In our Friday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Southern African leaders agree to phased withdrawal of troops from DRC BL Premium reports that leaders of the Southern African regional bloc have decided on a phased withdrawal of troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following a surge in fighting with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels that left more than a dozen SA soldiers dead. It was advised on Thursday that the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) also decided to terminate the mission, which began in December 2023, and directed the commencement of a phased withdrawal of the Sadc Mission in DRC (SamiDRC) troops. It noted “with grave concern the continued deterioration of the security situation in Eastern DRC, including the capture of Goma and Bukavu.” The leaders recognised that a military solution alone could not resolve the complex conflicts in the eastern DRC. Instead, they advocated for inclusive dialogue and negotiations, bringing together all parties, including the nonstate actors. Hundreds of SamiDRC troops, including South Africans, are being held by M23 rebels in DRC. Now that the SamiDRC mission has ended, efforts to rescue them will move forward. SA has about 1,000 additional troops in the DRC as part of a UN mission. Following the deaths of 14 SA soldiers in the region in January, there was increased pressure on the government to withdraw troops. Malawian and Tanzanian soldiers also died while serving under SamiDRC. For 2025/26, the Treasury allocated R5bn for the mission and to “supplement existing peacekeeping activities”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thando Maeko at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Read too, SADC announces phased withdrawal of troops from eastern DRC, at Mail & Guardian. En ook, SAOG gaan troepe aan DRK onttrek, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Man arrested for fatal hit in December on acting Hammarsdale school principal TimesLIVE reports that police say the arrest of a 28-year-old man in connection with the murder of the acting principal at Sikhethuxolo High School in Hammarsdale, west of Durban, will lead to more arrests. Busani Khomo, 57, was shot dead while on his way from school in December. His murder was suspected to be linked to the vacant principal post which the education department was filling. Khomo was earmarked for the position as he had acted in it for almost six years. The suspect arrested on Tuesday appeared briefly in the Hammarsdale Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, when he abandoned his bail application. The case was postponed to 17 April. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Capt Ntathu Ndlovu said the serious and violent crimes unit was expected to make more arrests. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Mlungisi Mhlophe-Gumede at TimesLIVE Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Solidarity’s negotiations at FlySafair aim to halt ‘exodus’ of pilots BusinessTech reports that Solidarity is preparing to enter into salary negotiations with FlySafair to improve the employment conditions of pilots, which it believes threatens an exodus of skilled personnel. The trade union believes poor employment conditions, particularly a contentious rostering system, could push skilled pilots to seek opportunities elsewhere. Remón Viviers, Solidarity’s network organiser for the aviation industry, stressed the need for improved working conditions and competitive salaries for FlySafair’s pilots. He explained that while salary discussions were a key component of the upcoming negotiations, addressing broader concerns such as pilot well-being and work schedules was equally important. According to Viviers, one issue for the pilots was a recently introduced rostering system. Pilots have expressed frustration over the system, which they claim is inflexible and disruptive, making it challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Solidarity says it has repeatedly warned that pilot dissatisfaction could lead to staff departures. Viviers criticised FlySafair’s management for not fully understanding the extent of the issue, warning that if left unresolved, it could complicate salary negotiations. The first formal engagement on issues raised by Solidarity is expected to take place on 20 March. Meanwhile, FlySafair has defended its rostering system, stating that it aligned with industry standards and best practices. Addressing concerns about pilot departures, the airline stated that while some turnover was natural, it continued to attract a high volume of applications from qualified candidates looking to join its ranks. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Malcolm Libera at BusinessTech. Lees ook, Onderhandelinge by FlySafair om ‘uittog’ van vlieëniers te stuit, by Maroela Media. En, Vlieëniers ‘vlieg’ glo weg van FlySafair oor nuwe rooster, by Netwerk24 (toegang slegs vir intekenare)
Anglo American plans fresh corporate job cuts as part of restructuring Bloomberg reports that Anglo American Plc is planning more job cuts at its corporate office, as it restructures its business by selling assets and spinning off its platinum unit. The company has sent notices to employees who are likely to be affected. The job cuts were in line with the company’s disposals and other restructuring plans, Anglo American said in response to queries. Consultations have just begun and the number of people affected has yet to be determined. Anglo began restructuring the business last year after it fended off a take-over bid by the rival BHP Group. It has sold its coking coal and nickel businesses and is on track to spin off most of its controlling holding in Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) by June. It also plans to either sell or hold an initial public offering for its De Beers unit, which is the world’s biggest diamond company. Most of its corporate staff are in South Africa. The company slashed jobs at its main South African corporate office in 2023 and later fired workers at its iron ore unit, which it is retaining, and at Amplats. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Loni Prinsloo & Antony Sguazzin at Moneyweb Exxaro appoints Ben Magara, ex-CEO of platinum miner Lonmin, as its new head Bloomberg reports that Exxaro Resources has appointed Ben Magara as chief executive officer as the coal producer moves to diversify the minerals it mines. Magara, previously the CEO at Lonmin Plc following the Marikana massacre, will take over on 1 April, Exxaro advised in a statement on Thursday. The company completed its search to fill the position within a month after Nombasa Tsengwa, who had been on precautionary suspension over claims related to workplace conduct, resigned over the handling of a probe into the allegations. “Magara’s time leading platinum producer Lonmin as well as a company he subsequently founded that focuses on battery metals and precious metals made him an ideal candidate to stabilize the organisation,” Exxaro said. Magara is the founder of Africa Mining & Metals Group, an asset management firm focused on electric-vehicle battery metals such as lithium, copper and cobalt. The more than 30-year mining veteran’s appointment comes at a critical time for Exxaro, as the company executes its growth blueprint to maximise the potential of its vast coal assets while seeking new streams of revenue to mitigate the risk of stranded assets in a decarbonising world. Based on a report by Paul Burkhardt at Moneyweb and a report by Lindiwe Tsobo at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Labour Court upholds limitation on when Electoral Commission's employees can strike Pretoria News reports that the role of the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) and the right of its employees to strike came under the spotlight in the Johannesburg Labour Court recently. The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) was aggrieved that its members working for the commission were curbed in respect of when they could strike. The Electoral Act stipulates that the IEC is an essential service for the purposes of the Labour Relations Act. In that regard, the union embarked on negotiations through the commission’s national bargaining forum to agree on a minimum service agreement (MSA). The parties agreed on most of the terms, but they could not agree on when union members could strike. The forum proposed curbing strikes during certain times close to the elections. Nehawu felt that this would have the effect of limiting strikes by its members, and the matter was referred to the Essential Services Committee (ESC). The ESC found that the Electoral Act and the Local Government Municipal Act both limited strikes at times critical to elections so that they could proceed without interference. It found that the limitation on strikes was therefore fair. Unhappy with this finding, the union turned to the Labour Court. “There can be little doubt that free and fair elections are an essential pillar of our democracy, and the Electoral Commission serves a critical service in that respect,” Acting Judge Reynaud Daniels said in turning down the union’s review application. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Zelda Venter at Pretoria News
‘Trade unions must adapt to the new world of work, or die’ Gideon du Plessis, general secretary of Solidarity, writes that it comes as no surprise that the World Economic Forum’s latest “Future of Jobs Report” indicates an increase in demand for technology skills and technology literacy, with skills focusing on AI, machine learning, software application and development, big data and network and cyber security particularly sought-after. The changing work environment and the new challenges it presents also create demand for employees with analytical, creative, resilience and smart skills. According to Du Plessis, to be relevant, trade unions will have to adapt to the new world of work. “While SA is lagging behind compared to developed countries that are at the forefront of the wave of the fourth industrial revolution, our trade unions will have to start to make the mind shift, as they are still caught up in the era of the third industrial revolution,” he points out. “The days of trade union recruitment of members outside the gates of a workplace and of convening mass meetings of members, are gone. There has to be a shift to digital platforms and social media to communicate with members and attract new members. The trade unions of choice will be those that offer online training opportunities to their members, especially in AI and technology-related skills,” Du Plessis points out. During salary negotiations the focus will have to shift to demands related to skills development, and trade unions will need to in particular to ensure their members can acquire scarce and critical skills. Moreover, unions’ main challenge will be to retain recognition in the workplace. Whereas recognition is currently linked mainly to the percentage of employees a trade union represents, the focus will have to shift to the interests of the employees who are represented. “The trade unions that will survive are those whose own workplace and way of work make use of technology, digital platforms and AI of the new world of work,” Du Plessis argues. Read Gideon du Plessis’ thought-provoking analysis in full at BusinessLive
Without long-term solutions, new Amsa bailout means little, Solidarity insists Maroela Media reports that unless talk of a new R3 billion bailout from the government will undeniably benefit ArcelorMittal SA (Amsa) and the long-steel industry in the longer term, Solidarity does not consider it to be a solution. The trade union wants much greater clarity for its members from Amsa as well as from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition about the nature and scope of the new and temporary rescue plan that will apparently extend over a one-year period. Moreover, the plant closures and the forced retrenchment of employees are nonetheless continuing and Solidarity wants to see them suspended. The closure of Amsa’s long-steel plants at Newcastle, Vereeniging and Witbank, and the retrenchments that would follow were announced earlier this year. Willie Venter, deputy general secretary for the metal and engineering industry at Solidarity, says the latest plans for emergency funding, in the absence of a thorough blueprint for the revival of long-steel plants and the wider industry, “sound hopelessly too ill-conceived”. Furthermore, in his view it creates renewed uncertainty among employees and members of Solidarity, who were given this bad news early this year after several futile rescue attempts. Venter says there are far too many unanswered questions about the bailout. He wants the forced retrenchment process to be suspended, even if only temporarily, so that greater clarity can obtained about the government assistance to Amsa. “This will at least ease the uncertainty of members and the tension over impending job losses,” Venter pointed out. Meanwhile, consultations between trade unions and Amsa on the retrenchments are scheduled to continue on Friday. Read the full original of the Afrikaans report in the above regard at Maroela Media
April petrol price prediction points to cut of nearly R1 per litre The Citizen reports that latest fuel price data points to more mileage for motorists’ buck come the April holidays and Easter break, with February’s downward trend in recoveries for petrol and diesel continuing in March. If the current over-recoveries hold, this will result in two consecutive months of petrol price cuts Fuel price cuts might even be close to the R1 mark for petrol and diesel if the predicted decreases in petrol and diesel prices hold until official price adjustments come into play on 2 April. The latest fuel snapshot from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) shows that petrol prices are sitting pretty with an over-recovery of between 85 cents and 98 cents per litre, while diesel is gunning for another significant cut of around 84 cents per litre. The CEF’s predictions, however, come with a caveat, as factors – such as the Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum’s slate levy or retail margin changes – could still affect the final official fuel prices. Motorists will, however, still be paying more taxes for fuel from April, with the carbon fuel levy going up. From 2 April, the carbon fuel levy will increase by 3cpl from 11cpl to 14cpl for petrol and from 14cpl to 17cpl for diesel. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Cornelia Le Roux at The Citizen
Msundusi serves chief of traffic with intended suspension notice The Witness reports that Msunduzi city manager Nelisiwe Ngcobo has formally notified a senior municipal traffic officer of an intended suspension, following allegations of assault, bullying, victimisation, mismanagement, and abuse of power. Traffic officers marched on the Pietermaritzburg City Hall on Wednesday to demand swift action against the city’s chief of traffic, Zachariah Maluleka. The protesting traffic officers handed over a memorandum of grievances to Ngcobo, alleging that Maluleka had assaulted a colleague, had bullied staff and was responsible for mismanagement. Ngcobo confirmed that Maluleka was served with a notice of intended suspension on Monday. “I’ve given him 48 hours to provide reasons why he should not be suspended following the report about the assault. I can’t work on hearsay, which is why it took this long to serve him with the letter,” she said. She also referred to the officers’ further demands, requesting additional time to handle the situation thoroughly. “Seventy-two hours is a bit unreasonable because there are processes that must be followed. I need about two weeks to handle this, and I will issue an action plan within 72 hours,” Ngcobo indicated. Thulani Nzimande, a shop steward from the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu), said there was significant frustration among the officers. “The employer is failing to provide a proper work environment,” claimed Nzimande. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chris Ndaliso at The Witness CEO of Air Traffic Navigation Services put on precautionary suspension by Transport Minister BL Premium reports that Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has ordered the board of the Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS) to place its CEO, Nozipho Mdawe, on precautionary suspension. This is pending the outcome of an investigation by an independent law firm as to whether she fulfilled her duties and responsibilities as CEO. ATNS is the sole provider of air traffic management, navigation, training and associated services in SA. The precautionary suspension of Mdawe follows an investigation by a committee of aviation experts appointed by Creecy in December to probe air traffic navigation services in SA and the problems that have beset the ATNS. These include flight delays at a number of airports because of failure to maintain flight instrument procedures. Creecy said the findings of the committee “reveal several grave and material issues within the ATNS and the country’s air traffic navigation services”. The committee of experts identified vital staffing shortages, particularly in air traffic services; lack of critical communication, unreliable navigation and surveillance systems; flight procedures suspended as a result of not being maintained and gaps in safety governance and practices. The transport department said in a statement on Thursday that ATNS CFO Matome Moholola would act as CEO. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Linda Ensor at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Crime intelligence general Feroz Khan acquitted in disciplinary hearing, returns to work News24 reports that police Crime Intelligence's (CI’s) Major General Feroz Khan has been cleared of all charges in a disciplinary hearing battle linked to a R700 million drug bust in July 2021. Khan was charged with defeating the ends of justice and bringing the SA Police Service (SAPS) into disrepute because he instructed the arrest of police officers whom he believed were not conducting a legitimate operation to seize a cocaine shipment stuffed inside truck parts being delivered to Scania, the truck company, in Aeroton. The parts were from Brazil. The case against the officers who were arrested was later withdrawn, prompting complaints against Khan and Gauteng Hawks boss, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa. In his ruling on 4 March, Major General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi dismissed both charges. He seemingly did not provide the parties with his written ruling and police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe would not be drawn on specifics. "This is a matter between the employer and the employee – as such we cannot comment on it," she said on Monday. The divisional commander for CI, Major General Dumisani Khumalo, confirmed the acquittal during an appearance before the Parliamentary portfolio committee for police last week. Meanwhile, Khan was apparently back into the thick of the action when he returned to work on Monday. He led an operation that resulted in the rescue of a kidnapped Ethiopian businessman who was taken in Norwood on Sunday. Four suspects were arrested and are due to appear in court soon. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kyle Cowan at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)
Warrant issued for arrest of ex-home affairs official after no-show in court over fraudulent ID scheme SowetanLive reports that a warrant of arrest has been issued for former Department of Home Affairs (DHA) administrator Charlotte Bens-Edward after she failed to appear in court on a charge of fraud. The 40-year-old was expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Wednesday alongside two former colleagues, Lebogang Sunduzwayo and Mzamo Mbilini, bogus doctor Kingsley Chele and his alleged father Thabo Isaac Puseletso Chele. Bens-Edward is alleged to have run a fraudulent ID syndicate by issuing more than 370 fake documents and charging applicants more than R2,000 each. State prosecutor Madre Amorita Windvogel indicated that Bens-Edward, who was out on bail, had been arrested for a new matter. “She was arrested for dealing with drugs and she is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate's Court,” she informed the court. But Magistrate R Mfulwane emphasised that the court had no confirmation as to whether the accused had indeed been arrested. “A warrant of arrest is authorised against the accused and the matter is postponed to 26 March,” she ordered. Read the original of the report in the above regard by Herman Moloi at SowetanLive
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