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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Junior doctors speak out as harsh working conditions claim an intern’s life City Press reports that junior doctors across SA endure grueling working conditions in the public health sector, raising urgent concerns about their wellbeing and safety. They report exhaustion, lack of support and unsafe workloads. The recent death of intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi has renewed calls for accountability and change to the prevailing dangerous and inhumane working conditions many junior doctors are subjected to. Mazwi, who was stationed in the paediatrics department at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, Durban, died while on duty on 12 May. The hospital’s Thabiso Mbanjwa advised that senior managers at the facility were still investigating the death of the intern. Junior doctors, fresh from university, are thrown in at the deep end and expected to manage overwhelming workloads with little support or rest. Ayanda Thanjekwayo, an intern doctor at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, described the environment as “emotionally and physically draining”. She indicated: “There are days when the exhaustion is so overwhelming that I fear making critical mistakes. We entered this profession to help people, but the system is failing us and, in turn, we’re at risk of failing our patients.” Another intern echoed similar concerns: “The workload is relentless, and the support is minimal. It’s a constant struggle to maintain both our physical health and mental wellbeing.” The SA Medical Association (Sama) and the Public Servants Association (PSA) have called for urgent interventions to overhaul the intern training structure, improve mental health support and ensure that no doctor was compelled to work while seriously ill. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bongiwe Radebe at City Press (subscription / trial registration required) Pickets held outside Umlazi hospital following death of doctor who was ‘bullied’ into working when unwell TimesLIVE reports that labour organisations have called on the KwaZulu-Natal health department (DOH) to issue a public apology and acknowledgment of systematic abuse of junior staff at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital following the death of a medical intern last week. Alulutho Mazwi, 25, an intern doctor at the Umlazi-based hospital who was diabetic, died while on duty after allegedly being made to work despite reporting he was unwell. The DOH said an investigation into the allegations of bullying in the lead-up to Mazwi’s death was under way, and the supervising consultant who allegedly forced him to work despite his ill health had been placed on precautionary leave. Despite the measures, the Public Servants Association (PSA) led a picket outside the hospital on Tuesday to raise concerns about working conditions, infrastructure and governance at the hospital. The union, joined by the SA Federation of Trade Unions, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA and the Patriotic Alliance (PA), said the incident highlighted the "toxic" environment junior staff were subjected to at the hospital, including bullying, overwork and overall leadership failure. A memorandum of demands was presented to management. The EFF held its own picket outside the hospital and also presented demands. The party said it also wanted management to report on the investigation into the nurses who allegedly left ICU patients unattended last year. The hospital was given seven days to respond to the two memorandums. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lwazi Hlangu at TimesLIVE. Read too, EFF pickets at hospital over Alulutho Mazwi’s death as investigation begins, at TimesLIVE KZN health MEC urges staff to report abuse in hospital workplaces TimesLIVE reports that the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Health (DOH) insists that it has fair and supportive mechanisms in place for staff to report ill-treatment in the workplace and urged medical interns to use the mechanisms if they encounter abuse. This comes in the wake of the death of an intern, Dr Alulutho Mazwi, 25, while on duty at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, south of Durban, last week. He had been diagnosed with diabetes 10 months ago and was allegedly forced to report for duty despite informing his supervisor of his deteriorating health, having collapsed on his way to work a day before he died. A memorial service in his honour was held at the hospital on Tuesday. The DOH has launched an investigation into Mazwi’s death, which it said would be “thorough and above board”. In addition to this investigation, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has announced the involvement of the Health Ombudsman in the matter. MEC Nomagugu Simelane advised: “We want to remind the interns that they don't have to suffer in silence. The department has secure mechanisms in place to report any issues, including emotional distress, systemic challenges, or workplace grievances. They are encouraged to use official channels such as the office of the CEO, human resources, or the head of department to express concerns, lodge complaints, or request support. Failing which they can contact the MEC's office.” She added that it “remains committed to creating a safe, supportive and just working environment for all health workers, especially during this challenging time.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lwazi Hlangu at TimesLIVE Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Numsa demands 10% wage hike in plastics sector, but employers offer nil increase BL Premium reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) was scheduled to meet again with employers in the plastics sector on Tuesday, where it is demanding a 10% wage increase across the board, while the bosses have tabled a 0% increase. The third round of pay talks began on Monday under the auspices of the Metals Engineering Industries Bargaining Council (MEIBC) and the Plastics Negotiating Forum, a sub-structure of the MEIBC. There are about 1,800 plastics companies employing about 60,000 workers across the country. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said that amongst among other issues, the union’s demands included a one-year 10% across the board wage increase “on the actual rates of pay”; reconfiguration of shifts; and removal of area differentials in terms of which workers not based in the major metros like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban earned less. “Employers have responded with a 0% increase and they have proposed a four-year agreement. Numsa has expressed its disapproval and disappointment with the employers for offering zero while simultaneously demanding a multi-year agreement. This is outrageous,” Hlubi-Majola indicated. Numsa said it expected employers to present a revised offer. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Numsa to meet Nissan SA over reported closure of Rosslyn plant The Citizen reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has pledged to defend vehicle manufacturing jobs following Nissan’s announcement of global plant closures, inclusive of facilities in SA. Nissan’s plans will reportedly lead to the closure of its Rosslyn Plant outside Pretoria as part of its factory consolidation globally from 17 to 10. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said on Tuesday that the union has noted with concern Nissan’s planned shutdown of some of its plants. “We must be upfront and state that as a union, we have not received formal communication or confirmation, and the information we have is based on media reports. If these reports are true, at least 20,000 jobs are at risk,” she indicated. Hlubi-Majola said Numsa was planning to meet the management of Nissan soon. “We hope to get clarity on the situation. As soon as we do, we will update the public and our members. Numsa wants to assure its members that it stands ready to defend jobs in the sector,” she advised. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Faizel Patel at The Citizen. Read too, Numsa concerned about possible closure of Nissan’s Pretoria plant, at Moneyweb
Cosatu welcomes sale of Western Cape cannery for R1 in deal to save 3,000 jobs, 250 farms News24 reports that according to labour federation Cosatu, a business agreement over the Langeberg and Ashton Foods (LAF) cannery in the Western Cape will not only save 3,000 jobs, it will also ensure the survival of the local agricultural sector. Tiger Brands has sold LAF to a consortium of local fruit producers and partners for R1. The newly formed consortium (NewCo) includes a local cooperative of fruit growers from Robertson, Ceres, Breede River and the Klein Karoo. The cannery sources fruit from 250 local producers. Western Cape Cosatu secretary Malvern de Bruyn said: “Without this cannery, this area would be a ghost town. The closure of the cannery would have killed the economy in the local towns and would have affected surrounding farmers.” De Bruyn went on to indicate: “Cosatu was at the forefront of the negotiations when the issues started, and there was talk about possible closures. We met with families and other role players to find a way to save this company, and we’re very happy that these jobs will be saved.” Premier Alan Winde also welcomed the agreement. The sale of LAF follows “a strategic decision” by Tiger Brands in May 2020 to exit the business “to better align its portfolio with the group’s stated vision”. As part of the sale, Tiger Brands and NewCo will enter into a contract-manufacturing agreement for the purchase of canned fruit under the KOO brand. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicole McCain at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Daybreak Foods placed in business rescue, hopes to save 3,000 jobs TimesLIVE reports that the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), a major creditor and shareholder of Daybreak Foods, supports the Daybreak Foods board's decision to place the company in business rescue. The PIC said on Monday it was of the firm belief that the company could be rescued and that business rescue was the best path to preserve the company's value and potential. About 3,000 jobs would be saved and returns realized for clients and their beneficiaries on their investment. The PIC pointed out that the successful application to place Daybreak in business rescue paved the way to appoint a business rescue practitioner who would assist Daybreak to assess the extent of disruption to operations and produce a credible turnaround strategy for the business. “The PIC has already undertaken several measures to contribute towards stabilising Daybreak Foods, which includes the injection of R74m in working capital that is intended to address the company’s immediate liquidity needs,” the state-owned investment manager indicated. Before the company was placed in business rescue, the PIC had reconstituted the board for Daybreak as part of interventions to stabilise governance and operations at the company. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at TimesLIVE. Read too, PIC supports Daybreak Foods business rescue process, announces reconstituted board, at Engineering News. En ook, OBK steun sakeredding vir sukkelende Daybreak, by Maroela Media
Pan African’s Barberton mines blame illegal miners for retrenchment of 244 workers BL Premium reports that Pan African Resources’ Barberton mines on Tuesday defended its decision to retrench 244 mineworkers, saying illegal mining had made production cuts and job losses unavoidable. According to the company, increasing gold theft, including by Pan African employees colluding with illegal miners and community members, has had a “major negative impact” on the mines. As a result, operating costs at some of Barberton’s business units had become unsustainable over an extended period. The gold producer said the retrenchments were “unavoidable” and would allow the mines to operate sustainably, delivering long-term value to stakeholders. “However, we need our employees and communities to understand that illegal mining is killing the industry, and we are not immune to further cuts should the situation deteriorate any further,” it said. Several of the mineworkers who have been retrenched by Barberton have reportedly threatened to take legal action against the mines, saying the retrenchment process was carried out unfairly. Pan African defended the retrenchment process as transparent and fair, saying that affected workers were provided severance benefits and support in line with their employment contracts. It added that all legitimate stakeholders were involved in the process, including organised labour, the department of mineral & petroleum resources, traditional authorities and the municipality. With a direct workforce of 3,759 people, the mines are the largest employer in the Barberton region in Mpumalanga. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jacob Webster at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Implats faces R27 million court case over alleged discrimination and assault claims made by former senior geologist City Press reports that Implats is facing a R27.2 million Labour Court showdown brought by a former senior geologist, who has accused the platinum producer of discrimination, victimisation and assault. According to court papers filed last month, Nangamso Magobiyane is demanding a total of R27,272,400 in damages from Impala Platinum Holdings, including R280,000 for medical expenses and nearly R1.3m for loss of income. She argues that she suffered unfair discrimination and harassment based on race and gender, as well as gender-based violence (GBV). In her affidavit, the geologist says she was victimised at Implats’ Rustenburg site and claims her complaints were ignored, which left her with no option but to resign from the company. She joined Implats as a graduate geologist in 2011 and was appointed the following year. The alleged discrimination began in 2013 when a white geology graduate was appointed as a specialist, a level higher than that held by Mogobiyane. This happened despite her being two years more senior than the appointee and the position never having been advertised. Other instances of alleged discrimination have been cited. During one shift, a manager allegedly lost his temper when she pointed out an operational anomaly, and he pushed her to the ground, where Magobiyane almost fell into the shaft’s haulage rail. The 36-year-old said such “harassment and marginalisation of a young black female in a [male-dominated] mining sector should not be tolerated and goes against the very fabric of equality guaranteed in the constitution and equality laws.” The company said through its legal representatives that the complainant’s allegations were entirely without merit. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sipho Mabena at City Press (subscription / trial registration required) Most of SA’s coal workers unequipped for green transition, says TIPS BL Premium reports that as SA gradually winds down its coalfields in favour of a more eco-friendly energy mix, the majority of coal workers risk being unable to transfer their skills to non-mining sectors. As a result, coal workers risk being stranded by the global shift to renewable energy, according to a policy brief by researchers at Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS). The coal sector directly employs about 150,000 people, roughly two-thirds of whom are in mining, and the remainder of whom work in transport or at the point of coal consumption. The brief noted that “the coal value chain is on a progressive, long-term phase-out over the next two to three decades.” While SA has a potentially global competitive advantage in several emerging green industries related to its vast critical mineral reserves, such as battery storage and green hydrogen, their ability to fill the employment and economic gap left by coal is threatened by the country’s failure to equip coal workers and coal-dependent municipalities for the transition. TIPS said that the transition of SA’s coal value chain, the first large-scale, co-ordinated attempt at “inclusive industrial transformation” in the environmental context, was likely to set the tone for other sectors’ transitions. Beyond mining, the shift to renewables and electric vehicles will drive structural changes in the automotive sector, with roughly 140,000 petrol attendant jobs at risk of being lost in the coming years. Another 250,000 mechanics in the country, a third of whom are informally trained or self-employed, will require retraining or upskilling to service electric vehicles, according to TIPS. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jacob Webster at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other labour / community posting(s) relating to mining
Broke Safa waits for Afcon prize money in order to pay Amajita bonuses BusinessLive reports that Danny Jordaan, president of the cash-strapped SA Football Association (Safa), says the association will decide on Amajita’s bonuses for winning the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) only once it receives the R3.6m in prize money from the CAF (Confederation of African Football). On Tuesday, Jordaan and Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos were speaking at a press conference to welcome Amajita back to SA at OR Tambo International Airport, 48 hours after the national U20 side beat Morocco 1-0 in the final in Cairo to win their first U20 Afcon title. “We haven’t received any money from CAF yet, and when we have the money, we will decide [how it’s divided],” Jordaan indicated. Safa’s financial woes are well documented, with the association having failed to pay its staff’s March salaries on time. Jordaan suggested that participating in almost all competitions in recent times had emptied Safa’s coffers. “We play in every single competition under CAF and Fifa, and that means travelling, accommodation, daily allowances and everything. And we fulfil our commitment,” he explained. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sihle Ndebele at BusinessLive
More than a third of senior managers in North West premier’s office are unqualified for their positions News24 reports that more than a third of senior managers in the office of North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi are unqualified for their positions, sparking concern from parliamentarians about the level of professionalism in the province’s highest office. Only 64% of senior managers in Mokgosi’s office have suitable qualifications, and there seems to be no plan to fix the situation. Equally worryingly, 31 out of 348 senior managers from 12 departments in the provincial government lack the right qualifications (9%). But there is missing data and information, calling into question the accuracy of the figures. Regarding staff qualifications, 12 provincial departments had been requested to provide data on educational qualifications of their senior managers. Each department was required to verify this information and submit it to the Public Service Commission (PSC) using a standardised reporting template, which had to be signed off by the department head. The departments of economic development, environment, conservation and tourism; social development; and public works and roads were the only ones that indicated that all senior management service (SMS) members met the minimum qualification requirements for their respective posts. “No department, except for one, provided detailed information on remedial actions taken. The Office of the Premier, which is entrusted with driving ethical leadership and governance, reported that only 64% of its SMS members are qualified for the positions they occupy - a figure that raises serious concerns about institutional credibility and professionalisation,” the PSC report indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jason Felix at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
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