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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Coalition of civil society organisations stage protest at Nedlac against proposed labour law amendments BL Premium reports that a coalition of trade unions, academic and research institutions, civil society organisations and human rights groups protested outside the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) on Tuesday. They called for the scrapping of proposed amendments to SA’s labour laws. The bills, which are a result of discussions between the government, business, labour and community constituencies at Nedlac, propose 47 amendments to the Labour Relations Act (LRA); 13 amendments to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act; two amendments to the National Minimum Wage Act; and three changes to the Employment Equity Act. The campaigners assert that the amendments will erode SA’s labour laws in favour of employers. According to some 40 organisations, including the SA Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu), the amendments would bring back “apartheid-style dismissals” where bosses called workers into their offices and dismissed them on the spot, “without any procedurally fair disciplinary hearings taking place”. Maggie Mthombeni, from one of the institutions, said the protest sought to achieve the ditching of the bills as they undermined workers’ rights. When asked what the organisations would do if the bills were not scrapped, Mthombeni said: “We will fight until [the end].” Demonstrators handed over a memo to Nedlac executive director Makhukhu Mampuru. He told the crowd their concerns would be raised with government, labour and business, and responded to in due course. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Read too, Protesters call for ditching of proposed changes to labour laws, at GroundUp
Police make breakthrough with arrest in Ekurhuleni auditor Mpho Mafole’s murder The Citizen reports that police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of Ekurhuleni municipality’s senior auditor, Mpho Mafole. The 47-year-old Mafole, who was the city’s group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits, was gunned down last month. He had only been in the position for three months when he was killed. The 40-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. A police spokesperson said they were looking for a second suspect linked to the murder. Mafole had been driving along the R23 in Kempton Park when he was shot and killed near Esselen Park by unknown suspects. Police officers found Mafole lying in his car with gunshot wounds just before 6pm. Mafole and his team were probing a massive electricity billing scandal that cost the City of Ekurhuleni more than R2 billion when he was killed. Parliament’s cooperative governance and traditional affairs portfolio committee chair Dr Zweli Mkhize said the nature of Mafole’s work underscored the often-dangerous responsibilities undertaken by those at the forefront of rooting out corruption in public institutions. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Faizel Patel at The Citizen Elephant tramples employee to death at reserve outside Mossel Bay Mossel Bay Advertiser reports that a 39-year-old Gondwana Private Game Reserve employee was trampled to death by an elephant on Tuesday morning. The reserve is just outside Mossel Bay. KwaNonqaba police station spokesperson Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp said preliminary reports from witnesses at the scene indicated that the employee was on the grounds at about 08:00 in the morning when he was trampled and mauled by the elephant. Kapp said emergency medical services declared the man dead on the scene. The elephant has been moved from the area where the incident took place. Kapp advised that an inquest docket had been opened and the investigation was ongoing. This was not the first incident at the reserve. A 36-year old field guide was also charged and trampled by an elephant in March last year. David Kandela had reportedly been trying to chase a herd of elephants away from a restaurant when he was trampled. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mossel Bay Advertiser. Lees ook, Tweede werker by Mosselbaaise reservaat deur olifant vertrap, by Maroela Media ECSA cancels engineer’s registration following George building collapse, lays formal charges Engineering News reports that the Engineering Council of SA (ECSA) has formally brought charges against an engineer in connection with the structural collapse on 6 May 2024 of an unfinished building in George. The incident claimed the lives of 34 construction workers, left many others seriously injured and prompted a large-scale rescue effort in which 28 people were pulled from the rubble alive. The individual’s professional registration with ECSA was suspended in June 2024 after a disciplinary tribunal, acting under Section 30 of the Engineering Profession Act, completed a preliminary review of the incident. Following this, the tribunal gathered evidence for a formal hearing, which took place on 29 and 30 May this year. The charges brought against the engineer were based on the findings of an investigation into the collapse and the possible misconduct of registered engineers. After the hearing, the tribunal imposed the maximum monetary fine permitted by law and permanently cancelled the engineer’s ECSA registration. This matter marked the third complaint lodged with ECSA’s governing council concerning the conduct of the same individual. In addition to the disciplinary ruling, ECSA submitted the tribunal’s findings, the investigation report and supporting documents to the SA Police Service for criminal investigation. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News
Family time and time off a priority for striking FlySafair pilots, says Solidarity IOL News reports that Solidarity released a statement on Tuesday explaining why FlySafair pilots have downed their tools – and it's not just about the money. According to the trade union, improvement in the pilots' working conditions is a central issue. This is set to be tackled when a mediation process between Solidarity and FlySafair’s management takes place on Wednesday under the auspices of the CCMA. "While the pilots are also seeking a reasonable salary increase – including to restore their compensation to pre-COVID-19 levels – improved working conditions are particularly important. A new rostering system, recently implemented unilaterally by FlySafair, has drastically changed the established working conditions of pilots, which have been in place for the past decade. This new schedule impedes adequate rest periods and undermines pilots’ family life," Solidarity indicated. The union’s proposals to achieve a settlement include that pilots would have at least one weekend off within each five-week schedule cycle, as well as two consecutive days off to properly rest and spend quality time with their families. Also, the opportunity should exist for pilots to exchange shifts with colleagues in cases where family responsibilities necessitate such flexibility. If pilots have to fly on their days off, they should be compensated for these days off within the next schedule cycle. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Yasmine Jacobs at IOL News Amid pilots’ strike, SAA to operate certain FlySafair flights until Sunday News24 reports that South African Airways (SAA) is expected to accommodate numerous FlySafair passengers this week, after 200 of the low-cost, domestic airline’s pilots embarked on strike action. In a notice to passengers, FlySafair said that SAA would operate certain flights between Durban and Cape Town, with the arrangement expected to continue until Sunday. FlySafair passengers affected by the change will be expected to check in at SAA counters. FlySafair previously said it would be cutting its operations and trimming its schedule as a result of two-week wage strike by pilots represented by trade union Solidarity. The union represents two-thirds of the airline’s pilot force. FlySafair’s chief marketing officer, Kirby Gordon, explained that the airline had an agreement with SAA that would allow each airline to accommodate passengers during an emergency. He indicated that a similar agreement had also been made with another domestic airline, LIFT. When asked whether the arrangement with SAA would continue for the rest of the week, he said it was possible. Meanwhile, a meeting will take place between FlySafair and Solidarity on Wednesday as part of a section 150 intervention by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) to resolve the dispute. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Na'ilah Ebrahim at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Tshwane shuts down workers’ protest set for Monday at last minute The Citizen reports that a group of municipal workers pledged they would return to the picket line after the City of Tshwane scuppered their protest plans on Monday. Themba Nkabinde, leader of the Concerned Tshwane Workers Forum, said they were not giving up and would to go back to the drawing board and reapply to picket. The workers were heading to picket outside Tshwane House when they were stopped by the head of human resources, who informed them that employees of the city had to follow certain procedures in order to picket. The group had got permission under the Gatherings Act, but were informed the picket had not been approved by the city. Apparently, the workers had to get additional permission to picket or march because they were city workers. Nkabinde said they also received the bad news that a promised 5.4% wage increase owed to workers was not going to be realised. He indicated that there was also the matter of 182 employees who were dismissed after the municipal strike in 2021. SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) regional secretary Donald Monakisi said the union had not changed its position that the 3.5% salary increase, owed to workers since 2021, had to be honoured. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Marizka Coetzer at The Citizen
Fired higher education minister Nkabane’s Seta panel existed in name only, MPs conclude Daily Maverick reports that former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane’s independent panellists say they never met to discuss the appointment of chairpersons for the Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) boards. Meantime, her adviser, Asisipho Solani – who said he was part of the panel – has been accused of trying to coerce an official to say the panel existed. MPs battled on Tuesday to get an understanding about the controversial appointments to a panel that Nkabane claimed assisted her in selecting the 21 chairpersons of Seta boards. The panellists said they neither sat in any meeting nor made appointments to the Seta boards. Nkabane was fired as minister by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday. The panellists included education and training Deputy Director-General Rhulani Ngwenya, Chief of Staff Nelisiwe Semane, Seta Director Mabuza Ngubane, and Solani, the adviser to the ex-minister. Reading their letters into the record, Ngwenya, Semane and Ngubane denied involvement in appointing the 21 Seta chairpersons. Solani admitted that he was part of the nomination committee, but did not receive compensation beyond his regular salary. Ngwenya told the committee that it was her job as secretary to set up panel meetings, but that she had never done so. In conclusion, portfolio committee chairperson Tebogo Letsie said it was clear there was no independent panel. “Maybe there was an intention to have a panel, but it was not implemented in a true sense,” he indicated” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siyabonga Goni at Daily Maverick. Read too, Parliament confirms no independent panel existed for SETA board appointments, at IOL News. And also, Businessman Luvo Makasi breaks his silence: ‘I wasn’t involved in Seta panel scandal’, at Sunday World Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Brian Molefe's legal battle over R32m Eskom pension fund payout ongoing IOL News reports on former Eskom chief executive Brian Molefe ongoing fight against the power utility’s pension and provident fund over the millions of rand he received in a payout in 2017. In 2018, the DA, trade union Solidarity and the EFF obtained a North Gauteng High Court order reviewing and setting aside Molefe’s reappointment as Eskom boss as well as the proposal granting him early retirement. At the time, the court also declared any payment or sum of money received by Molefe under any purported agreement between him and Eskom invalid and ordered him to repay the amounts within 10 days. Molefe unsuccessfully applied for leave to appeal to both the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court. In July 2022, the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund (EPPF) was directed to repay to Eskom Molefe’s R32.3m payout, including employer contributions, his monthly pension contributions, and his performance bonus pension contributions. Molefe was ordered to repay the fund about R10m together with interest. But, it is Molefe’s contention, based on his calculations, that the net amount that he should repay is just less than R1.5m. Molefe appealed the July 2022 judgment and on 11 July 2025 another full bench of the High Court upheld his challenge. “The matter is referred to oral evidence to determine the amount payable by the appellant (Molefe) to the first respondent (EPPF), before a different judge. The first respondent must discover all documents relating to the calculation and flow of money as well as all documents it intends to use during the leading of evidence within 15 days of this order,” the court ruled. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Loyiso Sidimba at IOL News
Former Gqeberha FNB employee sentenced to five years for cyberfraud The Herald reports that a 35-year-old woman has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for a meticulously orchestrated fraud scheme involving the unlawful access and manipulation of a customer’s banking profile. The Gqeberha Regional Court found Lusanda Gloria Qose, a former sales and service consultant at First National Bank at Pier 14, guilty of fraud, cyberfraud and the unlawful use of a customer’s credentials in early 2024. The complainant, Mlungwana Maranti, held an Encore account linked to a Money Maximiser account and a registered cellphone number used for authorising transactions via FNB’s inContact system. Qose unlawfully changed his cellphone number on the bank’s system using her employee credentials, diverting all one-time password authorisations to herself without the complainant’s knowledge or consent. She created a second bank card linked to the complainant’s accounts, which she used to transfer funds from the Money Maximiser account to the Encore account and conducted multiple ATM withdrawals over three months. These fraudulent transactions resulted in a total loss of R245,000. The bank refunded the complainant and absorbed the financial loss. The court found Qose’s actions were premeditated and sophisticated, involving multiple system breaches over an extended period. She pleaded guilty to all charges, citing financial distress as her motive. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at TimesLIVE. Read too, Bank employee gets five years in jail for fraud and cybercrime, at The Citizen Fifteen City Power workers face 47 disciplinary cases linked to fraud, cable theft News24 reports that since March this year, 15 employees of Johannesburg’s City Power have been involved in 47 disciplinary cases of theft, fraud, and collusion with contractors. The action taken against them included suspensions and prosecution. Last week, seven people, including three employees, were caught in the act and arrested for stealing infrastructure at the Reuven and Lenasia depots. City Power CEO Tshifularo Mashava indicated: “These arrests are part of an ongoing internal clean-up campaign launched by City Power in March this year. These individuals, entrusted with safeguarding our network, have betrayed that responsibility. We will pursue disciplinary action without fear or favour.” City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the implicated employees included electricians, security officers, team leaders, and even senior managers. One of the incidents took place on 18 July, when a trade assistant, a cleaner, and a general worker attempted to leave City Power’s Reuven premises with 840 suspected stolen copper pipes valued at over R200,000, which they had hidden in boxes inside a company vehicle. The theft was discovered during a routine checkpoint inspection by City Power’s security officers. The suspects were taken into custody after the police were alerted. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ntwaagae Seleka at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Another Golden Arrow bus torched in Cape Town, police on high alert News24 reports that another Golden Arrow (GA) bus was set alight this week in Cape Town, this time along Goven Mbeki Road in Nyanga on Tuesday morning. A bus was petrol bombed on Monday along Duinefontein and Govan Mbeki roads in Gugulethu, leaving eight passengers injured. In the attack on Tuesday, three people were injured and were transported to medical facilities. On social media, pictures of the torched bus were circulated, showing several windows that had been broken. Some social media users claimed the bus came to a complete stop when two bricks were thrown towards it, smashing the windows. GA spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said the motive for the bus attack was unknown, however “given the location of the incidents they may be linked to the protests regarding MyCiTI construction taking place in the area.” Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Public Order Police and the City of Cape Town’s LEAP and Traffic Services had been deployed to the area. The members will remain in the area to monitor the situation and respond to any eventualities. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lisalee Solomons at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
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