In our Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Numsa changes stance, seeks an amicable solution to Gautrain wage dispute BL Premium reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) says it remains open to negotiations with Gautrain operator Bombela Operating Company (BOC) over its demands for above-inflation wage increases, stressing that it prefers to resolve the wage impasse amicably rather than taking to the streets. This after last week’s statements in which the union called on the BOC to table a meaningful wage offer to avoid an “imminent crippling strike” that could result in a “total shutdown of services”. Wage talks between the BOC and Numsa deadlocked on 9 June and attempts by the CCMA to break the impasse failed on Wednesday last week, resulting in the union being issued with a strike certificate. Numsa is demanding a 7% wage increase across the board, while the BOC will not move from its 4.2% wage offer. Numsa’s other demands include a housing allowance of R1,600 (it is now R1,300), transport allowance of R150 (R125), night shift allowance of R50 per hour (R38 per hour), and performance bonus of R15,000 (R9,600). On Monday, Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said: “We remain open as Numsa to negotiations. We’d prefer to resolve this through negotiation than through a strike. A strike would mean the no work no pay policy applies. We want to reiterate to the management of BOC that they must demonstrate compassion towards workers.” She added: “We believe we can find one another, but it does require flexibility and the ball is in their court.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Murder of Ekurhuleni auditor tied to probe into R2b electricity billing scandal IOL News reports that the murder of Mpho Mafole, the group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits at the City of Ekurhuleni municipality, has sent shockwaves through the city. Mafole was found in a pool of blood after he was sprayed with bullets on the R23 in Kempton Park on 30 June. Sources close to the municipality believe that Mafole's death was a hit, linked to his investigation into a massive scandal he was close to uncovering. According to a senior member of the municipality, Mafole, just months after joining the city, and his team were probing a massive electricity billing scandal that had cost Ekurhuleni tax payers over R2 billion. The scandal involved tampered electricity accounts, with some accounts paying drastically reduced rates for electricity, while others were absent from the system. During a sombre funeral on Sunday, City of Ekurhuleni Mayor Xhakaza suggested that there was a link between Mafole's murder and the municipality's financial scandals. "It is such things that auditors like Mpho would help us determine, where the funds went when I have to account as the mayor. The city and country have lost a man of integrity. We will continue to fight and make sure justice is served,” Xhakaza said. Earlier in the week Xhakaza also revealed that Mafole had drafted a charge sheet for a suspended official, believed to be part of a criminal syndicate. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mashudu Sadike at IOL News Ekurhuleni Mayor warns of exodus of professionals amid assassination of municipal auditor IOL News reports that Ekurhuleni mayor, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, has sounded a chilling warning. Speaking at the funeral of slain forensic auditor Mpho Mafole on Sunday, he said that unless SA protected the integrity warriors within its public institutions, the state faced a mass exodus of professionals – and with it, the collapse of public trust. Delivering an emotional but forceful address, Xhakaza condemned what he described as a deepening climate of fear targeting civil servants confronting corruption head-on. "If we don’t pull up and enforce the law and ensure there are consequences, we will lose some of these professionals. They will want to leave the public service and it will mean the public trust will be eroded,” he said. Mafole, a respected figure in the metro’s anti-corruption unit, was gunned down in a brutal ambush last week while returning home from work. This cannot be another case that fades into silence, Xhakaza said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kamogelo Moichela at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Capitec CEO sticks with his view on jobless rate in talks with Presidency and Stats SA BL Premium reports that Capitec CEO Gerrie Fourie stood his ground when he met a government delegation last week and repeated his assertion that SA’s unemployment rate was much lower than the official data suggested. Fourie met the Presidency and senior officials from Stats SA and the National Treasury to discuss his comments that the country was not properly accounting for the informal sector. He said that as a consequence, SA’s jobless rate was inflated. He suggested it could be as low as 10% if the informal sector was fully accounted for. Capitec has estimated that there were as many as 3-million informal businesses in SA. The meeting was attended by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke. Despite divergent views on methodology, the parties agreed the data on informal businesses could be improved, with a register for small-scale and informal businesses put on the table. A joint statement from the parties said that if implemented the mooted register would complement the quarterly labour force survey and “serve as a valuable sampling frame for improved labour market analysis”. Fourie’s comments that the official 32.9% jobless rate was not a true reflection of economic activity sharply divided experts, drawing both praise and scorn. According to data from Stats SA, informal sector employment accounted for 19.5% of total employment in the fourth quarter of 2024. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Assmang confirms closure of Cato Ridge smelter on 31 August, with close to 600 jobs to be lost IOL Business reports that Assmang has confirmed the permanent closure of its Cato Ridge Works (CRW) Ferromanganese Smelter in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) with close to 600 employees set to lose their jobs. The closure will take effect on 31 August 2025. Assmang, jointly owned by Assore SA and African Rainbow Minerals, said the decision followed a "structured and comprehensive consultation process" in line with Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. The decision was reached after a comprehensive review of the Smelter’s operational and financial position. Assmang indicated that despite "nonstop efforts to explore alternatives to closure, the operation has continued to experience significant financial losses, which rendered CRW unsustainable". Around 310 permanent and 290 contract workers will be retrenched. "In partnership with Siyakha Consulting, Assmang is offering affected employees access to wellness programs, financial planning & budgeting, CV writing, employment seeking opportunities, reskilling program options, and entrepreneurship skilling," Assmang indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mthobisi Nozulela at IOL Business
Livingstone Hospital task team to report on Tuesday on interventions in wake of staff exodus News24 reports that a report on staffing issues that have led to doctors leaving the Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha in droves is expected to be presented to senior officials in the Eastern Cape Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday. According to medical practitioners at the hospital, the hospital’s departments – including internal medicine, surgery, anaesthetics, intensive care unit, and radiology – have lost at least 30% of their doctors in the past few years, and very few of them have been replaced. This led to the surgery department warning patients in a notice in May not to expect doctors at the hospital’s outpatient clinics due to a dire staff shortage. Provincial DOH spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo advised on Monday that a task team, led by a chief director, had been appointed to look at issues affecting staffing and medicine availability at Livingstone. He said: “That task team is hard at work and is expected to present a progress report [on Tuesday] morning.” Kupelo added that “significant progress” had been made since the establishment of the task team. The DA’s Jane Cowley said the facility’s staff outflow was no accident. “Burnout leads to resignations, which in turn fuel burnout, and the vicious circle accelerates. Those who remain shoulder an unbearable load while patients wait in fear and pain,” she explained. The crisis is compounded by an exodus of professional and enrolled nurses, whose dwindling numbers can no longer sustain safe care. Cowley said the DOH needed to act urgently to find solutions for staffing issues at the hospital. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sithandiwe Velaphi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Hawks launch investigation into Minister Nkabane over alleged fraud, lying to Parliament IOL News reports that the Hawks have confirmed they are investigating criminal charges against Higher Education Minister Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, following a complaint filed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) last week. The DA alleges that Nkabane lied to Parliament and facilitated ANC cadre deployment to Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards. Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale indicated on Monday that the case was currently in its early stages. According to the DA, Nkabane orchestrated a scheme that saw senior ANC figures and their associates appointed to lucrative SETA board positions. The appointments were later withdrawn. Last week, DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille Zille accused Nkabane of appointing ANC loyalists to SETA boards under the pretence of an “independent panel.” Nkabane initially refused to disclose the panel members’ names but later submitted the list under pressure. According to Zille, Nkabane falsely claimed the panel was chaired by Advocate Terry Motau, who later denied any involvement. “She lied to a parliamentary committee, which amounts to lying to Parliament,” Zille said. Upon further investigation, the DA found that three of the six panel members were employees of Nkabane’s department, and others were ANC affiliates. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Simon Majadibodu at IOL News. Lees ook, Valke ondersoek DA-klagte teen minister van hoër onderwys, by Maroela Media. En ook, ANC gee volle ondersteuning aan Nkabane, by Maroela Media
National Treasury to strengthen oversight of PIC BusinessLive reports that National Treasury is strengthening its oversight role over the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), Africa’s largest asset manager with more than R3-trillion in assets under management. The PIC manages the funds of the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Compensation Fund among other funds. In a written reply to a parliamentary question, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the Treasury’s oversight role over the PIC would be strengthened through the shareholder compact signed annually between the minister and the PIC board. “These will include the power to conduct independent audits, ensuring that comprehensive investment policies and guidelines are established, among others. In the interim, to uphold the PIC’s accountability, the National Treasury will continue to enforce existing regulatory frameworks, which include the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury regulations and National Treasury instruction notes designed to regulate financial management,” the minister said. Earlier this month, Godongwana reported that he had ordered an inquiry into the PIC’s unlisted investments, which amount to about R170bn. He also indicated that the Treasury had begun a process to amend the PIC Act to give effect to the recommendations of the Mpati commission of inquiry. One of these recommendations was the appointment of an independent non-executive chairperson, who was not the deputy minister of finance (as presently the case) but someone with experience and expertise in pension funds, finance markets and governance. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by LInda Ensor at BusinessLive Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Unions call for urgent presidential intervention at SAPS following Mkhwanazi’s accusations News24 reports that police unions have called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to intervene following allegations by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi that senior figures were undermining investigations into political killings and organised crime. In a briefing on Sunday, Mkhwanazi made numerous allegations involving Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, deputy national commissioner for crime detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. He accused Mchunu of political interference in investigations and having an ulterior motive in disbanding the Political Killings Task Team, a unit based in KwaZulu-Natal. According to Mkhwanazi, in March 2025, 121 case dockets were removed from the task team as directed by Sibiya. The SA Policing Union (Sapu) said it was shocked “that those matters found expression in the media”. Sapu’s spokesperson, Lesiba Thobakgale, said processes must be followed regarding issues that threaten national security and added that Ramaphosa should urgently intervene. Mpho Kwinika of the Independent Policing Union of SA said they were concerned about the allegations as the police service was a disciplined institution with protocols that needed to be followed. “We wonder what caused Mkhwanazi to use a public platform to bring these matters to light. We would’ve expected these issues to be addressed by either the national commissioner or Ramaphosa,” he commented. The Community Policing Forum’s Francina Lucas said it was a serious matter and that Ramaphosa must intervene as soon as possible. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sakhiseni Nxumalo at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, Sapu and Popcru ‘shocked but not surprised’ by KZN police boss Mkhwanazi's explosive claims, at IOL News. En ook, Mkhwanazi-onthullings: Moenie bewerings te vinnig afskryf – kenners, by Maroela Media Police portfolio chair calls for probe into Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s claims Sunday World reports that Police Portfolio Committee chairperson Ian Cameron wants an independent inquiry and integrity commission to be urgently established to investigate explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He was speaking at the Safety and Security Cluster briefing on Monday and said the investigation should be conducted with a clear timeline and scope. According to Cameron, the allegations made by Mkhwanazi highlighted a crisis of integrity in the SA Police Service (SAPS) and the whole of the criminal justice system. “If what has been said is true, it explains why the system has not been able to effectively arrest the ever-increasing criminality in the country. The allegations are not only damning to a few individuals. It indicates a whole systematic weakening of the police to enable corruption and to undermine the rule of law,” said Cameron. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks also called on Ramaphosa to bring in an independent commission of enquiry to investigate the allegations. “The nature of these allegations is extremely serious and will undermine the confidence that society has in law enforcement and its ability to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens and the rule of law,” said Parks. Meanwhile, there are plans for a massive march in Durban on Tuesday next week to show support for Mkhwanazi. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sihle Mavuso & Boitumelo Kgobotlo at Sunday World. Read too, Integrity commission must investigate rot in the SAPS — MP, at SowetanLive. En ook, Bewerings teen minister nou ‘prioriteit’ – Ramaphosa, by Maroela Media Mpumalanga education opens housing allowance fraud case against two officials Mpumalanga News reports that on 29 June, the Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE) formally opened a case of fraud with the SA Police Service (SAPS) against two officials from the Ehlanzeni School District. This followed an internal investigation into allegations of fraud and corruption related to the irregular processing of housing allowances. According to the DoE’s spokesperson, Gerald Sambo, the investigation found that the two officials had unlawfully manipulated the payment system by processing housing allowances outside their authorised Persal distribution code – an internal payroll system code that links public servants to their specific department and cost centre. These actions were carried out without the necessary approvals. The transactions, which occurred between July and November 2024, led to educators and other officials from various districts unduly benefitting from housing allowance payments. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Emanuel Majola at Mpumalanga News
Call for audit into secret service ghost workers in SAPS Crime Intelligence The Citizen reports that Jan Naudè de Villiers, chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on public service and administration, recently submitted a formal request to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, for an independent investigation into payroll fraud and the possibility of non-existent workers drawing salaries within the SA Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence (CI) Division. This followed the arrests between June and July 2025 of seven senior CI officials responsible for financial oversight, personnel management, and internal controls. They appeared before the Pretoria Regional Court on fraud and corruption charges related to appointing an unqualified civilian to a senior position. De Villiers indicated the arrests have exposed potential widespread corruption within CI. His particular concern was about ghost workers, which de Villiers described as fictitious employees who fraudulently receive salaries and benefits from the SAPS payroll system. These phantom workers represent a sophisticated form of payroll fraud that might have been operating within the division for an extended period. The parliamentary chairperson specifically highlighted concerns about the Secret Services Account, a classified budget line designated for covert operations and informant payments. The formal request calls for coordination between the National Treasury and the Public Service Commission to conduct a comprehensive audit of the CI division within 90 days. The audit must verify actual headcounts against personnel physically deployed and examine all Secret Service Account payments, including informant lists and payment records. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Enkosi Selane at The Citizen. Read too, Call for audit into SAPS Crime Intelligence following arrests of senior officials, at The Mercury
Judge President Mbenenge claims ‘malicious’ lies in sexual harassment complaint TimesLIVE Premium reports that Eastern Cape judge president Selby Mbenenge gave evidence on Monday at a Judicial Conduct Tribunal which is investigating judges’ secretary Andiswa Mengo’s complaint of sexual harassment. He presented his own account of what happened between the two and said it was a “lie” that had tried to expose his erect penis to Mengo. “It never happened. The complainant [Mengo] knows as well as I do,” he claimed. The bulk of the case against Mbenenge relates to a string of WhatsApp exchanges between the two, which Mengo alleges were unwanted advances by him but which he says were not unwelcome by her. But there were also allegations that were outright denied by him, including one that, in November 2022, he had called her into his chambers, had pointed to his crotch, where there was a noticeable bulge, and said: “Do you see how much effect you have on me?” She testified that, as he “was fiddling with his zip”, he asked her “if I didn’t want to suck it”. Mbenenge said on Monday that this allegation was malicious and was being pursued “to shame me”. He also told the tribunal that he never sent Mengo a picture of his “private part” as she had claimed. He pointed out that the timecode of the picture she claimed he had sent her did not align with her testimony to the tribunal. Asked about being called “sexist” and “misogynist”, Mbenenge said the labels were hurtful and that he respected women. He said what was important was to view people as “adult individuals” who were free to engage in relationships of whatever form “as long as there is mutual consent” and as long as they were adults. His testimony will continue on Tuesday. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Franny Rabkin at TimesLIVE Premium (subscriber access only). Read too, Accusations of indecent exposure ‘lies’ fabricated to shame him, Mbenenge tells tribunal, at Daily Maverick. And also, ‘I’m a Xhosa man’: Mbenenge uses culture as defence against sexual harassment accusations, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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