In our Friday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Brain drain sees SA’s public health sector losing nearly 6,000 doctors and nurses annually The Citizen reports that SA’s public healthcare system is hemorrhaging medical professionals at an alarming rate, with nearly 6,000 doctors and nurses resigning annually from state facilities. Recent parliamentary data reveals the devastating scale of the brain drain crippling the health sector. Official figures from the Persal system show that between 2013 and 2025, SA lost 12,745 doctors and 58,897 nurses from public health care facilities. Combined, this represents an average of approximately 5,900 doctor and nurse resignations per year over the 12-year period from 2013 to 2024. When pharmacists, other health care practitioners, and administrative personnel are included, the total number of health care workers who have resigned since 2013 reaches a staggering 124,123. The crisis peaked in 2021 and 2022, when the country lost 1,340 and 1,350 doctors respectively in 2021, alongside 6,171 and 5,592 nurses in 2022. The data, provided by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in response to a parliamentary question from DA MP Michéle Clarke, paints a grim picture of a health care system under severe strain. Gauteng province has been hit hardest, losing 3,351 doctors since 2013, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 2,609 resignations. The Persal data has not been updated since January 2025, meaning current losses may be even higher. The health care staffing crisis has been further exacerbated by widespread unemployment among junior doctors. Read the full original of the comprehensive report in the above regard by Enkosi Selane at The Citizen. Read too, 125,000 healthcare workers in South Africa call it quits, at BusinessTech
Talks between FlySafair and striking pilots to continue at CCMA on Friday News24 reports that talks will continue at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) between FlySafair and Solidarity, which represents most of the airline’s pilots, on Friday after no resolution to the ongoing strike was reached on Wednesday. However, Solidarity reported progress in an ongoing dispute that has seen FlySafair cut 30% of its flights. “We have reached a sensitive stage in the discussions and, after a long and challenging day, some progress has been made … In the interim, parties have agreed to a media blackout to ensure the integrity of the process,” the trade union indicated. Solidarity previously rejected the airline’s proposed multi-year 5.7% wage increase. Instead, it demanded an “industry competitive”10.5% wage increase for 2025/2026, followed by a consumer price index (CPI) plus 4.5% increase for 2026/27 and a CPI plus 4% increase for 2027/28.” The union has also raised concerns about roster schedule changes last year, which it said left pilots with fewer leave days. On Tuesday, Solidarity said the roster changes were going to be among their main demands at the commission. The pilots want one weekend off for every five weeks, and compensation for flying on days that they were supposed to be off as part of the schedule. Solidarity said if the airline agreed to the changes, it would compromise on its wage demands. While talks at the CCMA continue, the union’s pilots will remain locked out of work. 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
SPCA forced to withdraw mobile clinic services from Khayelitsha after staff hijacking attempt News24 reports the Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has been forced to withdraw its mobile clinic services from Khayelitsha, Cape Town, following an attempted hijacking of one of its staff members on Thursday. The staff member was driving sterilised animals back to their homes in the community when, in Section Site B, two armed men ambushed him. One of the gunmen stood in front of the vehicle while the other was at the window. “I’m the breadwinner at home. My immediate concern was what will happen to my family if I am not here anymore? And what will happen to the animals in my van? Then I drove for my life – and theirs. I am thankful to God that I was able to get away,” the staffer indicated. The attack followed an earlier attempted hijacking of the same van in the same area just two days prior. The SPCA’s Belinda Abraham said while the staff member escaped physically unharmed, the trauma of such an attack had left the mobile clinic team visibly shaken. The SPCA’s commitment to animal welfare in the area will, for the immediate future, be limited to inspectorate services only. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Eastern Cape transport department fears for workers’ safety after another hijacking Sunday World reports that another vehicle belonging to the road construction team of the Eastern Cape transport department has been hijacked at gunpoint. The incident happened outside of Cofimvaba in Askeaton on Wednesday afternoon. The incident was the fourth attack in the province in five weeks and the third in the Chris Hani district municipality. Staff members were using the department’s double cab bakkie for road rehabilitation when the hijacking took place. A group of armed men in a VW Polo stopped the department’s vehicle and confronted the foreman, who was the driver. The assailants demanded the keys, forced the foreman into the backseat, and drove off with him as a hostage. After being released without incident, the foreman reported the incident to the police and his office. The bakkie was found abandoned in a forest in a nearby village in Cofimvaba a few hours after the authorities activated the vehicle’s tracking system. But the vehicle was already inoperable because the criminals had taken several parts out of it. “The repeated loss of vehicles and equipment is hampering progress and straining resources, while the safety of workers remains a growing concern,” said Unathi Binqose, the spokesperson for the department. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Coceka Magubeni at Sunday World City Power halts Tshepisong disconnections after workers held hostage SowetanLive reports that according to City Power, residents of Tshepisong continue to use electricity without paying for it, and when their officials recently went to the area to disconnect illegal connections, they were held hostage, and later forced to leave the area. The situation reached boiling point last week after City Power disconnected electricity supply in parts of Tshepisong in the township west of Johannesburg. The move sparked widespread outrage, with angry residents taking to the streets demanding power be restored immediately, and also holding the officials hostage. The City Power workers wanted to continue with the disconnections on Wednesday, but had to abandon that plan after the police's risk assessment showed they would not be safe and the police did not have enough manpower to escort them. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena said the SA Police Service had advised City Power not to return to the area at present, citing the risk of violence and their inability to ensure the safety of officials, given that law enforcement was currently outnumbered. “The plan is to return on August 5, the date SAPS believes a coordinated and safe re-entry can take place,” he indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nandi Ntini at SowetanLive
Bolt and Uber protest action leaves Joburg commuters stranded as prices double TimesLIVE reports that as Bolt and Uber drivers continued their protest against what they call “exploitive pricing”, passengers across Johannesburg have been left stranded, overcharged and desperate for alternatives. Drivers across both platforms have taken a stand, by either going offline or increasing their prices drastically in protest against the commissions taken by Uber and Bolt and the discounts offered to passengers at the expense of the drivers' pockets. A Bolt driver said while the current price hikes might look like a win for drivers, they were already proving to be just as damaging. “Right now, we are charging double, if your trip used to cost R50, expect to pay R100. The problem is people are no longer requesting rides unless they are desperate, like someone coming from the airport at night. During the day, it's dry. No-one is booking,” he indicated. The driver added that the strike was about more than just money, “it's about survival in an industry that no longer feels sustainable.” Meanwhile, riders and drivers alike remain in limbo, with Bolt and Uber yet to release any concrete plans to address the ongoing pricing dispute. Meanwhile, e-hailing drivers are operating under constant fear of attacks from minibus taxi drivers, adding another layer of danger to an already unstable job. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khodani Mpilo at TimesLIVE
Parliament backs urgent committee to investigate claims of police corruption BL Premium reports that parliament has formally endorsed the creation of an ad hoc committee to probe explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, following unanimous support from political parties during Wednesday night’s sitting of the National Assembly (NA). The adopted report of the joint portfolio committees on police and justice and constitutional development proposed a focused parliamentary inquiry into claims linking senior law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and even MPs to organised criminal activity. Among the most serious allegations is that police minister Senzo Mchunu is directly associated with criminal gangs – a matter that has already prompted his administrative leave and a formal response submitted to the registrar for ethics and members’ interests. President Cyril Ramaphosa has concurrently established a wide-reaching inquiry led by acting deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga. The NA’s ad hoc committee will begin its work within the parameters of a 90-day deadline, with the option to extend if necessary. Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo confirmed that the committee would be appropriately resourced, supported by external forensic and legal experts, and would prioritise the protection of whistle-blowers and public access. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tara Roos at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
City of Tshwane opens application process for 200 metro police officer trainee posts TimesLIVE reports that the application process for 200 City of Tshwane metro police officer trainee posts is now open. Young men and women of all races who are physically and mentally fit and dedicated to serving the city have been invited to apply. “Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified people without regard to race, religious belief, age, national origin, marital status, disability, HIV status, gender, social origin, culture, political opinion, conscience and sexual orientation,” the city said. Applicants must be SA citizens residing in Tshwane, between the ages of 18 and 35, must have a grade 12 qualification, a valid driving licence and no criminal record or pending criminal cases. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants can apply through the City of Tshwane website and click on the e-recruitment link. The online system will close on 5 August. “The City of Tshwane is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of Tshwane's employment equity plan,” the City advised. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Innocentia Nkadimeng at TimesLIVE Netflix is hiring in South Africa TechCentral reports that Netflix is hiring in SA and has launched an on-the-job training initiative aimed at nurturing talent in the country’s television and film production industry. According to the US streaming giant, the ScreenCraft Pathway programme has been developed in partnership with the Gauteng Film Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. It will be administered by Tshikululu Social Investments with applications opening in August. “The ScreenCraft Pathway programme is designed to offer emerging creative professionals in South Africa a paid, immersive and hands-on experience through a variety of Netflix production partners. Thirty rising stars will be selected to gain this valuable experience in key below-the-line roles across development, pre-production, production and post-production,” Netflix advised. The company went on to indicate: “This new programme builds on lessons from Netflix’s 2024 on-the-job training pilot initiative which supported 13 candidates from the Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund.” Trainees for this programme will be selected from various sources, including a public open application via a partner website (not yet launched) as well as nominations from the KZN Tourism and Film Authority and the Gauteng Film Commission Read the full original of the report in the above regard at TechCentral Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Former prosecutor in court over ‘falsified’ law degree used to secure NPA position News24 reports that a former Eastern Cape prosecutor has appeared in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on allegations of academic fraud. He allegedly defrauding the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) by submitting forged academic qualifications to secure employment. Luthando Nomandindi, 33, appeared in court on Tuesday after he was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit on the same day. Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said Nomandindi was facing charges of fraud, forgery and uttering. Nomandindi enrolled for a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) from January 2010 to December 2016. However, he allegedly failed to meet the academic requirements in order to graduate. “Despite this, in 2020, Nomandindi apparently submitted a falsified LLB degree certificate and a bogus Legal Education and Development attendance report as part of his application to the National Prosecuting Authority’s [NPA] Aspirant Prosecutor Programme, which required a legitimate LLB qualification or proof of final-year status,” said Mhlakuvana. In January 2021, Nomandindi was appointed as an aspirant prosecutor and later elevated to the position of public prosecutor. The accused later applied for promotion at the regional court as a court prosecutor using the same credentials and he was shortlisted for appointment. However, after the NPA requested him to submit the original academic certificates, Nomandindi abruptly resigned with effect from 15 March 2025. The institution picked up some discrepancies in his qualifications and referred the matter to the Hawks for a probe. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sithandiwe Velaphi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Unemployed Verulam teachers fall victim to R30,000 job scam IOL News reports that the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Education has issued a warning to unemployed teachers about the rising threat of job scams in the education sector. This was after three unemployed teachers from Verulam fell victim to a fraudulent scheme and lost about R30,000 in total in their desperate search for employment. Prem Balram of Reaction Unit SA said he received requests of assistance from unemployed educators, who claimed they were defrauded of substantial amounts of money with the promise of employment. “The three complainants were teachers seeking employment in primary and secondary schools. They received WhatsApp messages from different individuals known in the teaching fraternity, with the name, profile picture, and status updates appearing genuine. The message indicated that a teaching post was available and a payment of R3,000 would secure the job,” said Balram. After the initial payments, the perpetrator requested additional funds from the victims. Eventually, the victims paid about R10,000 each, believing they would be employed by the KZN education department. The victims noted that during WhatsApp conversations, the scammer had comprehensive knowledge of their qualifications, institutions attended, and degree completion dates. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Yoshini Perumal at IOL News
Former Northern Cape cop who broke into houses and stole to feed his drug addiction jailed for eight years TimesLIVE reports that the De Aar Regional Court has sentenced former police constable Thanduxolo Kwindla to an effective eight years of direct imprisonment after convicting him on four counts of housebreaking with intent to steal and theft. Kwindla, 38, who resigned from the police shortly before committing the offences, carried out the housebreakings between August 2021 and April 2023 in Nonzwakazi location, where he lived. His modus operandi involved breaking into homes during the evening and stealing valuable items to support his drug addiction. The stolen goods were worth about R35,000. Kwindla was arrested in April 2023 and remained in custody until the finalisation of the matter. In aggravation of sentence, prosecutor Xolisa March emphasised the seriousness and prevalence of housebreaking and theft in the area. She argued that as a former officer of the law, the accused had betrayed public trust and acted with full awareness of the unlawfulness of his actions. In delivering the sentence, the court stressed the severity of his crimes and their impact on both victims and the broader community. Kwindla was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently, amounting to an effective eight-year sentence. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at TimesLIVE. Read too, Former Northern Cape cop jailed for housebreaking, at The Citizen
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