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 roundup of weekend and recent reports,
see the following summaries of our selection of
South African labour-related articles.
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Two-week strike by FlySafair pilots to commence on Monday BusinessTech reports that trade union Solidarity says it has decided to extend its planned one-day strike action by FlySafair pilots due to commence on Monday, 21 July to two weeks. The union said this was in response to the airline’s announcement of a seven-day consecutive lock-out of its pilots. Solidarity advised that it had given FlySafair notice of a one-day strike to minimise and limit the disruption of the action on the public. However, according to the union, FlySafair’s response to this was “drastic” and an indication the airline was “opting” for a prolonged and destabilising conflict. The union advised in a statement: “In its reaction to the company’s aggressive action, Solidarity decided to extend the one-day strike, initially planned, to 14 days. Unfortunately, this means passengers will be experiencing disruptions for the next two weeks.” The union pointed out that 88% of FlySafair’s pilots had voted in favour of the strike, meaning that “almost 9 out of 10 pilots are no longer prepared to continue to work under the current working conditions.” The CCMA has apparently already approached the parties to facilitate mediation and Solidarity has agreed to the process. FlySafair’s final multiyear wage agreement offer included a 5.7% salary increase and other compensation adjustments. However, this was overwhelmingly rejected by the union, which is demanding a 10.5% wage increase for 2025/26, followed by a consumer price index (CPI) plus 4.5% increase for 2026/27, and a CPI plus 4% increase for 2027/28. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessTech. Read too, FlySafair pilots announce two-week strike from Monday, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). And also, Travel disruptions loom as FlySafair pilots extend strike, at IOL News FlySafair’s lock-out ‘escalation’ turns proposed one-day strike by pilots into two-week disruption BusinessLive reports that local and regional airline FlySafair is set to begin the lockout of its pilots from Monday over a wage dispute with trade union Solidarity that could disrupt flights for two weeks. “This comes after almost 90% of the pilots voted in favour of a strike. Solidarity gave FlySafair notice of a one-day strike, but FlySafair hit back with a notice that it would lock out the pilots for seven days, which could last for another seven days,” Solidarity’s Helgard Cronje said on Sunday. He went on to indicate: “This forced Solidarity to extend its strike notice to 14 days as well. In the meantime, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) offered to mediate again. Solidarity has agreed to this, but FlySafair is still refusing.” According to Cronje, “Solidarity’s one-day notice was aimed at forcing the company back to the negotiating table, but FlySafair has now escalated the dispute, which could last for weeks.” A majority of the pilots have rejected the airline’s offer of a 5.7% increase in the first year of a multi-term deal, with CPI plus 1.5% in the second and third years. The union is also disgruntled about FlySafair’s new rostering system. Another obstacle in the salary negotiations has been the company’s new policy on leave and days off. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive. Lees ook, FlySafair: Eendagstaking word twee weke lange staking, by Maroela Media FlySafair confirms several planes grounded on Monday amid wage dispute EWN reports that some commuters will have a frustrating start to the week after FlySafair confirmed that several of its planes were grounded on Monday morning amid a wage dispute between pilots and the local and regional carrier. The company said 8% of Monday's flights have been cancelled despite earlier reassurances that operations would not be affected by the start of the strike. These flights were assigned to pilots who had confirmed their availability to fly but who pulled out late on Sunday night. Trade union Solidarity issued a one-day strike notice for Monday, but FlySafair hit back with its own notice to lock out striking pilots. Talks between Solidarity and the carrier over pay, working hours, and working conditions deadlocked last week. The union is calling for a 10.5% salary increase for pilots, while the airline is offering 5.7%. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Nokukhanya Mntambo at EWN Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Deadly George building collapse ‘entirely preventable’, alarming probe findings reveal News24 reports that Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson indicated on Saturday that investigations into what had led to the George building collapse, which claimed 34 lives last year, showed the tragedy was “entirely preventable”. He revealed the findings of the investigations conducted by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and Engineering Council of SA (ECSA) after engaging with families of those who had died as well as survivors. Macpherson said: “At every problem, there was a chance to turn back, but because of a weak regulatory environment, there was either no incentive or requirement to do so. And this is what makes me so angry when I view this tragedy from today’s perspective... it was entirely preventable.” He said what stood out from the findings was that the collapse resulted from systematic errors because serious safety concerns had been raised prior to the collapse, including cracks in columns and holes through basement walls. “Workers even noticed strange vibrations in the concrete slabs, but they were asked to patch the damage using sand and water, rather than halting construction and escalating the matter for formal investigation.” He added that the findings showed the concrete used in the slabs did not meet specifications. According to Macpherson, the person responsible for the structural system did not have the necessary competency required to oversee a project of that complexity. The full ECSA investigation report will be published in the government gazette in due course. A pending appeal process to the findings expires on 3 August. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Anelisa Kubheka at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, Developer, contractor, engineer at fault in George building collapse, at EWN. En ook, George-ineenstorting was heeltemal voorkombaar – verslag, by Maroela Media PSA calls for action to improve security at Umlazi clinics SABC News reports that the Public Servant Association (PSA) has called for immediate steps to improve security measures at clinics in Umlazi in the south of Durban. This after a vehicle was hijacked at gunpoint at K Clinic last week. PSA’s KwaZulu-Natal manager, Mlungisi Ndlovu said the incident left staff traumatized and afraid to report for duty. Ndlovu indicated that this was not the first incidence of violent crime at clinics in Umlazi, which was causing staff to arrive late because they parked at big hospitals where security was better there and then walked to work. “The PSA calls for the immediate temporary closure in particular on these affected clinics like K Clinic until communities are able to work with SAPS, work with the department in providing solution because we believe that the department alone cannot be able to deal with the issues of crime. We need the police to be more visible but the community must be in charge,” Ndlovu stated. Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane said healthcare facilities, especially those in Umlazi, being targeted by criminals was a long-standing problem and efforts to work with the police and eThekwini Metro Police have had limited success. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at SABC News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Mass shooting thought to be linked to illegal mining at old Blaauwbank gold mine claims 12 lives News24 reports that a mass shooting in the early hours of Friday claimed the lives of 12 people and left nine injured at the abandoned old Blaauwbank gold mine near Magaliesburg in Gauteng. Provincial police are investigating the incident, suspected to be linked to illegal mining activity. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, the victims were discovered in a dilapidated building at the site following reports of gunfire. “Upon arrival, police found the bodies of nine men and two women inside a dilapidated building. It was reported that ten other victims were taken to hospital, where one woman later died,” she indicated. Muridili said the motive behind the shooting remained unclear, however, police suspected that it might be linked to ongoing illegal mining (zama-zama) activity in the area. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Over 20 suspected illegal miners arrested in Mpumalanga over the weekend SABC News reports that police in Mpumalanga arrested more than 20 suspected illegal miners in different areas of the province this weekend. Fifteen of the zama-zamas were allegedly found in possession of explosives in Barberton. Eight of the suspects were arrested in the Pilgrim’s Rest area. Mpumalanga police spokesperson Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said the suspects were facing charges that included the contravention of the Immigration Act and illegal mining. They are expected to appear in different courts on Monday. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at SABC News Other labour / community posting(s) relating to mining
New KZN Club Med resort offers job opportunities for young locals TimesLIVE Premium reports that the new R2bn Club Med on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) north coast will not only provide a vacation spot for international jetsetters, but is a dream come true for local hospitality graduates. In October the company will open bookings to its Club Med SA Beach & Safari. The resort will create more than 800 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs, and already employs 1,200 construction workers, mostly from neighbouring communities. A hundred-and-ten young people have already enrolled in a training programme via the NukaKamma Hospitality School and will gradually join the resort staff after completing an initial traineeship at Club Med resorts. According to Gilles Blanc, head of business development at NukaKamma, the aim of the programme is to provide world-class training in food and beverage service. “We are a non-profit company, we only train young adults from these communities whom we recruit by working with local NGOs. In Durban we work with Africa Ignite, who has been working in communities for many years,” Blanc indicated. The training course lasts for six months and incorporates both technical and social skills. “Following this, the trainees will do an eight-month apprenticeship in a hotel or restaurant that has partnered with us,” said Blanc. Club Med Southern Africa MD Olivier Perillat-Piratoine confirmed that graduates would be offered employment at the new Club Med where they will put their newly acquired skills to work. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Suthentira Govender at TimesLIVE Premium (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
SAPS recruitment drive yields over one million applications SABC News reports that the SA Police Service (SAPS) has received more than a million applications for its 2025/2026 Basic Police Development Learning Programme (BPDLP). Applications closed at midnight on 18 July 2025 with a total of 1,049,998 applications received. A total of 595,049 applications were from female applicants, with 454 949 submitted by male applicants. Gauteng topped the list of the provinces with the most applications with 267,031, followed by KZN with 205,802. National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said 334,765 of the applicants were in possession of a NQF 6 Diploma qualification or higher. “It is important that we note that first preference will be given to graduates in the Law and policing fields, Information Technology, Criminology, BSC graduates and then followed by graduates from other disciplines that are in possession of a driving license,” she indicated. Mathe added that they would also consider matriculants who have a Bachelor’s entry into university, as well as those with a driver’s license. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at SABC News
More than 90 Cape Town seasonal firefighters say they weren’t paid for June News24 reports that more than 90 seasonal firefighters employed by the City of Cape Town claim they have not received their June salaries despite completing their contracts and returning municipal-issued gear. These firefighters, who served as first responders during vegetation fires and assisted during structural fires across the metro, also played a vital role in helping extinguish the extensive Tokai wildfire in April. The City has acknowledged the issue but provided little clarity, sparking frustration among the frontline workers. Their contracts ran from January to June 2025, and they received regular monthly payments until May. Before receiving their final salaries, they were told to return equipment and uniforms, but say that, despite doing so, they’ve yet to be paid. Multiple follow-ups with managers have yielded no resolution. The firefighters say they understand their temporary employment status but feel disrespected. Many have worked seasonally for several years without being considered for permanent roles or learnerships. GOOD Party councillor Roscoe Palm called the delayed payment “deeply troubling,” noting that it’s the first case in the City’s Fire and Rescue Service history. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Velani Ludidi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Nkabane skips portfolio committee meeting as officials deny role in Seta appointments panel Daily Maverick reports that Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane ditched a key parliamentary meeting on Friday on the contentious appointment of Sector Education and Training Authority board chairpersons, leaving officials she claimed helped with the process to face the heat. She chose instead to attend a march against gender-based violence and address students at Buffalo City TVET College in the Eastern Cape. Nkabane was meant to clarify her controversial appointment of 21 Sector Education Training Authority (Seta) board chairpersons – many with ANC ties – at the Higher Education Portfolio Committee meeting. MPs on the portfolio committee expressed dissatisfaction and frustration on Friday. Only two of the five officials Nkabane claimed advised her on the appointments appeared before the committee on Friday; the other three were absent. In June, Nkabane told MPs her appointment of the 21 Seta chairpersons was guided by an advisory group that included advocate Terry Motau SC, her chief of staff Nelisiwe Semane, Seta director Mabuza Ngubane, the department’s deputy director-general Rhulani Ngwenya, and adviser Asisipho Solani. That claim is falling apart. Motau has since denied being formally appointed or involved in the final selection. Semane, Ngubane and Ngwenya have also distanced themselves from the process, raising serious questions about the truthfulness of the minister’s account. MPs have now called for the minister to be subjected to the Ethics Committee after she allegedly misled the committee about the independent Seta panel. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siyabonga Goni at Daily Maverick. Read too, Minister’s absence sparks tension over Seta appointments, at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). En ook, Ongelukkigheid ná Nkabane belangrike parlementsvergadering misloop, by Maroela Media Construction Education & Training Authority splashed out millions on dud biometric system to beat fraud Sunday Times reports that more than R13m has allegedly been siphoned out of the embattled Construction Education & Training Authority (Ceta) through two contracts meant to provide and administer a biometric system designed to combat a fraudulent learner enrolment in training programmes. At least R6m of this was paid by Ceta to joint venture EZG Vest and Coinvest Africa to administer the system, despite a warning by the auditor-general (AG) and an internal whistleblower that there were irregularities in the appointment process. The other R7.1m was paid to Grayson Reed, a company appointed by Ceta in 2018 to provide the system, which included biometric scanners and a portal to keep track of learners' attendance and automatically link it to payment of stipends. The biometric system was meant to verify the identity of learners and ensure that only registered individuals participated in Ceta-funded training programmes. Despite the system never being operational, Ceta, under CEO Malusi Shezi, proceeded to make monthly payments to the joint venture, essentially for operating a nonexistent system, between March 2022 and July 2023 as part of a R50m contract awarded to the two companies in 2021. Ceta’s former IT manager, Bongani Sibanyoni, whose employment was terminated and who is now challenging his dismissal in the Labour Court, advised the system was never delivered. Read the full original of the comprehensive report in the above regard by Sabelo Skiti at Sunday Times (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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