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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Numsa and Gautrain reach deal on four demands, but not pay increase BL Premium reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) and Gautrain operator Bombela Operating Company (BOC) have reached consensus on four key demands, with the above-inflation pay increase demand the only issue still unresolved. Numsa has revised its wage demand from 7% to 6%, while BOC has not moved from its 4.2% wage offer. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said: “We remain deadlocked.” According to information from the BOC, the parties have reached agreement on a housing allowance of R1,400 (currently R1,300), transport allowance of R125 (R112), night shift allowance of R40 per hour (R37 per hour) and performance bonus of R10,016 (R9,612). Numsa embarked on a strike balloting process at Gautrain on Tuesday over its 6% wage demand. Numsa recently called on 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 BOC and Numsa deadlocked on 9 June and attempts by the CCMA to break the impasse failed recently, resulting in the CCMA’s issuing the union with a ‘strike certificate’. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Bayview community mourns loss of armed response officer IOL News reports that the One Stop Group has described security officer Vikesh Maniram as a fallen hero who was a “wonderful and most hardworking” colleague. Maniram, 39, was shot and killed during a business robbery in Bayview, Chatsworth, on Sunday. He sustained a gunshot wound to his chest and was declared dead at the scene. One Stop Security manager Racheal Pillay said the community was also shocked and saddened because Maniram helped combat crime in and around Newlands. According to the incident report, two armed suspects robbed a tote for an undisclosed amount of cash. They tried escaping in a public taxi when the officer stopped the taxi. The suspects then shot him cefore fleeing on foot toward Colorado Circle. Pro Secure armed response gave chase, and the first suspect was caught on the Colorado Circle pathway. The second suspect was apprehended from a residential property on Colorado Circle. Police in Bayview confirmed the arrests of two suspects for murder, business robbery, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and malicious damage to property. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thobeka Ngema at IOL News. See too, Security guard who died while pursuing robbers hailed a hero, at TimesLIVE Agricentre building in Mahikeng shut down due to serious structural and electrical issues SABC News reports that the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) has closed the North West Department of Agriculture building in Mahikeng because it does not comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS) regulations due to lack of maintenance . According to the DEL, the Agricentre building has serious structural and electrical problems that makes it unfit for occupation. The provincial Department of Agriculture has requested alternative accommodation. MEC Madoda Sambatha indicated: “As the Department of Labour has issued a closing report, government must then develop a plan to revamp the building to compliance then call back labour and prove to them that it has been revamped. As we speak now no employee must be taken back there as we have removed everybody. The government must still find alternative office space for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.” According to Nehawu’s Thabo Shuping, it has been some time since the union raised health and safety issues related to the building. He said that as far back as 2019 some notices were issued in relation to the building, but it was never closed. He went on to say: “Although the building is prohibited for entrance we see a number of people are entering the building and are working continuously.” Shuping went on to allege that there were a number of government buildings in the province that were not OHS compliant. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at SABC News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
General Sibiya placed on leave of absence after explosive allegations by Mkhwanazi TimesLIVE reports that deputy national commissioner for crime detection Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya has been asked to take leave of absence in the aftermath of explosive allegations made by KZN police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi at a press briefing on 6 July. On Monday, national police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola confirmed that he asked Sibiya to take a leave of absence and said: “He has been served with documents that he has to take leave while the process is under way. We don't like to discuss details of our departmental processes, but he has been asked to stay home while other processes are unfolding.” Masemola said they would be investigating allegations made against Sibiya, but declined to elaborate on what leave of absence meant. Mkhwanazi’s allegations were that Sibiya obstructed justice, stalled investigations into political assassinations and organised crime and shielded politically connected suspects by taking control of more than 120 sensitive dockets. Further allegations implicated the police minister Senzo Mchunu. On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that a commission of inquiry would be established to investigate the allegations and placed Mchunu on immediate leave. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Shonisani Tshikalange at TimesLIVE. Read too, Mkhwanazi fallout intensifies as Sibiya told to ‘step aside’ after political killing accusations, at Daily Maverick. En ook, Nóg ʼn polisiehoof gevra om liefs tuis te bly, by Maroela Media Leave of absence is not a lawful substitute for suspension, Cameron points out TimesLIVE reports that on Tuesday, police portfolio committee chairperson Ian Cameron commented on deputy national commissioner for crime detection Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya being asked to take leave of absence in the wake of allegations made by KZN police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He said this was highly irregular as in policing, “leave of absence” and “suspension” meant very different things, and that the distinction was of significance. Cameron pointed out that when allegations of misconduct arose, the only lawful options under the regulations were “precautionary suspension or temporary transfer”. “Regulations state: the employer may suspend a member on full pay if the member is alleged to have committed misconduct and the employer believes that the presence of the member at the workplace might jeopardise any investigation, or endanger the wellbeing or safety of any person or state property,” Cameron noted. He argued that the principle was fundamental because precautionary suspension existed specifically to protect the integrity of the investigation and the institution's integrity, while ensuring due process. By asking Sibiya to take “leave of absence,” the police were sidestepping their disciplinary code, Cameron argued. “Leave of absence is not defined anywhere in the regulations and carries no procedural safeguards, no record of suspension and no formal triggering of an investigation. Why was suspension or temporary transfer not used? How will the investigation be protected against interference? Why disregard clear provisions of SAPS’s disciplinary code?” he asked Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Shonisani Tshikalange at TimesLIVE (scroll down). Read too, Cameron questions decision to place Sibiya on leave and not suspension, at SABC News. And also, Sibiya says he won't object to being placed on leave, at EWN Other internet posting(s) in this news category
High Court upholds protection order against African Rainbow Minerals manager who swore at employee IOL News reports that repeated insults with the use of profane and demeaning language during a salary dispute with a colleague resulted in a line manager being slapped with a protection order, which he tried to overturn. But the South Gauteng High Court did not agree and turned down the appeal against the protection order. The High Court said words such as the “f” word and calling someone an “asshole” did not belong in the workplace. Nonhlanhla Mabuza obtained the protection order in April from the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court against her line manager, Garth Roberts. Both work for Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Minerals (ARM). Mabuza joined the company in 2019 and was placed on a three-month probation period at a specified salary. After serving her probation, she was confirmed permanently, but her salary was reduced by R3,000. No reasons were given to Mabuza for this reduction. This discrepancy necessitated a meeting between her and Roberts, during which a representative of the HR department was also present. The proceedings were recorded. It was not disputed that Roberts told Mabuza during the meeting that she signed a “f***ing” paper because she is an “asshole”. The issue in the appeal was to determine whether these utterances constituted harassment, justifying a protection order against him. Roberts' lawyer argued that the utterances made by his client, objectively viewed, were not of such an overwhelmingly oppressive nature as to make them oppressive and unreasonable. The lawyer stressed the point that the word “asshole” was regarded as workplace banter and could not have caused Mabuza serious distress. However, the judge stated that this argument lacked merit as the words that were uttered to her must have caused her serious distress. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Zelda Venter at IOL News. Read too, Patrice Motsepe’s employee wins case against manager who swore at her, cut wages, at Sunday World Other general posting(s) relating to mining
Staff concerns prompt visit by senior justice department official to Cape Town Master’s Office Cape Times reports that the Acting Chief Master (ACM) will be visiting the Cape Town Master’s Office in the coming week to personally consult with staff and assess the work environment. According to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ), it has received 36 formal grievances from employees and was looking into them. The Public Servants Association (PSA) recently picketed outside the Cape Town Master's office following complaints from employees about a number of grievances, including staff shortages and a “toxic work environment”. “One of the most pressing concerns is a severe staff shortage. The office is significantly understaffed, with vacancies not being filled. This is in stark contrast to other major provinces, yet staff members are expected to meet the same performance standards and workload turn around as if the Office is fully staffed. In addition, the work environment is toxic, with employees facing constant threats of disciplinary action, which contributes to low morale and a high staff turnover,” the union advised. The DOJ said the staff engagement led by the ACM will help guide a collaborative plan of action to resolve pressing issues and unlock operational efficiencies. “We see this as an opportunity to listen, learn, and improve. Constructive feedback from staff is essential to creating a responsive and supportive work environment,” it indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicola Daniels at Cape Times Solidarity demands intervention in crisis at Master’s offices The Solidarity Law Network issued a statement on Tuesday indicating that it has demanded urgent intervention at offices of the Master of the High Court. It wants increasing challenges related to administration and service delivery, and the poor state of administrative systems and infrastructure at offices across the country, addressed. In a letter addressed to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, as well as to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, the Master of the High Court and Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, the challenges legal practitioners were experiencing in their interaction with Master’s Offices were clearly emphasised. These included prolonged and inexplicable delays in dealing with estate processes and other matters that Master’s Offices have to manage; poor communication with legal practitioners; a shortage of sufficient and well-trained staff; and a general lack of modern technological support and digital systems. The state of infrastructure at Master’s Offices buildings is also said to be cause for concern, as evident at the Johannesburg Master’s Office, among others. According to Emil Glas, organiser of the Solidarity Law Network, the current situation at Master’s Offices was a source of national concern, which was increasingly having manifold consequences. “Solidarity expects the authorities to address these issues with the required urgency and to implement the necessary structural improvements,” Glass stated. Read Solidarity Law Network’s press statement and letter at Politicsweb
Uber says it understands concerns over salary deductions raised by its drivers at protest on Tuesday EWN reports that according to e-hailing service Uber, it understands concerns over salaries raised by its drivers. That response followed a protest on Tuesday at the company’s Parktown branch in Johannesburg, where drivers blocked roads, and disrupted traffic. The drivers were aggrieved by policy changes that have resulted in deductions of up to 50% from the funds they make on their trips. In a statement, Uber said it was taking steps to ensure reliable access for riders and drivers. The statement did not address the allegations of policy changes, but instead indicated that drivers were an important part of the success of Uber in the country. The company went on to claim that the provider regularly engaged drivers. However, Uber driver, Victor Mpongo, said was not true and claimed: "Under their policies, they wake up and amend whatever they want to amend without engaging us as a stakeholder.” The drivers said they were still waiting to be connected directly to engage in negotiations of policy changes. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jabulile Mbatha at EWN
Cape Town metro police trainees left unpaid for June after ‘administrative’ blunder News24 reports that metro police trainees in the City of Cape Town were left financially stranded after the City failed to pay their June stipends, forcing many to rely on family for support. The City confirmed the delayed payments and blamed an administrative error for the issue. Apparently, the issue was caused by the contract of the official responsible for processing payments ending, resulting in officials becoming locked out of the payment system. More than 700 trainees are expected to be deployed across Cape Town in the next six weeks, with five officers assigned per ward. But, the stipend delay has left some feeling uncertain and demoralised. One parent commented: “We’re concerned parents speaking on behalf of the trainees who are afraid to come forward. They fear being victimised. The excuse given, that someone’s contract ended, is simply unacceptable for a city like ours.” Parents said the delay had placed immense stress on the trainees, many of whom relied on the stipends to cover essentials like food. Despite the setback, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on Monday shared a video of himself jogging alongside the trainees. City metro police spokesperson Ruth Solomons confirmed the problem had been addressed and said: “The issue has been resolved, and all learners will be paid this coming Saturday, 19 July. We regret any inconvenience caused.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Velani Ludidi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Eskom appoints Monde Bala as interim CEO of National Transmission Company News24 reports that Eskom has moved its head of distribution to lead the National Transmission Company of SA (NTCSA) on an interim basis. Monde Bala, currently group executive: Eskom Distribution, will act as chief executive officer of the NTCSA from 1 August. Bala succeeds Segomoco Scheppers, who was seconded to head up the NTCSA business in 2024 and will now return to Eskom. Agnes Mlambo will step into Bala’s shoes and become acting group executive: Distribution, the power utility said on Tuesday. Mlambo has 17 years of experience at Eskom, has an MBA and is a qualified management accountant. She joined Eskom in 2008. Eskom advised in May that the search for a permanent candidate to fill the role of NTCSA chief executive was under way. Scheppers was apparently shortlisted for the permanent role, but according to Eskom, the NTCSA board has not yet finalised its decision and an announcement will be made in due course. “The NTCSA serves as an important catalyst in the country’s evolving energy supply industry and ending the vertical integration business model for the benefit of consumers,” according to Priscillah Mabelane, NTCSA board chair. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at News24 Business (subscription / trial registration required)
Deputy Minister warns students against registering at bogus colleges News24 reports that with application processes for the 2026 academic year in full swing, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mimmy Gondwe, has warned prospective students against registering at illegal private institutions. Flanked by police and authorities from the labour and home affairs departments, as well as representatives of quality assurance bodies, such as Umalusi, she visited East London on Monday and Tuesday to raise awareness about the negative consequences of registering at illegal colleges. “We have received a lot of complaints as the department from the students and parents complaining that they have lost money and wasted time [at unregistered private institutions],” she advised, adding that the department would focus on metropolitan areas where the mushrooming of bogus colleges was particularly rife. Gondwe commented further: “When I came into the department, I realised that our approach [in clamping down on bogus colleges] has not always been the ideal approach. That is why I decided to involve SAPS and [the Departments] of Home Affairs and Labour.” According to Gondwe, bogus colleges were also a breeding ground for criminality like the flouting of immigration and labour laws. “When we were in eThekwini, we came across a college that was managed by a gentleman who was in the country on a visitor’s visa. A visitor’s visa does not permit you to work,” Gondwe said. She has provided national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola with a list of bogus colleges. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sithandiwe Velaphi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
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