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 Wednesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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ICT departments across government served by Sita show a 54% vacancy rate The Citizen reports that the Auditor-General of SA (AG) has laid out the administrative consequences of deficiencies within the State Information and Technology Agency (Sita), which provides the ICT services for government departments and is tasked with modernising the communications infrastructure used by government. The AG pointed out that Sita has had five CEOs in five years, leading to the regressive performance outlined in previous financial years’ audits. The entity registered R2 billion in irregular expenditure for the 2023/24 financial year, with the AG finding material misstatements in at least 12 key areas. A gaping human resources hole was also identified within Sita, with ICT departments across government showing a 54% vacancy rate. For divisions looking after the police and the defence department, vacancy rates were at 56% and 47%, respectively. The explanations given by Sita management was that recruiting ICT specialists was difficult. “What they say is that a lot of the ICT skills are often in the private sector, and (with) the skills that they are able to bring on board, you also find that there are challenges around salaries,” said the AG’s Madidimalo Singo. The AG stressed that without restoring stable leadership, proper remedial action and reforms would be difficult to implement. “There might be plans that are put in place, but those plans are not going to be effective unless there is somebody at the top of the institution that is accountable for the strategic direction in which the entity is going,” Singo pointed out. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jarryd Westerdale at The Citizen. Read too, Sita in crisis: R2bn irregular spending, more than 50% staff vacancies, AG reveals, at City Press (subscription or trial registration required)
DA sounds alarm after ‘recurring’ fires at Gauteng health facilities BusinessLive reports that concerns have been raised over recurring fires at Gauteng health facilities, with the DA sounding the alarm over hospitals’ noncompliance with health and safety regulations. This followed a devastating fire that ripped through the accident and emergency unit of the Thembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Ekurhuleni. DA Gauteng shadow health MEC Jack Bloom demanded a speedy investigation and consequences for any identified failures that might have contributed to the fire on Saturday. According to Bloom, none of Gauteng’s 37 public hospitals comply fully with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS), with fire being the biggest risk. “This is according to a recent Gauteng health department presentation to an oversight committee in the Gauteng legislature,” Bloom indicated. He added that: “Sixteen hospitals scored less than 75% OHS compliance, mostly because of missing fire prevention and fire suppression equipment, and lack of fire signage and escape lighting. Thembisa Hospital only scored 72% OHS compliance, the same as the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital despite their previous fire.” Cosatu Gauteng chair Amos Monyela said the labour federation was “deeply troubled” by the Thembisa hospital fire and called on the Department of Health and the Department of Employment & Labour to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of all health institutions in the province to determine the extent of the occupational health and safety challenges. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive. Read too, DA demands swift probe into Tembisa Hospital fire, at SABC News Man arrested for assaulting nurse at Malamulele Hospital on Monday IOL News reports that a man who was a patient has been arrested in Limpopo after he allegedly assaulted a nurse at Malamulele Hospital. Limpopo health spokesperson Kapudi Moagi said that in the early hours of Monday morning, the patient who had been admitted to the male ward after being involved in an accident, refused treatment. “During this time, he assaulted a nurse, claiming his belongings were missing,” said Moagi. Limpopo MEC for Health, Dieketseng Mashego, welcomed the quick arrest of the alleged assailant and said: “We must ensure the safety of our healthcare workers. Violence against them will not be tolerated. I appreciate the prompt action taken by SAPS in this situation.” Last month it was reported that Fannie Malope Seribishane, the 57-year-old man accused of brutally killing a nurse, was set to undergo trial in the High Court in Limpopo. On 23 October 2024 at about 5pm, the nurse was murdered while she was on her way to work at Lebowakgomo Hospital. The woman succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained next to the gate of the medical facility. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jonisayi Maromo at IOL News Man arrested after security guard shot dead at Mbombela mall on Friday News24 reports that a 35-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing a security guard following a confrontation at Riverside Mall in Mbombela on Friday. Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli reported that a security team had observed three "suspicious" people near the mall. "When one of the guards approached the people for questioning, an altercation ensued, resulting in the guard being shot in the head by one of the suspects," he advised. Mdhluli said additional security personnel responded to the gunfire, leading to a shootout between the man and security guards. "The suspect was subsequently injured during the confrontation and went into hiding on the rooftop of the mall. Thanks to prompt action by the security team, the SAPS was alerted, leading to a coordinated response involving the security guards, the Flying Squad and Visible Policing members from Nelspruit Police Station," Mdhluli added. The man, whom police say is a Mozambican national, is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard, and is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and possession of an illegal firearm with ammunition. Two other suspects remain at large. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Aphelele Mbokoth at News24 (subscription or trial registration required) Scholar transport driver gunned down in Sophiatown on Thursday morning News24 reports that police are investigating a murder case after a scholar transport driver was shot dead in Sophiatown, Johannesburg, on Thursday morning. SA Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo reported that the incident occurred at 07:15, shortly after the 60-year-old driver had completed a drop-off at a primary school. "It is reported that the victim had dropped off the kids at schools when he was shot while inside his vehicle at the stop sign. The motive for the killing cannot be confirmed at this stage," he indicated. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (subscription or trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Walter Sisulu University's residence manager remains in jail pending bail application City Press reports that Walter Sisulu University’s (WSU’s) residence manager will remain in custody until his formal bail application on 2 May. He appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday to face charges of the murder of Sisonke Mbolekwa, as well as the possession of an illegal firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. The manager allegedly shot and killed student Sisonke Mbolekwa on 15 April during a protest over several issues, including the poor state of accommodation at the university. His lawyer confirmed that the accused was employed by the university. He was arrested two days after shooting Mbolekwa, Ntando Gqetywa and Ndzumo on the Mthatha campus. The incident happened after the students approached the residence manager, who lives on the campus with his family, to confront him about the poor state of their residences. However, the manager allegedly shot Mbolekwa, who died on the scene, and Gqetywa and Ndzumo, who were rushed to the hospital. On 17 April, the manager was placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect while the investigation into whether or not he was guilty of misconduct was determined. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khanyisa Khenese at City Press (subscription or trial registration required). Read too, WSU manager’s case postponed for bail application, at SABC News
Five illegal miners found in possession of unpolished diamonds arrested in Northern Cape SABC News reports that police in the Northern Cape have arrested five undocumented immigrants allegedly found in possession of unpolished diamonds on the R355 en route to Port Nolloth, in the Namakwa District. Police arrested the suspects after intercepting their bakkie, which was allegedly transporting illegal miners from Nuttabooi. Provincial police spokesperson Timothy Sam reported: “Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered unpolished diamonds and undocumented immigrants. The suspects were detained and face charges of possession of unpolished diamonds and contravention of immigration laws. Operation Vala Umgodi remains a strategic intervention targeting illegal mining across the Northern Cape.” SA has more than 6,000 abandoned mines, which have become a haven for illegal mining. Meanwhile, illegal mining costs the industry an estimated R20 billion a year and is often linked to organised crime syndicates. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thabiso Radebe at SABC News Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Government offers 200,000 teacher assistant positions IOL Business reports that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed that applications are now open for Phase V of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), which will provide more than 200,000 job opportunities for unemployed youth in public schools across SA. The initiative is part of the broader Presidential Employment Stimulus introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the COVID-19 pandemic to address rising unemployment and stimulate job creation. According to the DBE, the "programme targets youth aged 18-34, turning 35 by the end of March 2026." It added that the initiative followed the “successful implementation of Phases I – IV, where more than 1.1 million job opportunities were created for youth.” Teacher assistants will receive a monthly stipend of R4,000 and R30 for data as part of their six-month employment contract. The department has encouraged all youth to apply for the opportunities, ensuring they were included in these "massive job opportunities." Applications for job opportunities will only take place on the SA Youth mobi website. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mthobisi Nozulela at IOL Business. Read too, Over 200,000 assistant teachers deployed to ease workload, at SABC News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
New employment race targets face court challenge from Neasa and Sakeliga Moneyweb reports that the National Employers Association of SA (Neasa) and business organisation Sakeliga will be combining forces to oppose new racial hiring policies in terms of the Employment Equity Amendment Act (EEAA). The Act, which became law in January 2025, sets hiring quotas for 18 economic sectors, from agriculture and mining to transport and construction. The aim is to increase employment for “designated groups” such as blacks, women and those with disabilities. It requires employers with 50 or more employees to ensure their employment equity plans conform with the new sector-specific targets. Their plans must be prepared and implemented from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030. Neasa and Sakeliga indicated in a statement: “We believe that what the EEAA and regulations demand is unconstitutional, impossible, and harmful. The sectoral targets constitute strict hiring quotas, based on race and other demographic ratios, which the state seeks to enforce under penalty of 10% of turnover.” The two organisations will launch an immediate joint legal challenge seeking an interdict against the operation of the regulations and targets introduced in terms of the Act – and the Act itself. The Act has been criticised by the Democratic Alliance (DA) and trade union Solidarity as unconstitutional and reviving apartheid-era limits on job opportunities based on race. The DA estimates this could result in around 600,000 job losses. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ciaran Ryan at Moneyweb
Nedbank opts for ‘competitive’ retirement age of 63 BL Premium reports that Nedbank has increased its retirement age to 63 in a strategic move to keep its talented people longer. This as the financial services industry engages in a war for talent as local skills dry up due to retirement and emigration. In its annual report published on Friday, the bank said its board had resolved to increase the normal retirement age from 60 to a “competitive” 63 years from August, thereby joining rival Absa, which also has a retirement age of 63. Nedbank has recently undergone a leadership transition which installed Jason Quinn as CEO to replace Mike Brown, who retired a year ago. At 50 years, the increase in the retirement age gives Quinn the chance to lead the bank for more than a decade. “Nedbank’s retirement age of 60 for SA-based employees has disadvantaged the group in a highly competitive market from a talent attraction perspective. Following a review of the peer group and general market practice, the committee has therefore supported management’s recommendation to increase the retirement age to 63 years from August 1 2025 for all SA-based permanent employees,” remuneration committee chair Hubert Brody stated. Standard Bank’s retirement age of 60 is said to have disadvantaged it in its bid to retain respected banker Kenny Fihla in its ranks. Fihla, in his mid-50s, opted to join rivals Absa as CEO. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Outgoing Old Mutual CEO Iain Williamson signs long two-year ‘non-compete’ agreement BL Premium reports that Old Mutual’s outgoing CEO Iain Williamson has signed a two-year ‘non-compete’ deal with the group, in a move that is likely to see him being compensated in respect of the agreement. Most companies have restraint of trade agreements with their senior executives, but a two-year agreement is not the norm. Williamson surprised the market when he announced he would take early retirement and step down from the role of group CEO at the age of 55. Itumeleng Kgaboesele, chair of the company’s remuneration committee, indicated: “Iain will step down from his CEO role at the end of August 2025. Iain has agreed to sign a restraint of trade agreement which will be effective from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2027. Further detail will be disclosed in the 2025 Remuneration Report.” Williamson came to the CEO role at a difficult period for the group after it dismissed its former CEO Peter Moyo over conflict of interest concerns – in a public and ugly spat. The board is considering internal and external candidates to identify a new CEO to lead the company “through its next phase of growth and innovation”. The imminent departure of Williamson leaves the board with a lot of work to do to fill two key roles, with the group’s CFO having reached retirement age. The company in October said Casper Troskie had agreed to remain as CFO until April 2027. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Concerns over R31 million spent on suspended magistrates IOL News reports that the Select Committee on Security and Justice has raised grave concerns over the payment of R31 million to suspended magistrates. Committee chairperson Jane Mananiso last week expressed her dismay, stating that the public money could not continuously be used to fund suspended magistrates. The Magistrates Commission, a regulatory body for the Lower Court Judiciary, updated the committee on disciplinary proceedings and measures to reduce the length of time disciplinary proceedings took. According to Mananiso, one magistrate from KwaZulu-Natal has been on suspension with full remuneration since September 2018 and received over R8 million since then for doing nothing. Seven magistrates are currently under suspension, with six still receiving pay and one having been suspended recently. Other magistrates who have also received substantial payments, include R7.3 million for a magistrate on suspension since May 2020, and R5.5 million for another magistrate suspended since February 2020. "The committee heard that disciplinary hearings have started in all instances. However, the commission told the committee that, because of the legislation governing them, none of them are full-time and must deal with these matters in their own time," Mananiso reported. The commission’s ethics committee chairperson Naome Manaka reported that, unlike in previous instances, all the disciplinary hearings against the suspended magistrates had commenced. Manaka said the commission was discussing the suspension of magistrates without pay. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mashudu Sadike at IOL News
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