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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Serve, protect, and click to apply: SAPS launches e-Recruitment drive IOL News reports that the SA Police Service (SAPS) has officially unveiled its e-Recruitment initiative, heralding a transformative approach aimed at attracting 5,500 new police officers. The new online platform allows individuals to apply for entry-level police trainee positions, in a significant step towards modernising and enhancing the integrity of the recruitment process. The system aims at streamlining the application process while combating common issues such as paperwork overload, corruption, and lost applications. The implications of this shift are substantial, promising increased fairness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and transparency. The nationwide recruitment drive opened on 30 June 2025, with applications set to be accepted until 18 July 2025. Young men and women aged between 18 to 35 are encouraged to apply. Eligibility requirements include a clean criminal record and no pending criminal cases. Moreover, the SAPS is implementing a targeted recruitment initiative focusing on candidates with specific skills and qualifications in fields such as Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation, and Information Technology. Potential recruits will undergo a battery of assessments to ensure they meet the standards required for a role in policing. Importantly, the application process is entirely free, reinforcing the message that no position within the SAPS can be bought or sold, and that transparency in recruitment remains a priority. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at IOL News SAPS flooded with over 67,000 applications in first 24 hours for just 5,500 training posts IOL News reports that the SA Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that more than 67,000 applications have been received in its new e-Recruitment drive, which only offers posts for 5,500 trainees. National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, indicated that in just the first 24 hours since the application portal opened, the SAPS received more than 67,774 applications. The influx has been challenging for the SAPS with the website struggling to cope with the high volume of traffic. Recognising the issue, officials from the Technology Management Services (TMS), including IT experts, are monitoring the site to manage the rush of applications. In the meantime, applicants are encouraged to remain patient and to refresh the careers page regularly to ensure their submissions are processed. With the closing date set for 18 July 2025, the SAPS has reiterated the necessity for applicants to submit their forms through the website portal exclusively. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Read the original of the report in the above regard at IOL News
Ekurhuleni senior auditor gunned down in his car SowetanLive reports that Ekurhuleni municipality senior auditor Mpho Mafole, who was the group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits, has been gunned down. Police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Mafole was driving along the R23 in Kempton Park when he was killed by unknown suspects. She said officers found Mafole lying in his car with gunshot wounds at about 5.55pm on Monday. “The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police investigations continue,” Nevhuhulwi advised. In an internal letter to staff, the city’s head of communications, Phakamile Mbengashe, wrote: “We are engaging with the relevant authorities and will provide further updates as soon as new information becomes available. We understand that this news may cause concern among staff. We wish to assure you that the city is committed to ensuring a safe and secure working environment for all employees. All necessary security protocols remain in place, and additional support will be made available to staff who may need it during this difficult time.” Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Jeanette Chabalala at BusinessLive
Talks between Samwu and City of Tshwane over outstanding 3.5% increase for 2021/22 not resolution IOL News reports that talks facilitated by the CCMA between the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) and the City of Tshwane on 10 and 23 June 2025 broke down without an agreement over an outstanding 3.5% wage increase for the 2021/22 period. The talks followed a 9 May Labour Court ruling, which sent the matter back to the SA Local Government Bargaining Council for a new hearing on the 3.5% wage increase, in respect of which the city initially sought an exemption. The court also ruled that the city was exempt from implementing a 5.4% wage increase for the 2023/2024 financial year after it cited financial constraints. The city approached the court after its application for exemption from a wage agreement with the unions was rejected by the bargaining council. Samwu’s Donald Monakisi reported that the union has formally appealed against the ruling on the 5.4% salary increase and was waiting for the Labour Appeal Court to schedule a hearing date. Regarding the outstanding 3.5% salary increase, he said the union and the city failed to reach an agreement during the recent CCMA-led negotiations regarding the process to finalise such an increase for employees. Monakisi explained that the CCMA-facilitated talks were held ahead of the upcoming exemption hearing at the bargaining council on 21 July 2025, in an effort to narrow down the issues in dispute and explore possible settlement options that could be formalised as a bargaining council award. While the CCMA meetings failed to yield consensus between the two parties, they agreed on the value of ongoing dialogue before the scheduled hearing. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Rapula Moatshe at IOL News
Closure of Assmang’s Cato Ridge ferrochrome smelter puts 600 jobs on the line BL Premium reports that mining company Assmang announced on Tuesday that it would be proceeding with the closure of its Cato Ridge Works (CRW) ferrochrome smelter in KwaZulu-Natal, which will put 600 jobs on the line. Assmang, which mines iron ore, chrome and manganese in the Northern Cape, is jointly owned and operated by African Rainbow Minerals and holding company Assore. The closure will see 310 permanent and 290 contract workers retrenched by end-August. In a statement on Tuesday, the company blamed persistently weak manganese prices and rising input costs for CRW’s losses. “The recent announcement of a potential electricity tariff reduction will not be sufficient to rescue this business. Despite nonstop efforts to explore alternatives to closure, the operation has continued to experience significant financial losses which rendered CRW unsustainable,” Assmang indicated. Following the closure, the CRW complex is set to be converted into a “commercial and logistics hub”, with Assmang and Assore responsible for the cleanup and redevelopment. The land and buildings will be purchased by Assore SA’s property division, providing Assmang with a R453m cash injection. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jacob Webster at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Minerals Council calls for proper strategy to stop illegal mining BL Premium reports that the Minerals Council SA (MCSA) has urged the government to sign off on a dedicated illegal mining strategy as precious metal theft and smuggling continues to plague the local industry. Addressing a portfolio committee on mineral & petroleum resources on Tuesday, MCSA CEO Mzila Mthenjane flagged illegal mining as a persistent challenge for SA’s mining industry. “The Stilfontein incident helped us understand and dig deeper in terms of the drivers behind illegal mining and how we can approach artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). It’s important that the appropriate legislative environment be provided to enable ASM to succeed and to deal effectively with illegal mining,” Mthenjane argued. Calls for a clearer and more comprehensive legal framework on illegal mining have heightened since January after the deaths of 72 illegal miners at an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein. Since December, police and the military have ramped up the crackdown on illegal mining through their joint operation “Vala Umgodi” (“close the hole”), which focuses on blocking essential supplies from being sent down abandoned mines. Policymakers have joined in by adding clauses aimed at addressing illegal mining in the recently gazetted Mineral Resource Development Bill. Mining minister Gwede Mantashe said the proposed licensing regime for ASM operations would ensure compliance with environmental, safety and labour regulations as well as reduce the risk of illegal mining activities. However, the bill hit the wrong tone with role players, with the MCSA saying in May that the draft legislation did not reflect its input. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jacob Webster at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other general posting(s) relating to mining Former Alexkor JV chief released on R100,000 bail as diamond fraud probe widens, at News24 Business (subscription / trial registration required)
Hefty petrol, diesel price hikes on Wednesday News24 reports that an oil price spike following Israeli and US attacks on Iran has fuelled higher petrol and diesel prices for SA motorists from Wednesday. At midnight, the price of 93 unleaded petrol increased by 55c a litre, with 95 unleaded petrol rising 52c. Gauteng 95 unleaded petrol retails for R21.87 a litre from Wednesday, but still lower than R23.26 a year ago. On the coast, petrol will cost R21.04, from R22.47 last July. Wholesale prices of diesel will be hiked by between 82c and 84c, depending on the sulphur content. Wholesale diesel in Gauteng will be R19.35 a litre from Wednesday, from R20.66 a year ago. On the coast, wholesale diesel will cost R18.52, from R19.87 last year. The maximum national retail price of illuminating paraffin will increase by 89c on Wednesday, while the maximum retail price for LP gas will be lowered by 57c cents per kilogram. SA fuel prices are largely determined by international oil prices as well as the rand-dollar exchange rate, as oil is priced in the US currency. While the rand firmed to an average exchange rate of R17.8443/$ over the past month (from R18.1146 previously), it was not enough to compensate for surging oil prices. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at News24 Business (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, On average, July fuel price will cost an extra R25 a tank, at Daily Maverick. En ook, Prys van petrol, diesel styg Woensdag, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Relief as Banyana Banyana and Safa resolve payment impasse The Witness reports that according to the SA Football Association (Safa), Banyana Banyana resumed their preparations for the defence of their continental football title after the impasse over money owed to the players was resolved on Saturday. Coach Desiree Ellis and her charges returned to the pitch on Saturday afternoon and played a training match against Benin ahead of the start of the Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), which is scheduled to be staged in Morocco from 5 to 26 July 2025. Safa vice-president Linda Zwane and CEO Lydia Monyepao momentarily excused themselves from the Safa congress in Sandton and contacted the Banyana Banyana camp in Morocco earlier in the day. They spoke to the team’s HOD, Thabile Msomi, and captain, Refiloe Jane, in a bid to sort out the matter. Zwane said the two parties found each other and an agreement was reached, paving the way for the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team to play the training match. Monyepao explained that the matter centred on the friendly matches played in the last few months – the match against Malawi and the ThreeNations series games against Zambia and Botswana – and not on the Wafcon. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at The Witness Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Tshwane has lost revenue of R130m in unattended power cuts due to overtime policy, DA claims Sunday World reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane says the city’s overtime policy has cost the municipality R130-million in lost electricity revenue in a single month while leaving residents in the dark. According to Jacqui Uys, the DA Tshwane finance spokesperson, the overtime policy blocks officials from responding to electrical faults after hours and has led to worsened ongoing power outages. Uys claimed that poor workmanship and political decisions were the cause of what she referred to as a crisis. “Adding insult to the injury, the ANC coalition made a policy decision to not allow officials to work on emergency power outages after hours. The administration tries to defend this decision by stating cost control as a reason. However, a report served in the city’s finance committee clearly shows that R130-million in electricity revenue was lost in April alone, with the main reason for this loss being cited as power outages,” Uys pointed out. In her view, the policy move, despite being perceived as a cost-saving measure, was having unintended consequences. The situation, she said, worsened over the past weekend when planned maintenance affecting most of the east of Pretoria failed to meet expectations. The DA agrees that regular work should take place during office hours, but advocates for flexible emergency responses. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Boitumelo Kgobotlo at Sunday World. Lees ook, Oortyd kos stad R130 miljoen: Tshwane-inwoners steeds in donker, by Maroela Media
Three Tshwane officials arrested for theft of R7 million transformer in Laudium The Citizen reports that three officials from the City of Tshwane municipality, believed to be part of a syndicate, have been arrested for stealing a transformer at a substation. Police said the officials were handcuffed on Tuesday morning. The theft was of a large transformer worth an estimated R7 million, which has since been recovered, from the Laudium substation. Police spokesperson Major General Samuel Thine said the arrests followed an ongoing investigation that started last November, when 11 suspects were initially arrested for stealing a transformer. He indicated: “The 10 suspects who were subcontractors were released after they could not be linked to the crime, and one who is an employee of the municipality remained behind bars and has since made several court appearances and is currently remanded in custody until 8 August 2025”. Thine said the suspects, all employed by the city’s electricity department, were caught following an internal investigation and tip-offs about missing equipment at the substation. He said one more suspect was expected to be arrested on Tuesday, which would bring the total to five suspects. “The impact relating to the stealing of essential infrastructure is crippling the economy of the country and crippling households in Tshwane,” Thine pointed out. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Faizel Patel at The Citizen Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Bail hearing of female teacher accused of sexually grooming primary school pupil postponed EWN reports that a teacher accused of sexually grooming a grade seven pupil made a brief appearance in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The 35-year-old woman, who cannot be named due to the nature of the case, faces charges related to sending explicit messages and a video to a 13-year-old primary school pupil in June. She was due in court on Tuesday for closing arguments in her bail hearing, but the matter was postponed because the presiding magistrate was ill. The teacher appeared in court with her face covered, wearing a black beanie and mask. When she appeared in the court last week, residents who gathered there had called for bail to be denied. On Tuesday, the concerned residents were not in court, although family members of the accused were present. The matter was postponed to 3 July for closing arguments in the bail hearing. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Carlo Petersen at EWN Tribunal refuses Mbenenge’s sexual harassment accuser the right to cross-examine him News24 reports that High Court secretary Andiswa Mengo’s application to cross-examine Judge President Selby Mbenenge about his response to her sexual harassment accusations has been dismissed. “After looking at the [Judicial Service Commission] Act and the rules, we are of the view that such a right should not be granted,” retired Judge President Bernard Ngoepe, who is chairing the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) tribunal into Mbenenge’s alleged gross misconduct, ruled on Tuesday. He later added that it was “troubling” that should Mengo’s application to cross-examine Mbenenge and his three intended defence witnesses be granted, it would result in them being cross-examined twice, rather than just once, as Mengo had been. Mengo’s advocate, Nasreen Budlender, had been allowed to question all the witnesses called by evidence leader Salome Scheepers. But Mbenenge’s legal team fiercely opposed Budlender being given the chance to cross-examine him or the three other witnesses he intends to call in his defence. In his ruling, Ngoepe indicated that while Budlender would not be able to question Mbenenge or his witnesses, Mengo and her lawyers would be given time to consult with Scheepers “if need be” about her cross-examination of the Judge President so that they could indicate to her which specific areas they wanted her to traverse. Mengo’s legal team would also be allowed to submit written arguments about her case against Mbenenge. The hearing continues on Wednesday. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Karyn Maughan at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, Cross-examination denied in Judge Mbenenge's sexual harassment tribunal, at IOL News. And also, Mbenenge’s legal team pulls the ‘culture’ and every other card in Judicial Conduct Tribunal, at Daily Maverick Northern Cape teacher who had inappropriate relationship with pupil, 15, loses bid to keep her job TimesLIVE Premium reports that a Northern Cape teacher who was dismissed for having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 15-year-old pupil has failed in a bid to save her job. The teacher took the provincial education department to the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), contending she “did not breach any rule as alleged by the employer”. The teacher, who had taught at a high school since January 2017, was accused of dishonesty when interviewed by a labour relations manager about allegations she had been involved in a sexual relationship with the minor. She was also charged with contravention of the Employment of Educators Act for allegedly committing statutory rape. She argued the rule she allegedly breached was not consistently applied and she was not “given a hearing on the alleged misconduct”. The teacher was dismissed on 11 November last year after a two-day hearing held in her absence in October. The ELRC arbitrator heard the teacher “was not present at the hearing and it is common cause she made no attempt to apply for postponement”. She approached the ELRC for “retrospective reinstatement”. On Monday the ELRC arbitrator ruled the teacher was “unsuitable for corrective discipline as she never showed remorse for her unacceptable conduct”. The ruling reads: “Society must be able to trust her unconditionally as an educator. Due to the serious nature of the misconduct committed on or around January and February 2024, the employee is summarily dismissed from the employ of the department of education Northern Cape. Dismissal is mandatory under the circumstances.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Philani Nombembe at TimesLIVE Premium (subscriber access only)
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