In our Thursday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Seven Chinese nationals get effective 20 years in jail for 'slave labour' factory TimesLIVE reports that the Johannesburg High Court has sentenced seven Chinese nationals to an effective 20 years in prison after they were found guilty of a raft of charges related to running a factory that treated its staff inhumanely. The company, Beautiful City, was fined R300,000. The case stems from a 2019 government inspection of the factory in Village Deep, which produced cotton sheets. The staff were found to be illegal immigrants, mostly Malawians, who were subjected to “horrific” working conditions. Some of the workers were about 15 years old. The seven suspects were convicted on 160 charges in February this year. The offences included human trafficking; bondage; assisting illegals to remain in SA; not registering with the Compensation Fund; failure to keep records of earnings; failure to maintain a safe workplace; and a host of labour law infringements. In his ruling on Wednesday, Judge David Mhango said human trafficking, kidnapping and bonded labour were among the gravest crimes a court could deal with. He described how the victims were held against their will in squalid conditions. Although he acknowledged that the accused were largely acting under the instructions of a man known as Mr Chen, who has not been arrested, Mhango said the aggravating circumstances outweighed any mitigation. Mhango imposed multiple sentences across the various counts, with the longest being 20 years for human trafficking. He ordered that the sentences would run concurrently, leaving the seven with an effective two decades behind bars. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khodani Mpilo & Sinesipho Habana at TimesLIVE Drama in court as daughter of convicted Chinese human trafficker claims 'real' kingpin is still free in Joburg IOL News reports that chaos erupted at the Johannesburg High Court on Wednesday after seven Chinese nationals were sentenced to 20 years in prison each, when a woman believed to be the daughter of one of the accused confronted reporters. She alleged that the convicts were being framed. The woman, reportedly named Nancy Xiao, shouted inside the courtroom, alleging that a powerful kingpin was the real mastermind behind a kidnapping syndicate that smuggled illegal foreign nationals into SA. “They are all lying,” she shouted, referring to the authorities and the charges laid against the group. Police attempted to block Xiao from speaking to the media, however, she continued to speak, insisting that the real traffickers were still at large and that her family member had been used as a scapegoat. Xiao claimed the true owner of the illegal factory involved in the case was still operating freely in the country. “The owner is right here in this country… They are all employees. He is still running a business here. The boss is right here in this country,” she said. When pressed about whether she had reported this alleged owner to police, Xiao doubled down, alleging the man was well-connected and dangerous. “He is known to the Chinese community in this country,” she said, adding that he lived in Bruma in Joburg. Xiao showed reporters a photo of the alleged business owner on her phone, however, the image was not clear. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Simon Majadibodu at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Driver escapes as Joburg bus catches fire on R59 The Star reports that a bus caught fire while driving on the R59 in Thulisa Park on Wednesday afternoon. The City of Ekurhuleni's Department of Emergency Management Services (DEMS) was contacted and immediately dispatched firefighters from Alberton and Thokoza, who responded with two fire engines and one water tank. Upon arrival, they found a bus that belonged to the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) alight with no commuters on it. The crew started to extinguish the fire, but the bus was destroyed. The driver said he just saw smoke coming from the back of the bus and also noticed other motorists hooting at him. He immediately stopped and managed to escape without any harm. "The cause of the fire is still unknown, and local authorities are yet to investigate," DEMS spokesperson Eric Maloka indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Koketso Phasha and view a photo at The Star Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Endless payment delays at the Compensation Fund GroundUp reports that in recent years the Compensation Fund (CF) has faced allegations of inefficiencies and delays in payments of claims. In February, the Auditor-General’s office told MPs that almost every aspect of the institution was dysfunctional. The case of Sue Swarts, who has been facing an uphill battle, is an example. The 69-year-old widow has waited more than eight years for compensation after her husband of 42 years, Matthys, died from mesothelioma, a deadly cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust. He worked at Transnet as a dispatch manager for 32 years and had just gone into early retirement when he fell ill in January 2016. He died the same year. “The doctors confirmed that he had asbestos cancer, and they could do nothing as it was too late,” said Swarts. Since her husband’s death she has been financially dependent on her sons. “It’s been the longest wait that has left me in tears. If it’s not my husband’s payslips going missing, it’s an official unavailable or another excuse. I was promised payment months ago, but I’m still waiting,” Swarts lamented. The Fund, which had a surplus of R107-billion in 2023/24 according to its annual report, is set up under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) of 1993 and falls under the Department of Employment and Labour. Its revenue comes from annual levies paid by employers based on their wage bill. The Act mandates the Fund to cover medical costs and provide regular payments to employees who suffer injury or disease contracted on duty, and funeral expenses and pensions to the families of employees who die from work-related injuries or diseases. CF spokesperson Hloni Mpaka reported that of the 107,205 claims received in 2024/25, 99% had already been adjudicated – meaning they have been assessed to determine whether to accept or reject liability. But many claimants, like Swarts, are still waiting for their payouts. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sipokazi Fokazi at GroundUp
Macsteel workers back at work following strike over retrenchment packages BL Premium reports that according to the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa), workers at Macsteel are back at work following a strike after the steel producer “forcefully retrenched” workers for allegedly rejecting a R40,000 retrenchment package. The weeklong strike ended on Friday after parties reached a deal that saw those retrenched “placed in jobs within Macsteel”. Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim said they had retained their full benefits, wages and conditions of employment. Only five workers did not take up the offer to be reinstated, electing to accept the retrenchment package. “The union has resolved to meet these workers to ascertain whether indeed that is their final position on the matter, and to make sure that they understand that whatever job they had chosen at Macsteel, even if it was a lower position/grade, the union has ensured that they will not lose their salary scale in terms of grades,” Jim said. He added: “The union embarked on this strike as a last resort after Macsteel refused to consider meaningful alternatives that the union advanced in the section 189A consultation process. This includes Macsteel’s refusal to pay workers a decent severance pay package, something the union condemns in the strongest terms.” Jim called on the Department of Employment and Labour to “set a minimum standard for severance packages that is fair, so that companies cannot pay lower than the minimum floor”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive Cape Town Labour Court reinstates workers dismissed in 2022 following ‘provoked’ unprotected strike IOL News reports that employees who were unfairly dismissed due to participating in an unprotected strike are to be reinstated in accordance with a recent ruling of the Labour Court in Cape Town. The Court also ruled that the employees must be compensated with 16 months' back pay arising from their retrospective reinstatement. The 23 employees were joined in their legal battle by their trade union, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), when they went up against their employer, Baseline Civil Contractors. The workers contested the fairness of their dismissals for allegedly participating in an unprotected strike for four days in December 2022, and for gross insubordination in failing to comply with instructions in the form of ultimatums to return to work. The strike was instigated by the employer’s decision to change the dates of paying an incentive bonus, and paying this in two parts. The employees alleged the strike was a response to unjustified conduct by the employer. They conceded that they participated in the strike, however, when they returned to the Stellenbosch work site on 12 December 2022, they were locked out and were subsequently dismissed on 23 January 2023. The NUM’s Mlondolozi Limaphi said: "The court has agreed that the employees were provoked in the decision they made… The court found that they were unfairly dismissed, and we are happy with the outcome." Judge Robert Lagrange said it was obvious that no strike would have taken place had Baseline not decided to alter the timing of the bonus payment. He indicated that he did not think that the dismissal was a fair sanction, even though it warranted a serious disciplinary sanction. Lagrange ruled that a final written warning valid for 12 months was a sufficient sanction for the misconduct. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chevon Booysen at IOL News
Search is still on for partner to prevent closure of Goodyear tyre factory in Eastern Cape EWN reports that the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) is doing its utmost to counter the closure of the Goodyear tyre factory in Kariega in the Eastern Cape. Answering questions about the factory’s shutdown in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi said all was not yet lost and that through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), government was still trying to find a technical partner that could operate the factory. "The DTIC is continuing discussions with industry partners, including the trade union Numsa to find a potential technical partner so that the expression of interest on the Goodyear plan can be taken forward," Godlimpi advised. More than 900 workers have lost their jobs as a result of the closure of the operation. “Both the DTIC and the IDC were told that Goodyear has already closed down, and it had settled severance packages with workers. Total plant closure will be on October 15. However, Goodyear has indicated that it is still willing to meet anyone who can make an offer. However, such company may not use their technology to manufacture tyres in South Africa,” Godlimpi indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lindsay Dentlinger at EWN. Read too, Search is on for partner to help buy Goodyear factory, says Godlimpi, at TimesLIVE Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe keeps it in the family with new Chief of Staff Daily Maverick reports that the current Chief of Staff in the Office of the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, is allegedly the 22-year old niece of Tolashe’s special adviser, Ngwako Kgatla – and her qualifications for the role are questionable. Lesedi Mabiletja has previously referred to Kgatla on Facebook as “the world’s coolest uncle”, while Mabiletja’s mother, Lekgale Mahlaku, has referred to Kgatla on Facebook as her “brother”. Kgatla’s close relationship with Minister Tolashe has made headlines on several occasions this year because of the allegedly preferential treatment he has received from the minister. The choice of chief of staff is at the discretion of the relevant minister. It is a position on a par with some of the most senior government leaders, and is on the third highest salary band in all of government, currently worth almost R1.4-million annually in taxpayers’ money. Mabiletja, who was born in 2002, lists as her sole qualification a Diploma in Information Technology undertaken part time at Rosebank College in Polokwane. Her CV reveals that she has one year’s experience as “Manager Sales and Marketing” for the same college. That appears to have been her only job. She also lists “work experience as a volunteer” in the office of Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Hlengiwe Mkhize, for three years and nine months. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Rebecca Davis at Daily Maverick Other internet posting(s) in this news category
In six years, Western Cape went from 20,000 police officers to around 13,000 The Citizen reports that with the Western Cape battling gangsterism and gang violence, on Wednesday Premier Alan Winde, Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais, and Mark Shaw, director of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime, held a media briefing to discuss the importance of partnerships in addressing the scourge of gangsterism and organised crime. Among other strategies discussed, Shaw emphasised the need for collaboration between provincial and national police leaders, along with other sectors of society. He said the country needed to move from a reactionary position to a proactive one, but the government would need to strengthen its crime intelligence to achieve this. While there have been suggestions that soldiers should be permanently deployed to areas such as the Cape Flats to quell gang violence, Shaw said this would only be a temporary solution as a last resort. Winde said one of the biggest problems in the province was the resourcing of police. “When I became premier in 2019, we had 20,000 officers deployed to this region. We now have 13,000. Crime has increased, while deployment has decreased. We’ve added to that another 1,200 officers, and yesterday we added another 700 officers. They will be deployed across every single ward in the City,” said Winde. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Vhahangwele Nemakonde at The Citizen Cape Town adds 700 new metro police officers to make the streets safer Daily Voice reports that on Tuesday, the City of Cape Town welcomed over 700 new metro police officials to its law enforcement force with promises of making the Mother City a safer place. Athlone Stadium hosted the Project 1000 graduation ceremony, with City Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and the City’s safety and security boss JP Smith in attendance. According to Smith, the new officers will be deployed in every ward around the metropole. With gun violence terrorising communities around the Cape, Smith indicated that they were ready to partner with police and the national government. He said: “The City’s new deployment is the largest investment in new boots on the ground in over a decade. It will include neighbourhood policing for every ward, a dedicated unit for the N2/Airport precinct, and more protection escorts for frontline service delivery teams in crime hotspots.” The City said it was continuing to invest in growing its policing resources as more than 1,200 officers have been deployed to major crime hotspots through the LEAP initiative partnered with the Western Cape Government. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Kim Swartz at Daily Voice Critical shortages of specialists at KZN hospitals leads to lengthy patient backlogs The Mercury reports that KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is currently experiencing extended patient wait times due to a severe shortage of specialist doctors in the province's government hospitals. There is a backlog of nearly 10,000 patients awaiting treatment. This alarming statistic emerged from parliamentary questions that detailed the number of specialists and doctors available in various hospitals across the province. Dr Imran Keeka, DA spokesperson on health and chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee, highlighted the critical shortage of specialists and the lengthy waiting periods many patients faced. The personnel shortages include ophthalmologists, cardiologists, oncologists, urologists, orthopaedic surgeons, ENT specialists, neurologists and radiologists (shortages for each specialty indicated in report). Dr Keeka commented: “These figures illustrate the seriousness of the problem. The facilities mentioned are KZN’s apex hospitals, some of the busiest in the country, serving millions of people. The reality is that the sustainability of quality healthcare in KZN is under serious threat.” He pointed out that the reasons for this crisis were well-documented: “The private sector is more lucrative, and the state can never match the income of private sector specialists. Additionally, poor working conditions and long hours in government hospitals contribute to the issue. Inadequate planning and management by senior departmental officials responsible for ensuring that the Department of Health and its hospitals function optimally also play a role.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thami Magubane at The Mercury
Labour Court gives Gauteng education department 30 days to finalise grievance lodged by Pretoria Girls’ High principal News24 reports that the Labour Court has given the Gauteng Department of Education 30 days to finalise a grievance lodged against it by Pretoria High School for Girls principal Phillipa Erasmus. The grievance relates to allegations of intimidation and abuse by a departmental official who visited the school following reports of racist behaviour from 12 pupils. According to a draft order handed down on Tuesday, the head of department, Albert Chanee, was ordered “to implement and take all the necessary steps to appoint an official of the department to consider, determine and finalise the grievance”. The court also ordered the department to pay the legal costs of the Suid-Afrikaanse Onderwysersunie (Saou), which represented Erasmus. Saou’s Dems Nel reported that Erasmus lodged a formal grievance on 4 October 2024 following an official’s conduct after the racism reports surfaced in August 2024. He alleged that the official who arrived at the scene allowed the pupils to hurl abuse at Erasmus and other teachers “without stepping in to support or protect them”. According to Nel, the official “acted in an inappropriate and abusive manner towards Erasmus and her educators and compelled them to comply with inappropriate and unreasonable instructions under threat of disciplinary action.” Erasmus made headlines when the department suspended her from duty for three months without pay in July after finding her guilty of two misconduct charges. She was found not guilty of failing to implement the school’s code of conduct Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Prega Govender at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Nersa employee who made R54bn mistake in Eskom tariff determination suspended News24 reports that the person who made the R54-billion mistake in calculating Eskom’s electricity price increase has been suspended, the chairperson of the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa), Thembani Bukula, told MPs at a meeting of the Electricity and Energy Portfolio Committee on Wednesday. Bukula offered Nersa’s profound apologies for undercalculating what Eskom would be allowed to recover from customers for three years beginning 2025/26 by R54 billion. Consequently, Eskom will be allowed to recover this from customers by adding to tariff increases in the coming years. Nersa determines the electricity tariff increase according to the Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD) methodology that allows Eskom to recover its costs, provided these have been prudently incurred, and earn a return on its regulatory asset base. Bukula explained to MPs that the error had occurred when calculating the return on assets for Eskom’s generation plant for the years 2026/27 and 2027/28. Nersa had identified the error immediately, before the tariff increase was announced in January and a staff member had been instructed to make a correction. It was assumed that this had been done. Then Nersa became aware that the correction as requested had not been made. Nersa has commissioned an independent audit into what went wrong, which, Bukula said, would be made public. Bukula, who was quizzed by MPs over its processes and whether it had adequate checks and balances, said: “As much as we thought our processes are robust, they failed us.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Carol Paton at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, A R54bn error draws apology from Nersa, at Moneyweb
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