In our roundup of weekend and recent reports,
see the following summaries of our selection of
South African labour-related articles.
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Amplats becomes Valterra Platinum, ahead of demerger from Anglo American BL Premium reports that Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), set to be renamed Valterra Platinum before its imminent demerger from the Anglo American group, says it is likely to incur “significant” one-off set-up costs to operate independently. In its annual report published on Thursday, the company said some of the risks associated with its break-up from Anglo American was that some or all of the anticipated benefits of the demerger might not be realised. It also said that the stand-alone outfit “will not be able to rely on certain existing sources to fund its future capital requirements and financing from new sources may be available on less favourable terms”. However, the company, led by Graig Miller, said it has had “extensive” engagements with SA and offshore banks that have expressed “strong interest” in supporting the stand-alone business. The demerger is set to be completed by June as Anglo simplifies its portfolio and turns its back on platinum group metals (PGM), diamonds, metallurgical coal and nickel. Amplats, the history of which stretches back 80 years, has reconfigured its management to make the post-demerger organisation fit for purpose. It said the changes to its executive committee were meant to address business challenges, streamline roles and enhance strategic alignment. “The structure emphasises a local operational presence in SA and brings previously regional and group functions directly under Anglo American Platinum to avoid redundancy,” the company indicated. The company will retain its primary listing in Joburg post the demerger and seek a secondary listing in London. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Platinum has been biggest mining employer since 2006 Engineering News reports that platinum and coal mining have outpaced gold mining in terms of people employed in SA. The country has more than 80% of the world’s platinum group metal (PGM) deposits and the number of people working in platinum mining has doubled from 85,000 in 1988 to 183,000 in 2023. Just over 96,000 people were employed in coal mining in 2023. Gold is now the third largest employer in SA’s mining sector, having shed 80% of its workforce over the past 35 years. In 1988, more than half-a-million people worked in gold mining. By 2000, that number had plunged to less than half at 217,000. By 2023, it had fallen to 94,000 employees. Chrome and manganese mining have seen significant growth in their employee numbers, with both industries tripling their workforce over the past three decades. It is reckoned that these two minerals will continue to grow in importance as they are critical for renewable energy-related products. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at Engineering News
Tragedy at West Coast Airshow as highly skilled and respected pilot dies in plane crash Sunday Tribune reports that SA pilot James O' Connell died on Saturday afternoon when the Impala Mark 1 aircraft he was flying crashed during the West Coast Airshow in Saldanha. O’Connell, a highly skilled and respected test pilot was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the beloved warbird with deep historical significance for many South Africans, which has not been seen performing at airshows for many years. The manoeuvres were being executed as part of the official airshow program, witnessed by thousands of spectators. Widely shared videos on social media captured the moment the Impala MK 1 ascended, spun in mid-air, and then plunged to the ground and burst into flames. The aircraft appeared to be under control during most of the display. However, during one of the final manoeuvres, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and entered a steep dive before making contact with the ground. The event’s emergency response plan was activated and first responders were on scene within moments. The area was immediately secured to ensure the safety of all attendees. No spectators were injured during the incident. The SA Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Show SA (ASSA) are currently investigating. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Sunday Tribune. Read too, Tributes pour in for James O'Connell, pilot killed during West Coast airshow, at News24 (subscription or trial registration required). And also, Was ace pilot under pressure to perform? Speculation soars after Saldanha air show tragedy, at TimesLIVE Premium (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Popcru backs disruptive EMPD highway protest, calls for nationalisation of traffic policing Saturday Star reports that the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has taken a firm stance in support of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) personnel who took illegal protest action on Wednesday. The unrest brought traffic to a standstill and sparked outrage, particularly along major routes including the R21 southbound to OR Tambo Airport. Members of the EMPD protested about grievances regarding inadequate salary adjustments, restricted overtime pay, and allegations of unfair labour practices. Popcru president Thulani Ngwenya emphasised that these issues were not merely procedural but rather concerned the fundamental rights of workers. Emphasizing the critical need for a more stable environment for officers, Ngwenya said: “The decentralized nature of traffic law enforcement has resulted in significant disparities in job security, career development, and service delivery. Traffic officers working in different municipalities and provinces face unequal pay, poor career progression, and limited opportunities for professional growth. Nationalization will address these inequalities.” On the other hand, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) condemned the actions of the EMPD members, calling for decisive action against them. “According to the Labour Relations Act, metro police members are prohibited from participating in strikes and obstructing service delivery,” the party pointed out. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Anita Nkonki at Saturday Star. Read too, Road Freight Association slams disruptive EMPD officers’ protest, at Sunday World. En ook, Padvragvereniging veroordeel EMPD-staking, Popcru bankvas agter beamptes, by Sunday World
Five mineworkers challenge dismissals based on Sibanye Gold’s ban on taking food underground IOL News reports that after five mineworkers who were fired for allegedly taking food underground at a Sibanye Gold mine turned to the Joburg Labour Court (LC) their dismissals were referred back to the CCMA. The mine had placed a ban on taking food down the mine shaft as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and prevent illegal miners from received food underground. During arbitration, the CCMA commissioner had found that the dismissals were substantively fair. The former employees asked the LC to overturn that ruling. Sibanye Gold opposed the review application. The individual miners were employed in different capacities and at varying times by Sibanye at its underground Cooke Operations. It was not disputed that in an endeavour to curb illegal mining activities at its operations, Sibanye had entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) with representative unions. It was agreed to institute a total food ban, prohibiting the employees from taking any food items with them when reporting for duties underground. The MOU was to be in place for 45 days, and the food ban was to be revised within 14 days to assess its effectiveness in combating illegal mining activities. The five miners allegedly took food down the shaft, and following disciplinary hearings, they were fired. But, the fired miners maintained that when their bags were searched, no food was found. On arbitration and following video evidence that was presented by Sibanye of the incidents, the commissioner concluded that the balance of probabilities favoured Sibanye’s version; hence, the dismissals were substantively fair. But, the LC found that there was no basis for this finding, as the video evidence did not show any food in the employees’ possession. It referred the matter back to the CCMA to be re-determined by another commissioner. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Zelda Venter at IOL News
Investec to help find buyer for Amsa’s long-steel plant in Newcastle Business Times reports that Investec Bank has been brought in to help with the possible sale of ArcelorMittal SA’s (Amsa’s) long steel plant in Newcastle amid state efforts to keep the business running. An informed source said Investec had been brought in to facilitate the bidding process by parties who wanted to try to turn the business around and ensure it remained open. Investec declined to comment on Friday. In statement a day earlier, Amsa said it was in talks with stakeholders, including the government, for a funding package that would defer the winding down of the long steel business. “The wind-down process has not been stopped and is being managed in a manner that accommodates ongoing funding discussions,” the statement advised. The Department of Trade, Industry & Competition (DTIC) said last week it was still trying to avoid the closure of the Newcastle operation. It noted that it and the Industrial Development Corporation had provided Amsa with R380m last month in addition to the R1bn working capital facility extended by the IDC in June 2024. The DTIC confirmed that funding of nearly R417m had been approved under the UIF temporary employee relief scheme (TERs) to sustain 2,982 Amsa staff over the next 12 months on condition of productivity improvements. “These interventions are not designed to provide direct financial relief to Amsa but are part of a broader strategy to protect South Africa’s steel industry and ensure the preservation of its industrial capacity,” the DTIC explained. It added that the government remained committed to exploring alternative solutions to sustaining long steel production and safeguarding jobs. In January Amsa announced it would close its long steel operations in Newcastle and Vereeniging, putting 3,500 direct jobs and 20,000 others in the steel value chain on the line. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Dineo Faku at Business Times (subscriber access only)
Military's 'hasty' plan for more recruits 'doomed' to provide inferior training City Press reports that the military has big plans to train 10,000 young, healthy new recruits within a year and, at the same time, recruit more white aspirants. Currently, there are scarcely 5% whites in junior ranks, which, according to the quota system, requires double that number as over 90% are black. However, what is causing the biggest headache for the military planners is where to gather enough instructors, medical support staff and logisticians to handle the new recruits. The training facilities are also inadequate. In addition to these bottlenecks, the military's uniform supply is insufficient. The first 5,000 young recruits are earmarked to be trained as a hybrid force that will receive specialised training in the army, air force, navy and SA Military Health Service (SAMHS) after their initial training. The first 5,000 recruits are planned to report to the Infantry School in Oudtshoorn in June. The next 5,000 will be recruited in January 2026. However, senior army officers say due to hasty planning, the plan is doomed to provide inferior training from the start. Each of the two intakes will be basically trained in a single central training unit in drill work, weapon training and certain functions corresponding to the different military divisions (army, air force, navy and SAMHS). But none of the current training units is ready to handle an influx of so many new recruits at once. Conservatively estimated, an additional 900 instructors and 250 support staff will be needed. But at the same time, the military is getting rid of its experienced and noncommissioned officers through voluntary separation packages, although their expertise is needed to successfully handle the type of training envisaged. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Erika Gibson at City Press (subscription or trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
'Cautious' SARB keeps repo rate on hold Business Times reports that the SA Reserve Bank’s (SARB’s) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) kept the repo rate unchanged at its meeting on Thursday, with four members supporting a hold in rates and two favouring a cut of 25 basis points. This means that the repo rate remains 7.5%, while the prime ending rate stays at 11.0%. The MPC noted that global economic instability and domestic uncertainties necessitated a cautious approach to monetary policy going forward. Meantime, Stats SA announced last week that annual consumer inflation remained unchanged at 3.2% in February. SARB governor Lesetja Kganyago pointed out that the global economy was experiencing extreme uncertainty, with inflation elevated in developed economies and policy adjustments from major central banks as a result of fresh inflationary risks. He commented further: “We continue to see low inflation for goods, which is likely to be temporary. Services inflation is somewhat higher, but still below the 4.5% target midpoint. Inflation expectations are close to the midpoint. For now, inflation appears contained.” Kganyago added that the outlook presented the possibility of a marginally lower inflation outlook, with headline inflation at 3.6% this year and 4.5% next year, mainly due to better fuel price projections and a more benign path for administered prices as a result of lower-than-expected electricity tariffs. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Business Times (subscriber access only)
Pay equity issues: Top priorities for remuneration committees in 2025 Chris Blair of 21st Century writes that in today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, Remuneration Committees (RemCos) face an unprecedented array of challenges. From geopolitical instability and artificial intelligence (AI) advancements to shareholder scrutiny and shifting workplace expectations, the role of executive remuneration has never been more scrutinised. He says the balancing act between rewarding leadership, satisfying shareholders, and ensuring long-term business sustainability is growing ever more complex. These are his top priorities for RemCos in 2025: navigating geopolitical uncertainty; integrating AI and digital transformation; addressing shareholder and stakeholder expectations; managing rising executive remuneration; embedding ESG metrics into remuneration; adapting to the evolving workplace; enhancing human capital oversight; ensuring regulatory compliance; promoting transparency and accountability; preparing for future challenges Read Chris Blair’s article in full at Moneyweb Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Authorities target municipalities that deduct employee pension fund contributions but don’t pay them over Business Times reports that the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), with help from the Auditor-General (AG), is going after municipalities and their officials who deduct pension contributions from their employees but fail to pay them over to the relevant retirement fund. This could see affected municipalities lose their equitable share allocations and officials responsible for the deduction of monies not paid over to pension funds sanctioned in their personal capacities. Controversy ensued when the two-pot retirement system kicked in in September last year as some municipal workers hoping to cash in on their savings found there was not enough money to withdraw because their employers had failed to pay over pension fund deductions. The Mafube local municipality, along with its mayor, municipal manager and CFO, were taken to the Free State High Court by the Municipal Workers Retirement Fund over failure to transfer pension benefits. FSCA commissioner Unathi Kamlana said the watchdog was teaming up with other state institutions to monitor the smooth running of the two-pot retirement system. “The first has been us engaging with Salga [the SA Local Government Association]. So, between Salga and the National Treasury, there’s now a tentative agreement that the Treasury will not pay the equitable share whose arrear contributions are not up to date,” Kamlana advised. Asked what the scale of the problem was in local government, Kamlana said: “It’s big. The challenge has also been prevalent among other employers, including private security firms. We are really shining a light on the issue.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at BusinessTimes (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Four people, including two cops, arrested in connection with blue light carjackings in Gauteng News24 reports that four men, including two police officers, were arrested on Thursday after being linked to blue light carjackings in Gauteng. They were arrested after Kempton Park police received information about their alleged involvement in carjacking incidents in the Ekurhuleni area earlier this month. Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said a team of specialised units received information about the involvement of the two police officers. The officers, who were driving an official vehicle, allegedly helped two civilians to rob firearms from two security guards who were escorting a cash-in-transit (CIT) vehicle. In a video of the incident, a man in police uniform, carrying a rifle, can be seen asking the driver of the escort vehicle to produce his work permit. While the driver was handing over what looked like a driver's licence, the person also asked for a firearm permit. Two civilian men then suddenly appear and take the firearms from the occupants of the car, who are then ordered out of the vehicle. The arrested officers were summoned to the police station and interviewed at the Kempton Park police station on Thursday. Information from the interview led the police to two more civilian suspects, who were found in possession of three firearms and signal jamming devices. All four suspects were arrested and were also linked to two Kempton Park cases of truck hijacking and carjacking. They will make their first appearance in court on Monday. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sithandiwe Velaphi at News24 (subscription or trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Wanatu defends Afrikaans language requirement for its e-hailing drivers IOL News reports that e-hailing transport service Wanatu has defended its policy of requiring drivers in Pretoria and Centurion to be proficient in Afrikaans, arguing that the requirement is not an impediment to hiring but rather a skill that can be developed. The company CEO Judith van der Walt said: “Wanatu identified the Afrikaans speaking community in Pretoria and Centurion as a niche market and point of entry to the e-hailing industry and therefore a Wanatu passenger is guaranteed that his or her driver is able to speak Afrikaans.” She said Wanatu’s core vision was to provide a secure, dependable, and accessible e-hailing experience for vulnerable passengers such as women and children “with well-trained drivers that speak their language is our core vision and promise to our commuters who choose Wanatu”. She was addressing concerns raised by critics who accused the e-hailing company of discriminatory practices by prioritising Afrikaans-speaking drivers. The e-hailing service has faced intense criticism after revelations that it gave preference to Afrikaans-speaking drivers with the City of Tshwane's MMC for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, publicly condemning Wanatu's Afrikaans-only operations, labeling them as "blatant racism". When questioned about accessibility for non-Afrikaans speaking commuters, Wanatu clarified that their drivers were proficient in multiple languages. This came after last month’s urgent court interdict obtained by Wanatu, prohibiting the Tshwane metro police from confiscating vehicles operated without valid permits. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Rapula Moatshe at IOL News
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