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 South
African labour-related articles.
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Wounded SA soldiers in DRC told at last minute they were not going home City Press reports that there are at least 189 wounded and sick South African soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), of whom at least five are seriously injured and two are pregnant. The soldiers were wounded last month in bloody battles with the M23 rebels before the group took control of the town of Goma in the eastern DRC. At least 14 South African soldiers died in the battles at Sake and Goma. On Friday morning, the soldiers concerned were told to pack up as they were supposed to leave on Saturday. However, that evening they were told that the plan to evacuate them had failed. The air ambulance to transport the five most critically injured was ready to fly from Kigali in Rwanda to the Waterkloof Air Force Base on Friday. The rest of the wounded and sick soldiers were to follow the same route on an aircraft from the Botswana Air Force. The repatriation plans resulted from almost two weeks of intense negotiations between the M23, the UN mission in the DRC (Monusco) and representatives of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission there (SamiDRC). During the finalisation of the plans, confusion arose over the landing rights for the aircraft, among other things. Most of the 189 wounded and sick are women soldiers who were part of the SamiDRC contingent at the Sake camp, which has since been restricted and guarded by the M23. Several members of the group urgently need trauma counselling. Apart from the psychological effects of the battles, for almost three weeks the soldiers have been confined in poor conditions, without much access to clean water and food, contributing to their ill health. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Erika Gibson at City Press
Body of skipper of fishing vessel found at sea near Mossel Bay News 24 reports that the body of a fisherman who was found floating offshore of Fransmanshoek, near Mossel Bay, was retrieved on Friday afternoon. National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) spokesperson Craig Lambinon said a local boater had come across the body of a man floating in the water. The NSRI rescue craft, St Blaise Rescuer, was launched, while the NSRI Mossel Bay rescue vehicle, Western Cape government health EMS and the SA Police Services responded. Lambinon indicated that the body of the adult man was confirmed to be the skipper of a local fishing vessel. Police have opened an inquest docket. Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the circumstances surrounding the incident were now under investigation. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lisalee Solomons at News24 (subscription or trial registration required) Manhunt for seven men who hijacked ambulance and raped EMS worker in Khayelitsha News24 reports that Western Cape police are on the hunt for seven criminals who hijacked an ambulance and allegedly raped one of the emergency medical services (EMS) staff members in Makhaza, Khayelitsha, on Friday afternoon. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swarbooi said that a 25-year-old complainant and her colleague were both deployed via a local ambulance at a medical facility before the suspects appeared and ambushed the vehicle. "At around 15:20, seven males hijacked the vehicle and fled. The complainant reported that she was raped and was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment," said Swartbooi. The ambulance was recovered in the area later that evening. Western Cape Health Department spokesperson Nadia Ferreira confirmed that one of their HealthNET vehicles had been hijacked. "Although our staff member managed to escape ... she is severely traumatized,” she indicated. This is an ongoing SAPS investigation. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lisalee Solomons at News24 (subscription or trial registration required) Justice Minister condemns killing of acting Limpopo sheriff On Friday, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, expressed profound sorrow and outrage at the recent killing of Mothipa Mojapelo, acting sheriff in the Giyani area. She said: “Sheriffs play an indispensable role in upholding the justice system, ensuring that court orders are executed fairly and effectively … Any attack on a sheriff is an attack on the justice system itself and will not be tolerated.” Mojapelo was brutally attacked and lost his life while carrying out his official duties. The Minister welcomed the swift response of law enforcement agencies, which resulted in the arrest of a suspect and his appearance before the Tiyani Magistrate's Court. According to reports, on 13 February 2025, the sheriff was supposed to have served a court order to repossess a truck; but he was shot to death. The suspect allegedly fled the scene after shooting him. Members of the Mopani Tracking Team, Mopani Highway Patrol, Hlanganani Vispol, and Hlanganani detectives were summoned to the scene of the crime. Investigations were activated, and a 49-year-old male suspect was traced until the late hours, when he handed himself over to the police. His licensed 9mm pistol was confiscated with two live bullets for investigations. Read the Minister’s statement at SA Gov News. Lees ook, Waarnemende balju in Limpopo vermoor, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
What the Solidarity delegation will be telling the Americans: scrap affirmative action City Press reports that the core message that the delegation of the Solidarity Movement will convey this week during its visit to the US to try to restore relations with the administration of President Donald Trump is that SA needs to attract investments to spur job creation and reduce poverty, but racial legislation makes it impossible. The delegation will consist of Solidarity chairperson Flip Buys, executive head Dirk Hermann and head of international liaison Jaco Kleynhans, as well as Kallie Kriel, executive head of AfriForum. Solidarity plans to present a report from the Solidarity Research Institute (SNI) to the Americans. According to the report, affirmative action, preferential procurement based on race and BEE have led to corruption, a shortage of skills and the enrichment of a small number of elites. Supporting examples are mentioned in the report, which also highlights various examples of how these policies have had an impact at ground level. Connie Mulder, head of the SNI, indicated that the purpose of the report was to show stakeholders in the US that race-based legislation discouraged much-needed investments. The SNI report proposes three solutions, namely, the overall removal of BEE requirements for international companies wishing to do business in SA; the suspension of all preferential procurement measures if SA’s economic growth falls below a certain percentage; and the setting of an end date for race-based policies and affirmative action Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Dawie Boonzaaier at City Press (subscription or trial registration required)
Auditor-General reveals years of mismanagement at Compensation Fund and UIF Sunday Independent reports that the Auditor-General of SA (AG) recently delivered a devastating virtual briefing to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), exposing the disastrous financial management and governance inside the Compensation Fund (CF) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The meeting, chaired by Rise Mzansi’s Songezo Zibi, revealed systemic failures, rampant fraud, and a culture of non-accountability that have plagued these entities for over a decade. The CF, which provides compensation to workers injured or disabled in the line of duty, has received a disclaimer of audit opinion for 12 consecutive years. This unprecedented failure underscores a complete breakdown in financial oversight, governance, and internal controls. Meanwhile, the UIF, a lifeline for millions of unemployed South Africans, faces similar challenges, with its 2023/24 audit still underway but already showing signs of significant irregularities. Bulelwa Sikweyiya, senior AG audit manager, delivered a scathing assessment of the CF’s financial management. The CF’s investment strategy also came under heavy scrutiny. Funds were channelled through the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) into unlisted entities, many of which failed, resulting in significant losses. The CF operates under the Department of Employment and Labour, with an acting commissioner who has been in the role for two years. “The current structure is ineffective,” Zamahlangu Mditshwa, senior AG audit manager, pointed out, recommending the establishment of a board to strengthen accountability. The Scopa meeting highlighted the urgent need for decisive leadership and structural reforms within the CF and UIF. As Zibi put it: “This situation is a disaster.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sizwe Dlamini at Sunday Independent
Harmony Gold worker dies in accident at Mponeng mine BL Premium reports that Harmony Gold announced in a statement on Friday that a worker died at one of its mines when an earth tremor led to a fall of ground. The incident occurred on Thursday at the Mponeng mine near Carletonville, southwest of Johannesburg. All relevant authorities and stakeholders have been informed and an investigation, led by the Department of Mineral Resources & Energy, is under way. Mponeng is the world’s deepest mine, extending almost 3,900m below the surface. Group CEO Beyers Nel said: “The safety and wellbeing of our employees is, and will always be, our number one priority. This tragic loss of life is devastating. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We are committed to zero harm and yet recent events remind us that we must do more with urgency, with unity and with unwavering resolve.’ Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hilton Shone at BusinessLive Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Numsa pickets at IDC headquarters to save steelworkers’ jobs GroundUp reports that more than 100 persons under the banner of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) picketed outside the Industrial Development Corporation’s (IDC’s) offices in Sandton on Friday. They called on the government to intervene after ArcelorMittal SA (Amsa) announced in January that it was considering retrenching 3,500 steel manuafacturing jobs at its Newcastle and Vereeniging plants and at AMRAS (the rail and structural subsidiary). This could impact a further 100,000 jobs in the value chain, the union pointed out. Numsa said the the IDC had a responsibility to bring stability to the steel industry. Mbuso Ngubane, Numsa deputy general-secretary, told the picketers the union had been engaging with government ever since Amsa raised the prospect of job losses in 2023. Tshepo Ramodibe, IDC head of corporate, said he would hand over Numsa’s memorandum to the Department of Trade and Industry. Former SA Steel Mills’ workers also joined the picket. More than 100 were laid off a year ago. The company went into business rescue in September. “Picketing here is our last hope, because the business rescue practice keeps delaying,” said Teboho Morithi, who worked at the company for two years. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Silver Sibiya at GroundUp
Senior Mpumalanga education official suspended in jobs-for-sale scandal Sunday World reports that a senior education official in Mpumalanga has been suspended on allegations that she was involved in selling teaching posts to job seekers. Barberton circuit manager Albertina Thoko Khoza was placed on precautionary suspension the week before last after a formal complaint was lodged by temporary teacher Tholakele Cynthia Nkosi. The latter claimed that she paid R24,000 in bribes in exchange for a permanent post that never materialised. Nkosi alleged that Khoza initially demanded R14,000 upfront to secure a permanent teaching post. When nearly a year passed without her appointment, Nkosi grew desperate. She was told she would soon sign a contract but was urged to pay an additional R10,000. She complied, but still, nothing came of the promise. Instead, another teacher filled the position she had paid for. Nkosi then turned to the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) for help and provided an affidavit and recordings as evidence. Sadtu escalated the matter to Mpumalanga education MEC Cathy Dlamini, who ordered an urgent investigation. Provincial education spokesperson Jasper Zwane confirmed Khoza’s precautionary suspension on full pay Sadtu provincial secretary Walter Hlaise encouraged other affected teachers to report similar cases. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane on page 10 of Sunday World of 23 February 2025
North West detective arrested for trying to help detainee escape The Citizen reports that a sergeant in the North West province appeared in court last week after he was arrested for trying to release a person detained for drug possession. Sergeant Tebogo Galetlhobogwe, who is part of the detectives unit in the province, appeared at the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday to face charges of fraud and defeating the ends of justice. He is expected to reappear in court on 4 April 2025, after being granted R2,000 bail. Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the sergeant was arrested when he attempted to have the prosecutor sign admission of guilt fine documents. “The vigilant Prosecutor checked the charge sheet and established that the said case was postponed until Monday, 25 November 2024, for a bail application. The accused allegedly then took the documents to the Clerk of the Court and paid the R100 admission of guilt fine, but the prosecutor registered a case before the suspect could be released,” Mokgwabone explained. Investigations, including in terms of the police disciplinary regulations, are underway. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Gareth Cotterell at The Citizen
ATNS air traffic management boss accused of forcing employee to perform fellatio Sunday World reports that a senior manager at state-owned entity Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) is facing sexual harassment charges for allegedly spanking a junior female employee and forcing her to perform oral sex on him at their offices. The employee has written a complaint to the company’s COO Josia Manyakoana, and copied in three other bosses who are in employee relations, human capital and governance risk and compliance in ATNS. The complainant also copied Barend Smit of trade union Solidarity in her complaint. In the complaint sent on 7 February, the woman who works at ATNS head office in Bruma, claimed that her boss Simon Zwane, who is the head of air traffic management services, made unsavoury sexual comments since she joined ATNS. She said there was a culture within ATNS where males in management have made it the norm that for junior females to progress, there must be some sort of transaction, such as sexual favours. The Sunday World report details the further incidents of alleged spanking and fellatio. The young woman sought professional help and was hospitalised for December 2024 and January 2025 due to major depression. She is currently booked off from work from February to August by her doctors, who comprise a psychiatrist and psychologist. ATNS chairperson Zola Majavu confirmed the matter had been brought to the attention of the board. ATNS spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini said the company has instituted an independent investigation. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bongani Mdakane on page 9 of Sunday World of 23 February 20925
Gautrain CEO confirms legal action over illegal borehole drilling which disrupted train services between Park and Rosebank stations Saturday Star reports that the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) is poised to take legal action against property owners responsible for illegal borehole drilling that has resulted in the suspension of train services between Park station and Rosebank station. CEO Tshepo Kgobe confirmed that consultations with legal counsel were underway. “In accordance with the Gauteng Transport Infrastructure Act (GTIA), homeowners must apply for permission before conducting any drilling. Illegal drilling is considered a serious offence as it can damage underground infrastructure, compromise safety, and result in costly repairs. To ensure such occurrences are prevented in the future, we urge homeowners to follow due process when any land use changes or construction activities are planned,” Kgobe said. The illegal drilling incident has caused significant service disruptions, with repairs to the compromised tunnel underway. The train service between Rosebank and Park Stations remains suspended while repairs are taking place. As a temporary measure, a Gautrain bus replacement service has been instituted to transport passengers every 15 minutes between the two stations from 05:30 to 20:30. Kgobe said efforts were ongoing to restore full service without compromising passenger safety, and customers would be kept informed of developments. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Anita Nkonki at Saturday Star Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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