In our Friday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Minister Dean Macpherson files criminal charges against suspended IDT executives BL Premium reports that Department of Public Works & Infrastructure (DPWI) Minister Dean Macpherson has laid criminal charges against suspended Independent Development Trust (IDT) CEO Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane. This follows allegations that they attempted to bribe a journalist investigating corruption within the entity. The charges, which include attempted bribery, obstruction of media freedom and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), are now under review by Cape Town police, with a request for escalation to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks). The case centres on a video published by Daily Maverick, in which Malaka and Makgolane allegedly offered investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh R60,000 in cash to quash reporting on irregular property dealings and questionable tenders awarded under Malaka’s tenure. Macpherson described the footage as “sickening”, stating that the conduct captured in the video constituted a direct attack on media freedom and democratic accountability. Macpherson’s affidavit outlines a detailed account of the meeting, including the presentation of R60,000 in cash inside a Dior-branded bag, promises of monthly payments of R100,000 and WhatsApp messages offering access to IDT tenders. Macpherson has instructed the IDT board to investigate all contracts issued under Malaka’s leadership. Lifestyle audits of senior executives are under way and disciplinary proceedings have commenced. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tara Roos at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Read too, Macpherson goes after suspended IDT CEO after alleged bribery of journalist, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Ramaphosa and Trump discuss trade matters on the phone and agree to further engagements BL Premium reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, the Presidency said in a statement on Thursday. The discussion was on “bilateral trade matters”. SA is in a large group of countries that have had tariffs raised by Trump. The Presidency did not elaborate, except to say that “the two leaders undertook to continue with further engagements, recognising the various trade negotiations the US is currently involved in”. It added: “Respective trade negotiating teams will take forward more detailed discussions.” A week ago, the Trump administration confirmed a 30% tariff on SA goods, set to take effect on Friday. SA’s trade proposals included new trade deals in liquefied natural gas, agriculture, mining, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and agri-machinery. Asked whether the tariffs would remain in place after Wednesday’s call, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said: “Discussions are ongoing, but nothing changes. You really can’t reach an agreement over a phone call. It’s a process.” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Thursday confirmed the government’s efforts to find constructive and sustainable solutions to the US tariffs. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jana Marx and Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Lees ook, Ramaphosa, Trump vergader telefonies, by Maroela Media Cabinet approves support package for exporters exposed to US tariffs Engineering News reports that the SA government will on Monday unveil the support measures for companies and workers affected by the imposition of 30% reciprocal tariffs by the US on SA exports as from 8 August. The tariffs are being implemented notwithstanding a telephone call between President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, during which it was agreed that trade negotiations should continue. Government estimates that some 30,000 jobs could be affected by the tariffs across various industries, including agriculture and automotives. Details of the final support package will be unveiled at a briefing to be hosted by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and will include the following: establishment of an Export Support Desk, to serve as a direct point of contact for affected companies; measures to assist companies to absorb the tariff so as to protect jobs and productive capacity; leveraging of the Localisation Support Fund to support the competitiveness of affected companies; use of the Export and Competitiveness Support Programme to provide a working capital facility and a plant and equipment facility to address short- to medium-term needs across affected industries; deploying existing instruments of the Department of Employment and Labour to mitigate potential job losses; and the publication by the Competition Commission of a draft block exemption for exporters, which would allow competitor companies to cooperate to improve economies of scale and export efficiencies. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News. Read too, Private sector mobilises as government falters in US tariff fallout, at Daily Maverick Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Streetlight repair crew forced to flee Orlando site after attack on Wednesday SowetanLive reports that City Power contractors repairing street lights in Orlando, Soweto were forced to abandon their work and flee for their lives after being attacked and robbed on Wednesday. The scared workers left the company vehicle and valuables behind as they fled. According to spokesperson Isaac Mangena, four suspects approached the workers in what seemed to be a coordinated attack while they were busy on Khumalo Street at around 3pm. The suspects made off with the workers' personal belongings left inside the van, including bags and other valuables. Mangena strongly condemned the incident, describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of violence and intimidation targeting its technical teams across various regions in Joburg. The utility indicated in a statement: “This robbery mirrors similar patterns we’ve seen in other areas, where our technicians are robbed, threatened, or even held hostage while trying to restore or maintain electricity infrastructure. If these attacks continue, City Power may be left with no choice but to suspend services in high-risk areas. The safety of our employees is non-negotiable.” Three weeks ago, City Power workers were held hostage in Tshepisong while doing maintenance in the area. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nandi Ntini at SowetanLive Viral video captures stabbing of e-hailing driver in Brackenfell Cape Times reports that while driving in Brackenfell, an e-hailing driver had a narrow escape after being stabbed in the chest during what appeared to be a robbery caught on camera. The video clip shows the e-hailing driver with two men, one in the passenger seat and another in the back seat, driving at around 7.40am in Bottelary Road. The e-hailing driver can be seen driving to an undisclosed location with the map route on his phone and conversing with the men. The man seated in the passenger seat is seen checking his phone and he then proceeds to lean forward with his head in his hand and suddenly pulls out a knife and stabs the driver twice in the chest. The passenger grabs the driver's cellphone. The driver manages to get out of the vehicle, before he is pursued by the two men. The video was posted by community organisation Kraailove, which posted an update in the comments section saying the driver was recovering well. Read the original of the report in the above regard by Marsha Dean and watch the video at Cape Times Gauteng pulls security guards from high-risk schools without providing reasons SowetanLive reports that the Gauteng Department of Education (DOE) has withdrawn security guards from high-risk schools across the province with immediate effect. A notice sent by Zondi Nkuna, acting director of security services management, to school principals and security service providers did not explain the reasons for the withdrawal, but stated that no guarding services would be allowed to operate without official purchase order numbers. The DOE had previously identified at least 75 schools as “extreme high-risk” zones, spanning Johannesburg Central, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. In response to rising incidents of school violence, the department launched a series of school safety imbizos to gather input from communities and stakeholders. These engagements produced recommendations such as the installation of CCTV cameras, structured after-school activities, and the deployment of trained patrollers instead of outsourced private security. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Koena Mashale at TimesLIVE Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Gauteng public hospitals face critical shortage of ICU nurses The Star reports that the Gauteng Department of Health has come under fire following revelations that the province’s public hospitals have only 751 ICU nurses, which is less than half of the 1,760 needed to adequately serve its population. The crisis was laid bare in a written response by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to an inquiry in the provincial legislature. Citing increased patient deaths, delayed surgeries, and staff burnout, Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, said that Nkomo-Ralehoko’s response raised alarm over the consequences of the ICU nurse shortage. He added that the crisis was driving experienced nurses away and deterring new ones, so putting patient safety at serious risk. He further pointed out that, ideally, Gauteng should have between 1,600 and 3,200 ICU beds for its 16 million residents – based on the guideline of 10 to 20 ICU beds per 100,000 people – meaning that the province would need 1,760 to 3,520 ICU nurses to properly staff them. Bloom also expressed concern over the 250 unfilled ICU nurse vacancies, which meant that one in four ICU nurse positions were unfilled despite the vast need. He argued that the lack of ICU nurses was a major reason why many operations were cancelled, as emergency cases took precedence. Bloom added that it also contributed to long waiting times for surgeries, with more than 34,000 people on the waiting lists.’ Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Masabata Mkwananzi at The Star KZN health department announces 270 new doctors and nurses posts The Witness reports that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has announced that the Department of Health will soon advertise 270 new posts, made up of positions for 150 doctors and 120 nurses. The announcement was made following a provincial Executive Council meeting held this week and another march by unemployed doctors to the Office of the Premier in Pietermaritzburg. Simelane reported: “Cabinet recently tasked all MECs with identifying savings and possible funding sources. As a result of a collective effort, we are now moving ahead with advertising a further 100 posts for medical officers and 50 posts for medical specialists, bringing the total number of doctors’ posts to 150.” On the nursing front, Simelane said the department would open 40 posts for specialised nurses and 80 entry-level nursing positions. The MEC said the move reflected the provincial government’s commitment to job creation in a tight economy, while also ensuring that access to quality healthcare was improved across KZN. Recruitment is expected to start within the coming week. Read the original of the report in the above regard at The Witness Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Former Treasury official Kenneth Brown named as interim Road Accident Fund chair News24 reports that former top Treasury official Kenneth Brown has been named the interim chair of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), two weeks after the board was dissolved. Brown is currently a non-executive director at the Development Bank of Southern Africa. He previously served at the National Treasury, where he held several senior roles over a 19-year period. In 2013, he was appointed as the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). He also served as Head of Intergovernmental Relations for six years. He holds a number of degrees. The RAF has been under intense scrutiny since its CEO, Collins Letsoalo, was placed on special leave in late May and later suspended. The RAF has been without a permanent board since mid-July, when it was dissolved by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. The Minister said at the time the decision to dissolve the board followed “persistent governance and operational challenges” that “undermined its ability to discharge its statutory mandate”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jan Cronje at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, Former Treasury official Kenneth Brown appointed interim chairperson of RAF, at IOL Business
Production of 'Uzalo' halted over nonpayment of production crew, but SABC denies any disruption SowetanLive reports that popular SABC1 drama series Uzalo is reportedly facing production troubles, with sources close to the show claiming that filming has been halted due to nonpayment of the behind-the-scenes crew. A source in the Uzalo team said financial hiccups were not unusual but this time it was the production team bearing the brunt. “The situation of nonpayment happens from time to time, but this time around it's only the production team that didn't get paid. The actors got paid. I mean, we have got used to it,” the insider said. In an internal communication, Stained Glass, which produces Uzalo, confirmed the pause in operations due to financial strain. Despite the internal memo and reports from those on set, the SABC has denied any disruption in production. It remains unclear how long the alleged production halt will last or how soon the financial issues will be resolved. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kgomotso Moganedi at SowetanLive
KZN public works aims to combat artisan shortage through EPWP Daily News reports that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has announced an initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of skilled artisans in the province. On Wednesday, MEC Martin Meyer revealed plans to absorb qualified artisans and graduates into the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in a move designed to bolster the region's technical workforce and provide vital training opportunities. Meyer highlighted that the province was currently facing considerable challenges in cultivating skilled artisans, which was essential for economic growth and infrastructure development. The MEC underscored the ongoing conversations with developers of the multi-billion Rand Westown project, emphasising that training young graduates to become proficient artisans was at the forefront of their agenda. Discussions between Meyer and the developers had been fruitful, according to the MEC. The urgency of this initiative was further underscored by the alarming shortage of training facilities available for aspiring artisans in the province. Recently, Meyer convened a meeting with representatives from TVET colleges in Hammersdale to explore collaborative strategies aimed at revitalising artisan training programmes. In a related effort to improve community welfare, Meyer also announced a public-private partnership initiative involving the communications giant MTN. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sipho Jack at Daily News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Solidarity reports Bidvest to SAHRC and UN and over racially discriminatory school bursary programme BusinessTech reports that one of SA’s largest companies Bidvest has been reported to the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights over its school bursary programme. The complaints, lodged by trade union Solidarity, allege that the company’s policy is racially discriminatory and violates both the SA Constitution and international human rights conventions. The bursary programme supports the children of full-time Bidvest employees who earn less than R15,300 per month. However, white employees who meet the income requirement are excluded from applying for the bursary for their children. Solidarity has strongly condemned this exclusion, calling the policy “illegal, immoral, racist, and discriminatory.” Dirk Hermann, Chief Executive of Solidarity, said the programme failed to address inequality in a just and inclusive way. Solidarity called for the SAHRC to launch a full investigation into Bidvest’s policy and to ensure that the company immediately amended the programme to one that was inclusive of all employees, regardless of race. Last month, Julian Gwillim of Aprio Strategic Communications issued a statement on behalf of the company. He indicated that the bursary was funded through the Bidvest Education Trust, which was formerly known as the Dinatla Trust. The trust was created in 2003 as part of a broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) initiative. “In line with the B-BBEE Act 53 of 2003, the Trust was formed for the sole purpose of uplifting Historically Disadvantaged Individuals who are employees of the Bidvest Group,” Gwillim said. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Malcolm Libera at BusinessTech. Lees ook, Bidvest by VN, MRK verkla oor ‘rassediskriminasie’ met skoolprogram, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Nelson Mandela Bay’s failed multi-billion-rand bus service has only six buses running GroundUp reports that Nelson Mandela Bay’s multi-billion-rand bus service has all but collapsed. Of the service’s 25 buses, no more than six are currently operating. At least 13 are standing unused at the bus depot. Another six were recently repaired by a Volvo dealership, but the municipality has failed to pay the account. At its peak, the bus service transported more than a million passengers in one year, but by 2023, the number dropped to 104,000. Between August 2023 and May 2024 the bus service did not operate at all. In July this year, only three buses were operational, but another three appeared to have been returned to service in August. The municipality spent tens of millions of rands on refurbishing buses last year. Despite the refurbishments, ten buses broke down and had to go for further repairs, which cost an additional R5-million. A fleet of 200 minibus taxis was also procured from taxi associations, but they have now been declared unfit for use and have been decommissioned. The bus system has been the subject of several investigations, including by the National Treasury and the Auditor-General, which found several corrupt contracts resulting in irregular expenditure and legal action. According to an employee at the Cleary Park bus depot, where the buses are stored, the bus service’s employees only work half days, and many don’t have anything to do. Meanwhile, bus stations along the Libhongolethu routes have been vandalised. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Joseph Chirume at GroundUp
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