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 Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Amsa’s long steel business still under threat of closure, with over 3,000 jobs on the line BL Premium reports that the jobs of more than 3,000 employees employed by ArcelorMittal SA’s (Amsa) long steel business could again be at risk after the group said the unit was still in trouble. This is despite the government having supported Amsa via tariffs and a cash injection to keep the long steel business afloat. The state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in April provided Amsa with a facility totalling R1.6bn – a facility that has been fully drawn down. That saw Amsa defer the wind-down of its long steel business while a viable and sustainable long-term solution was sought – a decision that saved about 3,500 jobs. The government also picked up the unit’s wage bill for a year through the temporary employee/employer relief scheme. On Monday, the embattled steel producer imposed further pressure on the government to do more to clamp down on cheap imports. It said the long steel business would only be able to “continue with financial support as the Company does not have the ability to bear any further financial risk associated with its continued operations after the deferral period,” urging urgent action to be taken to save the unit. Amsa went on to indicate: “Therefore, unless a solution is implemented timeously, and to ensure the orderly closure of the longs business as soon as possible after the deferral period, Amsa may have no option but to take certain operational steps to prepare for the wind down process well in advance of September 30 2025.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kabelo Khumalo at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Read too, ArcelorMittal SA warns longs business still under threat of closing, at IOL Business. And also, Amsa may initiate wind down of longs unit well ahead of September deferral deadline, at Engineering News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Workers speak out as Assmang’s closure of Cato Ridge plant to affect around 600 workers The Witness reports that the looming closure of the Assmang ferromanganese plant in Cato Ridge has left hundreds of workers and their families reeling, with many saying they do not know how they will survive without the income the company has long provided. The shutdown of the Cato Ridge Works (CRW) facility, confirmed for 31 August, will affect around 600 people – 310 permanent staff and 290 contract workers. Assmang, a joint venture between Assore SA and African Rainbow Minerals, said the closure decision followed prolonged financial strain, including sharp increases in production costs and volatile global manganese alloy prices. Electricity tariffs alone have risen by more than 930% since 2008. Assmang confirmed it had begun formal consultations in line with Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act and would offer support services, including wellness programmes, financial counselling, CV writing, reskilling workshops and entrepreneurial training. National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) KZN regional spokesperson Khulekani Ntuli said workers were the most affected by the closure of Assmang. “Most of the people who worked at Assmang have been living and renting in the area just to be closer to the company. In the country and economy we live in, most of us aren’t fortunate enough to jump from one job to another. These workers will most likely have to go back home,” Ntuli indicated. He added that, as a union, they were in conversation with the workers and were in the process of assessing the damage the closure will have on the province’s economy. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Zama Myeza at The Witness
US tariffs threaten social crisis in Eastern Cape industrial hubs, warns Naamsa News24 reports that automotive business council Naamsa says tariff announcements from the US could plunge SA’s auto industry into a “socioeconomic crisis.” Auto hubs in the Eastern Cape also risk becoming “ghost towns” as the industry contends with a 25% tariff from the US since April, which is now set to rise to 30% from August. The US is currently SA’s second-largest auto trade partner, behind Germany. SA’s auto exports were previously able to enter the US duty-free as part of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) before the tariffs came into effect. In a statement released on Monday, Naamsa said that multiple tariff threats have placed pressure on several original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in SA, and that any production losses in the export market could have ripple effects, including potential job losses. According to Naamsa, auto exports to the US have plunged in recent months, including before the 25% tariff came into effect in April. It said that losses in export earnings would also be difficult to recover in the short term. “This [trade disruption] is not just a trade issue, it’s a socioeconomic crisis in the making. The US tariffs directly threaten thousands of jobs in our sector, disrupt hard-won industrial capabilities, and risk devastating communities such as East London, where the auto sector forms the economic heartbeat of the town. If we cannot retain export markets like the US, we risk turning vibrant industrial hubs into ghost towns,” Naamsa pointed out Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Na'ilah Ebrahim at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, Trump tariffs could wreck South Africa’s vehicle manufacturing industry, at TechCentral Solidarity calls for task team to be sent to US amid pending tariffs Engineering News reports that in a media release on Sunday, Solidarity indicated that it was prepared to be part of a South African task team established to attempt to broker a trade agreement with the US before the 30% tariff on South African products exported to the US comes into effect from 1 August. In a letter to Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, the trade union proposed that a task team comprising stakeholders other than politicians be appointed urgently to negotiate with the US. “South Africa has a very short window to try and avert severe economic damage; however, swift and decisive action will be needed. Solidarity urges you to handle the matter of brokering a trade deal with the utmost urgency. However, it is clear that the African National Congress-led government alone is not capable of successfully brokering a trade deal with the United States of America,” Solidarity CEO Dirk Hermann indicated to Tau. The trade union pointed out that just over two weeks were left before the US imposed the import tariff on SA following months during which it claimed politicians in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government “have failed in critical negotiations”. According to Solidarity, up to 275,000 South Africans could lose their jobs unless action, “characterised by wisdom and urgency”, was taken immediately. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Gauteng Health urges former miners in Ekurhuleni to register for unclaimed benefits SABC News reports that the Gauteng Health Department has urged former mine workers in Ekurhuleni to register for Phase Two of the Ex-Mine Workers Social Security Benefits Programme. The initiative aims to screen ex-mine workers who could be suffering from occupational diseases such as silicosis and tuberculosis to ensure that those who qualify can access their unclaimed benefits. The department’s spokesperson Motalatale Modiba pointed out that families of deceased mineworkers might also be eligible to claim benefits. He indicated: “We have got four4 registration sites in Ekurhuleni: Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, Bertha Gxowa Hospital, Tambo Memorial Hospital, and Pholosong Hospital. Those that are coming need to bring the mineworker’s identity card, identity documents, and any paperwork kthat they might receive from their mining companies.” Registration will be from 21 July to 22 August between 8 and 4 on weekdays. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at SABC News Other labour / community posting(s) relating to mining
Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Bogus doctor arrested at Yeoville clinic in Joburg The Witness reports that the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) has confirmed the arrest of an unregistered individual found practising as a locum medical doctor in Yeoville, Johannesburg. The Council’s Inspectorate Office, during a recent inspection at Yeoville Family Practice, discovered Mr Basa Bafumba-Nkoy, a Congolese national, unlawfully operating as a medical practitioner. He was arrested on-site and detained at the Yeoville Police Station. According to the HPCSA, Bafumba-Nkoy was not registered with the Council and had been working at the practice since October 2024. He is facing charges under the Health Professions Act of 1974 and is expected to appear in court soon. The practice is operated by Dr Jean Pierre Okitokenge, a registered medical practitioner. The HPCSA confirmed that Dr Okitokenge would be reported to the Professional Board for Medical and Dental for unethical conduct, specifically for employing an unregistered individual to perform clinical duties. The arrest is part of a broader enforcement drive by the HPCSA’s Inspectorate Office. Between April and June 2025, the office arrested five individuals found to be practising without registration. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at The Witness. Read too, Five ‘doctors’ arrested in three months as HPCSA cracks down on bogus medical practitioners, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Bogus college clampdown campaign undertaken in East London SBC News reports that the Department of Higher Education and Training is adamant that continued vigilance and close monitoring are necessary to clampdown on bogus colleges. The department led by Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, the SA Police Service (SAPS) and Umalusi visited some of the colleges operating in East London to monitor compliance. The Deputy Minister expressed concern that some of the colleges failed to meet the minimum compliance standards. The initiative is aimed at dealing with fraudulent institutions, which are taking advantage of unsuspecting students seeking legitimate educational opportunities. East London is the third metro to be visited following Johannesburg and Cape Town. The initiative is not solely concerned with the quality of teaching and learning, it also focuses on the safety issues relating to the structure of the facility. Gondwe said there were some worrying discoveries at some of the colleges they visited. The public has been warned about the signs to look out for when enrolling for qualifications. Senior Manager at the SA Qualifications Authority (SAQA), Japie Nel says it’s imperative for institutions to display their registration certificates in a visible area for the public to see. The campaign will be rolled out in different parts of the country, throughout the year. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at SABC News
PSA calls for urgent action to eliminate ghost workers from public service The Star reports that the Public Servants Association (PSA), representing more than 245,000 public-sector employees, has called for immediate, decisive actions to eliminate ghost workers from SA’s public service. Ghost workers are fraudulent entries on government payrolls and receive salaries without performing any work. This deep-rooted and systemic form of payroll fraud drains billions from public coffers, severely undermining service delivery and robbing deserving South Africans, particularly the youth, of meaningful employment. These fictitious employees are said to be inserted into the system through deliberate collusion between corrupt officials. Recent investigations have highlighted the alarming extent of the problem. The PSA pointed out that if only 1% of the public-service workforce of 1.3 million employees was compromised by ghost workers, the state could be losing over R3.9 billion annually. To end this crisis, the PSA has demanded the immediate implementation of biometric and in-person verification of all public servants, digitisation of payroll systems with real-time oversight, and the imposition of harsh penalties for officials involved in payroll fraud. The union said it would continue to work closely with the Department of Public Service and Administration, National Treasury, and oversight bodies to strengthen public-service payroll integrity. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at The Star
Hawks member in Kimberley ordered to be promoted and rewarded with more than half a million rand Maroela Media reports that the SA Police Service (SAPS) was hauled over the coals for the umpteenth time for unfair labour practice involving a candidate whose application for promotion was unfairly rejected. Despite her years of service in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Lt. Col. Ralda Breedt was not promoted in circumstances where a less suitable candidate was appointed. This matter was heard by the CCMA, where the commissioner found that the SAPS had failed to provide a rational or just reason why Breedt had not been promoted. The decision to appoint a less suitable candidate was also confirmed to be an unfair labour practice. During the application process, Breedt applied for the position of Colonel in the DPCI Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in Kimberley. The interview panel identified her as the best candidate and recommended her for appointment in this position. However, the recommendation was rejected by the Moderation Committee and the position was allocated to a candidate who, according to the arbitration order, did not meet the job requirements and should never have been on the shortlist. The commissioner ruled that Breedt had been unfairly disadvantaged and that the SAPS must promote her to the position of Unit Commander: Serious Corruption Investigations (with the rank of Colonel) retroactively from 1 May 2023. Moreover, the SAPS must pay Breedt the full remuneration and benefits relating to the position, namely a total of R664,300, by 31 July 2025. According to Theunis van Staden, Solidarity organiser in the Public Sector, this ruling is one of the few where not only compensation was granted, but where the promotion itself was also enforced. “This is a powerful corrective step for justice in the workplace, and we are delighted that our member is being compensated in more ways than one,” Van Staden commented. Read the full original of the Afrikaans report in the above regard at Maroela Media
Ramaphosa’s entire executive has consented to lifestyle audits News24 reports that all the members of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s executive, namely ministers, deputy ministers, Ramaphosa himself and his deputy Paul Mashatile, have agreed to undergo lifestyle audits. However, Ramaphosa has not provided a straight answer on whether the outcomes will be made public. In reply to a written parliamentary question, Ramaphosa indicated: “The lifestyle audit process for the members of the executive (president, deputy president, ministers, and deputy ministers) is spearheaded by the Office of the Director-General and the Secretary of the Cabinet in the Presidency. For the 2024/25 financial year, all members of the executive for the 7th administration have granted consent to the director-general and the Secretary of the Cabinet to conduct the lifestyle audits.” Lifestyle reviews and lifestyle investigations will precede the lifestyle audits. “The lifestyle reviews are the first step of the process and are conducted subsequent to the submission of the financial disclosures by the members of the executive. Lifestyle investigations will follow in the event the information provided during lifestyle reviews is not satisfactory.” The lifestyle audits of the members of the executive will conducted by the staff within the Office of the Director-General and Secretary of Cabinet, who are qualified auditors. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jan Gerber at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Police launch probe into senior PIC executive’s alleged R3m bribe demand News24 reports that the police are investigating a claim that the Public Investment Corporation’s (PIC’s) Thabiso Moshikara, acting head of the fund manager’s Unlisted Investments unit, solicited a R3-million kickback from property entrepreneur Ralebala Mampeule. Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed the investigation and said: “Police can confirm that a case of extortion has been opened at Midrand police station, and an investigation is under way. Warning statements would be obtained from the suspects. The docket would then be taken to the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) for a decision.” Mampeule is a beneficiary of R693 million in PIC funding through Levoca 804, a company that owns a 19.5% equity interest in Metrofribre Networx, a provider of fibre optic broadband connectivity. The PIC’s spokesperson, Sekgoela Sekgoela, said the asset manager was not aware that the police were investigating Moshikara. He stated: “The Public Investment Corporation has not been approached by the South African Police Service regarding any investigation into allegations against its employee, Mr Thabiso Moshikara. Should the PIC be approached, it will fully cooperate with the police investigation to the extent it is required and is able to.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sipho Masondo at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Former security officer who killed worker during Steve Tshwete municipal protest gets 25 years News24 reports that a former security officer has been given 25 years in prison for shooting dead a worker during a municipal protest in Mpumalanga three years ago. The Mpumalanga High Court sentenced 43-year-old Nqubeko Brian Mchunu on Friday. Hired by the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Mchunu opened fire on workers during a protest in August 2022, killing 33-year-old electrician Tshepo Maseko, who died from a wound to the back of his head. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), an altercation broke out between the striking workers and security personnel, who were armed with handguns, shotguns, and rifles. As Mchunu also “fired additional shots as workers fled”, injuring three others, he was further sentenced to seven years for three counts of attempted murder. The sentences for attempted murder will run concurrently with the murder sentence. As a result, Mchunu will serve an effective 25 years in prison. Mchunu pleaded not guilty, claiming he had acted in self-defence. However, the court was clearly persuaded otherwise by the evidence. This included eyewitness evidence and a ballistic report confirming that the cartridges recovered from the scene matched the firearm issued to Mchunu. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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