In our Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
|
Twelve soldiers arrested for murder of Hawks officer Frans Mathipa face three counts of murder TimesLIVE reports that 12 SA National Defence Force (SANDF) members accused of killing Hawks officer Lt-Col Frans Mathipa are facing three counts of murder. They are also facing several other charges, including two counts of kidnapping, making false statements under oath, obstructing the administration of justice, theft and fraud. The 12 soldiers appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Monday. The case was postponed to 1 July for a bail application and the soldiers were remanded in custody. On Sunday, the Hawks arrested two soldiers linked to the murder of Mathipa. A vehicle alleged to have been used in the kidnapping of two male foreign nationals at a mall in Midrand on 29 December 2022 was also seized. On Monday, 10 more soldiers were arrested. Mathipa was fatally shot while driving on the N1 highway near Hammanskraal on 6 August 2023. After being shot at, his vehicle veered out of control and landed in a ditch. Mathipa, who was attached to the Hawks’ crimes against the state section within the serious organised crime investigation unit in Gauteng, was on duty conducting an investigation at the time of his death. He had been investigating the abduction of alleged Isis leader Abdella Abadiga from the Mall of Africa and was looking into suspicions that SA military special forces were involved. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Phathu Luvhengo at TimesLIVE. Read too, Twelve SANDF members arrested for killing Hawks’ Frans Mathipa as he closed in on kidnapping, murder, at Daily Maverick. En ook, Tien meer gee hul oor ná sluipmoord op Valke-ondersoeker, by Maroela Media
Tshwane faces senior manager bloodbath over botched composition of selection panels TimesLIVE Premium reports that the City of Tshwane risks having its ‘section 56’ senior managers in the city removed from their posts after serious appointment irregularities were flagged. On Friday, Gauteng co-operative governance and traditional affairs MEC Jacob Mamabolo wrote to Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya detailing how the recent appointment of a management support officer was irregular, and calling for it to be rescinded. However, all the current senior managers, including city manager Johann Mettler, were appointed after the same process was followed. If implemented without challenge, this will see the removal of the city’s top brass, including Mettler, CFO Gareth Mnisi, COO Vuyo Zitumane, chief of emergency services Moshema Mosia, chief of police Yolanda Faro, chief audit executive Makhapule Khoza and governance and support officer Ashraf Adam. Should the MEC insist on following the regulations as stipulated, all eight senior managers could face the chopping block. The governance saga surfaced after the mayor’s office wrote to the MEC in February, submitting an appointment report citing the completion of the recruitment process and outcome for the position of management and support officer. The letter from Mamabolo details “matters that are in contravention of the regulations on the appointment and conditions of employment of senior managers”. It highlights the noncompliance of the composition of the selection panel as a glaring transgression. Apparently, the city has not been adhering to the selection panel stipulation, dating as far back as 2022/23. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sisanda Mbolekwa at TimesLIVE Premium (subscriber access only)
KZN premier says probe into GBV case involving former DG at an advanced stage SABC News reports that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Thami Ntuli says an investigation into the alleged verbal abuse and public humiliation of the former director general (DG) in his office, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, by a male subordinate is at an advanced stage. According to Ntuli, the incident, which Mkhize has described as gender-based violence (GBV), only came to light after she resigned at the beginning of the month. The premier added that the implicated director had also resigned. Ntuli indicated that he was going ahead with the probe in order to provide the public with answers. “I think we are at the ripe stage of it. I’ve received already those who witnessed the incident, a report with different versions. But there are still more members who were there. And we are still trying to recover the footage which will show exactly how the events actually unveiled on the day,” Ntuli reported. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Dries Liebenberg at SABC News. Read too, KZN Premier Ntuli addresses gender-based violence allegations in his office, at The Mercury Other internet posting(s) in this news category
President’s upcoming national dialogue challenged in court by Labour Party BL Premium reports that the Labour Party of SA (LP) has launched an urgent application in the North Gauteng High Court to interdict President Cyril Ramaphosa’s National Dialogue initiative, arguing it is unconstitutional, irrational, fiscally irresponsible and excludes the working class. The notice of motion filed last week cites the president, deputy president, speaker of the National Assembly, finance minister, the Treasury and Nedlac as respondents. The LP, which is linked to Joseph Mathunjwa’s trade union Amcu, was launched in 2024. The dialogue, an initiative by President Cyril Ramaphosa aimed at forging a new social compact, is expected to cost about R700m. The preparatory task team, comprising more than 50 organisations representing foundations, nongovernmental organisations and community-based groups, has yet to present a budget proposal to the Treasury. The dialogue, expected to begin in August, is intended to address deepening political fragmentation. In its papers, the LP contends the National Dialogue fundamentally undermines the democratic process by replicating existing institutions and excluding the broader working class from any meaningful participation. “This is not a true dialogue. It is a public relations stunt designed to absolve the state president from the failures of his administration through the language of consultation. We are dealing with a regime that stages participation while silencing real voices. The people weren’t consulted about this process, and now their money is being spent on it”, LP’s acting secretary-general Lindi Mkhumbane stated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hajra Omarjee at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Popcru sounds alarm over rape allegations at SAPS academies SABC News reports that the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has condemned the emergence of allegations of sexual exploitation at SA Police Service (SAPS) training facilities and in workplaces. The union noted that several senior officers at police academies have recently been accused of rape and sexual assault of police trainees. On Tuesday, the union will embark on what it calls a “Restore Dignity March” as part of its ongoing campaign to demand action against systemic injustices affecting members in the SAPS and the Department of Correctional Services. Popcru President Thulani Ngwenya said they would be marching to restore dignity to the SAPS. “‘The reason for that is that we have discovered and we have been informed that members who are trainees at the colleges have been string of activities happening behind closed doors where instructors were demanding sexual favours from the trainees,” he indicated. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at SABC News
Liquidation of mining company Vametco leaves North West residents in the lurch SowetanLive reports that seven community development projects that a mining company budgeted R14.3m for have gone uncompleted when the firm went into liquidation, leaving behind desperate people. Through its 2018 Social Labour Plan (SLP), Bushveld Vametco Mine in Brits, North West, had promised to build high mast lights, roads, storm water system, sports facility, sport ground and a heritage site among other things for the hosting communities of Rankotea, Mmakau, Mothutlung and Brits. However, these projects – some of which it partnered with Madibeng municipality – have either collapsed or never took off. Now the mine, which closed its doors last year, is going through business rescue with a possibility of being sold. It had been operating in the area since 1967. The mine is among 11 companies that the Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) identified to have misled their hosting communities by making false promises and manipulating their SLPs. An SLP is a document that mining companies are required to submit to the state as part of their application for a mining right. It contains their commitments and what the firms will do for the development of the communities and workers in the areas in which they operate. When Sowetan visited Rabokala on the weekend, residents spoke about their ongoing struggle to access water and how the mine’s promises have led nowhere. Macua visited the area between 2022 and last year to verify the existence of the SLP projects and also interviewed community members. The organisation released a report on Friday with a focus on Vametco. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chris Gilili, Herman Moloi & Jeanette Chabalala at SowetanLive Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Youth flock to healthcare expo at Leratong Hospital on Monday News24 reports that hundreds of unemployed youth flooded the corridors of Leratong Hospital in the West Rand of Johannesburg on Monday. They weren’t rushing to get medical assistance but hoped to gain employment opportunities. “We believe that by introducing young people to the world of healthcare, we can empower them to make informed decisions about their future careers,” Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko explained. The Youth Health Plug Career Expo is a week-long event that introduces young people to career opportunities in the public healthcare sector. Several exhibitors showcasing aspects of the healthcare industry were on hand to help young people with their career planning. Leratong Hospital was the department’s first stop. Throughout the week, it will set up shop at different Gauteng colleges of nursing and hospitals across the province’s five districts. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Rosetta Msimango at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
PIC woos banks to finance mortgages for public servants BL Premium reports that the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has launched a market sounding exercise to banks and other financial institutions which might be interested in putting up packages to tackle challenges facing public servants in getting mortgages. This is in fulfilment of a 2015 resolution that provided the framework for the establishment of the Government Employees Housing Scheme (GEHS). The PIC manages assets on behalf of public sector funds, which include the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). The objective of the GEHS is to assist state employees in accessing finance while receiving guidance on overall financial wellness, debt management and wealth creation; and facilitating access to affordable housing finance. The GEHS also aims to assist employees with options to rent houses with a view to buy. The PIC in calling for bidders to come to the fore said prospective financial institutions should be able to provide home loans to public servants at prime to prime-minus interest rates. The lenders will also be expected to provide state employees with home loans with a loan-to-value of 100%, with an option but “no obligation to put down deposits”. “The long-term goal [of the GEHS] is to ensure that every employee has access to home ownership. It is anticipated that resolving the home ownership challenges of employees will have a direct impact on improving their productivity at the workplace and will influence them in continuing to regard the government as the employer of choice,” the PIC said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive
Special Tribunal interdicts payment of pension fund benefits to former NLC manager TimesLIVE reports that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured an interim interdict preventing a former senior manager at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) from withdrawing his pension benefits pending the outcome of ongoing litigation. The interdict, granted by the Special Tribunal on 10 June, bars Sanele Dlamini from accessing his pension benefits until the SIU’s main case, a civil recovery action tied to the misallocation of R6m in NLC grant funds, is concluded. The tribunal directed Liberty’s Corporate Selection Umbrella Retirement Fund to assess and disclose the value of Dlamini’s pension within 60 days. “This preservation is intended to ensure that funds remain available for potential recovery should the SIU succeed in its claim”, SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago explained. Dlamini, who held several senior positions at the NLC, including acting COO, was found guilty on four of six disciplinary charges related to misconduct during his tenure. The charges included approving falsified progress reports, as well as gross negligence and dereliction of duty. His dismissal was finalised on 4 October 2024 after the disciplinary process.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at TimesLIVE
Court turns down appeal and confirms unlawful suspensions of ‘whistleblower’ traffic officers GroundUp reports that six traffic officers, suspended by Dr AB Xuma Municipality after lodging formal grievances about dysfunction in their department, must be reinstated, the Eastern Cape High Court in Mthatha has ruled. The court had ruled in February 2025 that the officers should not have been suspended without a pre-suspension hearing and that it was therefore unlawful. Acting Judge Mzamo Nobatana on Thursday dismissed with costs an application by the municipality to appeal the ruling. The six officers had complained about the state of their department to the municipality. They alleged that the department was mismanaged, with no daily parades, work plans, or delegation of duties. They had no ticket books or report forms to record accidents, nor did they have equipment such as speed traps or breathalysers. They also said that some officers were earning more than them despite not having traffic diplomas. Within weeks of complaining, the officers were charged with insubordination and received a notice to attend a disciplinary hearing. The hearing did not take place. The officers then lodged a dispute with the SA Local Government Bargaining Council, alleging unfair labour practices. On 31 May 2024, municipal manager Khathutshelo Mulaudzi sent the officers letters ordering them to return their uniforms and not report for duty. On 12 August, the officers received a notice placing them on precautionary suspension. But, the court ruled that suspending the officers without a hearing violated the agreement between the bargaining council and the municipality. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Johnnie Isaac at GroundUp
Polokwane vehicle testing official sentenced to six years for corruption The Star reports that the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the heavy sentence imposed on a vehicle testing official from a private testing station. On Friday, the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court sentenced Kabelo Chilenge (37) to six years' direct imprisonment for fraudulently issuing a vehicle roadworthy certificate for a vehicle that he did not physically examine. The court found that a suspended sentence would not be appropriate in these circumstances. The certificate was issued at the Quick Test vehicle testing station in Modimolle, Limpopo, in April 2022, while the vehicle in question was in a police pound at the time. Although no evidence was led to prove that Chilenge benefited personally from the illicit transaction, the court drew the inference that such conduct could not be executed without gratification. The court said the accused earned a salary and there was no need for him to commit such an offence. Unroadworthy vehicles cause accidents when allowed to operate on the roads and in the RTMC’s opinion the sentence was appropriate and served as a deterrent to others who were involved in such unlawful activities. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Simon Zwane at The Star Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Road-raging KZN traffic cop’s 10-year sentence for attempted murder upheld News24 reports that the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) High Court has dismissed the appeal of Nhlanhla Hendry Tshabalala, a traffic officer convicted of three counts of attempted murder. The ruling handed down on Friday upheld both the conviction and the 10-year imprisonment sentence imposed by the Newcastle Regional Court. The case stems from an incident where Hercules Bonginkosi Zondi, a Ms Myeni, and Dumisani Buthelezi encountered Tshabalala’s stationary vehicle on a public road. After a brief verbal exchange, the complainants continued on their journey, but Tshabalala’s vehicle pursued them. He pulled alongside their car, at which point shots were fired from his vehicle, striking and injuring both Zondi and Buthelezi. Judge Pieter Bezuidenhout rejected Tshabalala’s argument that the shots were fired solely by his brother, Bongani, who was a passenger in the vehicle. “The evidence clearly demonstrates that the appellant actively participated in the commission of the offence. By slowing down his vehicle and positioning it parallel to the complainants’ car at the precise moment the shots were fired, he created the perfect opportunity for this attack to occur,” Bezuidenhout noted. The judgment applied the doctrine of common purpose by which Tshabalala was equally liable even if his brother fired the shots. In confirming the 10-year sentence, the court considered Tshabalala’s status as a first-time offender with family responsibilities, but determined the offence warranted the substantial term. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Anelisa Kubheka at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
|
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page