLive. See too, SA government not considering withdrawing troops from volatile DRC, at EWN. En ook, SA het ‘geen planne’ om troepe aan DRK te onttrek, by Maroela Media Angie Motshekga rejects claims SANDF troops in DRC ran out of food and ammo IOL News reports that Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has refuted claims that SA National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ran out of food and ammunition during their United Nations peace mission. The conflict in the region has resulted in the deaths of 13 SANDF soldiers who were caught in a battle between M23 rebels and DRC soldiers. Speaking on the sidelines of a Cabinet Lekgotla on Wednesday, Motshekga said: “I went to our logistics centre and there was no stage where they said: 'Minister, we have no food’.” Motshekga's comments came amidst growing concerns over the safety and well-being of SANDF troops deployed in the DRC. President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday said he was concerned about the speculation about the state of SANDF troops and the battle conditions. Motshekga indicated that there was a reinforcement plan: "We were not armed to go and fight, we were armed to go there and keep peace. And now that we are caught in the crossfire, it's going to be important for us to reinforce, that's why we reinforced.” The deaths of SANDF soldiers has seen criticism aimed at government for austerity measures that have led to drastic cuts to military capacity and capability. Independent defence analyst William Maphutha noted that the conflict in the DRC has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency from the government. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mashudu Sadike at IOL News. See too, Defence department denies claims that SANDF troops in DRC ran out of ammo, food, at EWN Fedusa hopes DRC deaths will force SA to reconsider funding for SANDF TimesLIVE reports that the Federation of Unions of SA (Fedusa) has called for a thorough assessment of all missions where SA National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers are deployed to ensure adequate resources and their safety. The labour federation made this call as it extended its condolences to the families of the 13 SANDF soldiers who were confirmed killed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). “Fedusa echoes concerns raised about the preparedness of the SANDF, particularly considering reports suggesting lack of necessary resources for this peacekeeping mission. These concerns include years of budget cuts impacting training, equipment and maintenance,” it said. The federation said it hoped this loss of life would serve as a wake-up call for the government to reconsider its approach to resourcing and supporting the defence force. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at TimesLIVE SA Air Force top brass playing golf amid deadly DRC conflict 'the height of disrespect', says DA News24 reports that after high-ranking military officials were seen attending a golfing event this week, the Democratic Alliance (DA) demanded an immediate halt to military celebrations considering ongoing threats to SA soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). . In the last week, 13 SA soldiers were killed while on a peacekeeping mission in the DRC. The DA said it was "the height of disrespect" that officials gathered at the event at the Copperleaf Golf Course in Centurion on Tuesday, with more celebrations planned. According to the EFF's Carl Niehaus, the Chief of the SA Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant-General Wiseman Mbambo, and the chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant-General Lawrence Mbatha attended the golf day. The DA's spokesperson on defence and military veterans, Chris Hattingh, said proceeding with the Armed Forces Day and Air Force Day celebrations would be disrespectful to the SANDF troops who had died and was insensitive to those still facing fire in the DRC. "This is the height of disrespect. The South African Air Force is part of our broader military, which is currently under attack in the DRC. While our soldiers are risking their lives in a foreign conflict, senior officers are celebrating and enjoying festivities," he pointed out. Hattingh added: "High-ranking officers reportedly even travelled to the event in Air Force transport. This is cold, careless, and offensive. To add insult to injury, these events are scheduled to continue while the nation mourns the loss of our soldiers." Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (subscription or trial registration required). Read too, Air Force celebration slated amid crisis facing SANDF in the DRC, at TimesLIVE
SIU findings give impetus to Denel dossier, says Solidarity Maroela Media reports that Solidarity issued a statement on Wednesday indicating that the trade union was encouraged by the findings and recommendations of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) that exposed large-scale mismanagement and corruption at Denel during the state capture era. “These findings have the potential to finally give impetus to Solidarity’s so-called Denel dossier that was released in April 2018. This dossier exposed the mismanagement and corruption of Denel’s management while Solidarity, at a later stage, also laid criminal charges against Denel senior management members implicated in the dossier,” Derek Mans, network coordinator for Solidarity’s aviation and defence sector, pointed out. He said that the SIU findings now needed to lead to urgent action by the SA Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) so that the guilty parties could be brought to book. Mans went on to indicate: “It has been seven years since the release of the dossier and hopefully justice will now be served after corrupt parties have wreaked untold damage to Denel itself and to the lives of employees who had to pay the price for the fact that Denel had been looted to the brink of collapse.” He added: “Moreover, with the tragedy unfolding in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in which many South African soldiers who are without the necessary equipment find themselves at the mercy of the enemy, we are seeing how huge the impact of decay can be. Mismanagement at Denel has therefore also left the country’s national security vulnerable.” Read the full original of the Afrikaans report in the above regard at Maroela Media. Read too, Political parties slate defence department, Denel after SIU uncovers procurement irregularities, at Mail & Guardian
Not all would be lost with Amsa’s long-steel plant closures, analyst argues BL Premium reports that against a backdrop of talks on a possible R1bn bailout for ArcelorMittal SA (Amsa), an analyst has cast doubt on fears that the closure of the steel maker’s long-steel plants would lead to the sector’s collapse. In a note shared with Nedbank private wealth clients last week, independent political and economic analyst JP Landman said there would be life after the closure of Amsa’s long-steel plants. He pointed out that that mini-mills supplied half of the long steel and that about 32% of consumption was imported. Stakeholders, including the government, have been scrambling to find a way to revive the company and avert job losses since learning early this month that Amsa would be closing its long-steel plants in Newcastle and Vereeniging. This would result in 3,500 direct job losses and put 25,000 more jobs in the steel value chain at risk. However, Landman argued that the local market was not likely to suffer a shortage because steel could be bought and imported at low cost from various sources while mini-mills already provided half of SA’s long-steel needs. "The mini-mills may well start making some of the smaller products historically made by Amsa," Landman opined. But Elias Monage, president of the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa, disagreed with the idea that the gaps left by Amsa could be replaced by existing alternatives. Monage said that there were differences in the Amsa and mini-mills processes and the quality of steel they produced. In his view, to rely on imports and so support employment in other countries would set a dangerous precedent. "As a country, we need every job we can create and protect given the increase in unemployment figures," Monage stated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Michelle Gumede at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Security personnel discover body at Margaret mineshaft in Stilfontein SABC News reports that North West police have opened an inquest docket following the discovery of a body at Margaret Shaft in Stilfontein. This is one of the shafts that illegal miners used to emerge from underground between November and December last year, at the height of Operation Vala Umgodi. Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone indicated: “The body suspected to be of an illegal miner was retrieved from Margaret Shaft, Stilfontein. According to information, the body, which was already in a state of decomposition, was discovered by the shaft security personnel who were sweeping level 16 of the shaft. The cause of death is still unknown and an inquest docket has been opened for investigation.” Read the original of the short report in the above regard at SABC News Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Following verification process, Mangaung librarian in court for alleged fake qualifications IOL News reports that a Mangaung metro librarian, Arron Gaotingwe Raphutse, 49, has appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on fraud, theft, and uttering charges. This after the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) uncovered that he allegedly misrepresented his qualifications to secure his job. The case dates back to 2007 when Raphutse applied for a post in the municipality’s Community and Social Development Sub-Directorate. The municipality appointed Raphutse in the belief that he held the requisite qualifications. The truth surfaced when a verification process exposed that Raphutse did not hold the credentials he claimed. The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit took up the case, and a warrant for his arrest was issued on 24 January. Raphutse later turned himself in. Free State police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti indicated that as a result of the fraud, the municipality was prejudiced and suffered a loss of over R1.3m. Raphutse was granted bail of R2,000, and the case was postponed to 4 February. Free State’s Hawks head, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, warned that faking qualifications was a serious offence, with consequences for both individuals and institutions. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thobeka Mthembu at IOL News
Nehawu slates funding disparities between university and college students 'facing same challenges' News24 reports that on Wednesday, the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education conducted an oversight visit at the Taletso TVET College in the North West province to assess its state of readiness for the 2025 academic year. Unions, student leadership, and college management laid bare the many challenges faced by the institution. Representatives from the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) spoke out about the brutally visible differences in funding for students at TVET colleges and those at universities. It was pointed out that despite living in the same towns, there was a vast difference in state funding for students at universities and those at colleges. Letlhogonolo Sethlaganyane, regional Nehawu secretary, argued that it was unfair that different funding applied to different institutions. "Students are discriminated against despite facing the same challenges as university students when it comes to accommodation conditions. Lichtenburg town is more expensive, but our students get less compared to their university counterparts. In Mafikeng, they are subjected to the same conditions, yet they still receive far less than their university counterparts," he pointed out. An official from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme explained that less funding was made available for accommodation and other related expenses in rural areas, as opposed to urban areas and cities, which were generally more expensive. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jason Felix at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)
AFU, Hawks attach property linked to fraud and theft of R157m from Nedbank TimesLIVE reports that members of the Asset Forfeiture Unit and the Hawks have seized and attached various properties of 15 individuals in Gauteng who are alleged to have committed fraud and theft amounting to R157m from Nedbank between July 2018 and January 2023. These properties are in Roodepoort, Randburg, Krugersdorp and Pretoria. The property secured by curators, with a combined estimated value of about R33, included houses, sectional title units, a smallholding, 77 vehicles, cash held in bank accounts and business interests. “Items that were attached at the various locations include gold and silver jewellery, luxury wristwatches and designer clothing items, laptops and cellphones, about R80,000 in cash, a cash counting machine, licensed handguns and assault rifles, 16 magazines with ammunition and 2,172 rounds of ammunition of various calibres,” NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane indicated. She said the 15 were being prosecuted in the Johannesburg specialised commercial crimes court on charges of fraud and theft. The accused were released on bail and are expected to appear in court on 26 March. Allegedly, one of the 15 individuals, Nicolette de Villiers, who was employed by Nedbank as an investigator in its group financial crime forensics and security division during the period in question, abused her position to engineer the fraud and theft by unlawfully transferring funds held in suspense accounts by Nedbank on behalf of legitimate victims of fraud into the bank accounts of various unlawful recipients with whom she was personally acquainted. Of the property secured in terms of the court order, Lucas Mathimbi, also a former Nedbank employee, was connected to 11 immovable properties. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at TimesLIVE Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Two suspects nabbed for torching over 50 Putco buses in Mpumalanga SABC News reports that Mpumalanga police have arrested two suspects in connection with the torching of over 50 Putco buses in the Nkangala District on Monday night. Police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday night. A group of armed individuals driving a Quantum, a minibus and a sedan set fire to the buses at various depots in the area. During the incident, several employees were attacked, with one security guard sustaining a gunshot wound whilst others sustained some injuries after being assaulted. The suspects, who were wearing balaclavas and black clothing, also reportedly held the employees at gunpoint during the attack. Mdhluli said one of the suspects was found in possession of a mobile phone belonging to one of the victims, as well as a magazine for a 9mm pistol without ammunition. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Rhulani Baloyi at SABC News. Read too, MISA calls for police task team to hunt down those behind Putco bus arson attacks, at EWN. And also, Investigations into the torching of Putco buses still ongoing, say police, at SABC News
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