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 Friday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Coca Cola Beverages SA plans to cut more than 600 jobs BL Premium reports that soft drinks giant Coca-Cola Beverages SA (CCBSA) has become the latest corporate player to add to the wave of job cuts in SA. Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu) spokesperson Dominique Swartz advised on Thursday: “We received Section 189 notices [dealing with retrenchments] on September 2. The company is planning to retrench over 600 workers.” Swartz said Fawu, an affiliate of the SA Federation of Trade Unions, would oppose the retrenchments and criticised the consultation process the company was allegedly flouting. “Section 189 is regulated by the Labour Relations Act, so there is a formal process that has to be followed. Currently, we are not happy with how the company is going about doing that. They don’t seem serious about consulting. They should at least follow due process. We are opposed to the retrenchments and we fight them,” Swartz indicated. CCBSA was quoted as saying: “In response to evolving industry dynamics, Coca-Cola Beverages SA intends to make adjustments to its organisation that, if implemented, may result in some roles being impacted and may unfortunately result in job losses. We have started a consultation process with unions and non-unionised employees who may be impacted. Our priority is to support affected colleagues with fairness, transparency, and compassion during this process. Consultations are under way, and no final decision has been made.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Lees ook, Kommer oor afleggings by Coca-Cola SA, by Maroela Media. As well as, Coca-Cola SA responds to plans to cut over 680 jobs amid mounting backlash, at IOL Business
Justice Minister reveals five prosecutors have been murdered in five years News24 reports that five prosecutors have been killed over the past five years, and the most recent – the murder of Gqeberha prosecutor Tracy Brown – was allegedly planned from behind bars. This was advised on Wednesday by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi in her answers to questions in the National Assembly. The five prosecutors who were shot and killed over the past five years were advocates Vukile Gontana from the Western Cape, Sonwabo Booi from KwaZulu-Natal, and Ntsikelelo McAllister, Elona Sombulula and Tracy Brown, all from the Eastern Cape. Kubayi said, additionally, advocate Aaron Raletjena, who was based at the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA’s) head office, was shot and killed at his home. “All these murders are still under investigation by the police. In the most recent incident relating to Ms Tracy Brown, two suspects were arrested and appeared in court in August 2025,” Kubayi indicated. She added that evidence that was presented on 10 September 2025 suggested that the hit was allegedly ordered by an inmate jailed at a local correctional centre, which was related to a case Brown had handled. Kubayi recently called on the media to help protect prosecutors’ identities when they appeared in court. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jan Gerber at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Eskom warns of escalating threats to employee safety in KwaZulu-Natal and Free State The Mercury reports that Eskom says that escalating threats to its employees from communities, coupled with increasing cases of vandalism, theft, and illegal connections, are putting lives at risk and threatening electricity supply in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. The utility’s Central East Cluster, which covers both provinces, said it was “deeply concerned about the increasing incidents where Eskom employees are threatened or harassed while undertaking their duties.” The utility indicated: “Such actions not only endanger lives but also undermine Eskom’s ability to provide reliable electricity to South Africans. Eskom will continue working closely with the authorities to ensure that our employees are protected, and that no individual or group who is allowed to hinder our service to the nation.” Eskom reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment to the safety of its employees, the integrity of its network infrastructure, and the well-being of the general public,” stressing that all employees working on its networks were duly authorised to do so. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siphesihle Buthelezi at The Mercury Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Arts and culture sector vows to challenge minister over arts festival funding cuts IOL News reports that the SA arts and culture industry is in uproar and is preparing for a major showdown with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and its Minister, Gayton McKenzie. The department is under fire for its decision to significantly reduce funding for major cultural festivals. Events like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, the National Arts Festival, Suidoosterfees, KKNK, Woordfees, Innibos, Aardklop, and the Vrystaat Kunstefees have been thrown into deep crisis, raising serious concerns about the very survival of SA’s cultural landscape. Artist organisations are reportedly gearing up to fight back against the Minister’s decision, whether through the courts or taking to the streets. Artists United (AU) said it was appalled by the minister’s decision. The organisation highlighted the devastating impact on employment and added: "This is very unfortunate, as most of these events were used to create jobs for many artists. We will be happy to get valid reasons from the minister." AU affirmed its resolve to challenge McKenzie. United Civil Society in Action (UCSA) chairperson, Tebogo Sithathu, echoed the sentiments of frustration and anger. "The big question is, why would the minister do this without consulting the creative, cultural, and sporting fraternities? That in itself is highly condescending and disrespectful," he asked. The South African Roadies Association President, Freddie Nyathela, commented: "It's time to mobilise and hold this minister accountable for bullying us. He continues to bully us instead of taking us with confidence and doing his job as a minister.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mashudu Sadike at IOL News
Reserve Bank opts for caution in keeping repo rate at 7% BL Premium reports that maintaining a cautious stance in the face of inflationary pressures stemming from new trade tariffs, global uncertainty and a subdued outlook for the domestic economy, the SA Reserve Bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) kept the repo rate at 7% at its meeting this week. The decision marked the Bank’s first policy decision since it formally announced a preference for a 3% inflation anchor. The MPC meeting was the first since the implementation of US tariffs on SA goods on 7 August, and committee members noted that export growth has been marked down from real growth of 2.6% to a contraction of 0.2%, reflecting the levies and a relatively stronger rand. Yet, the Bank revised its 2025 growth forecast upward to 1.2% from 0.9% “despite a weaker export outlook, given high tariffs.” On consumer inflation, Kganyago noted the pickup, as expected, in the second half of the year. This week, though, the annual consumer price index for August eased to 3.3% from 3.5% in July. “Our forecast now incorporates higher electricity price inflation, of nearly 8% rather than 6%, given the recent pricing correction by Nersa [the energy regulator]. This is a reminder of the serious dysfunction in administered prices, which undermines purchasing power and weakens growth,” Kganyago stated. The Bank now sees headline inflation averaging 3.4% in 2025 and 3.6% in 2026, before returning to the 3% target in 2027. The most recent survey by Bureau for Economic Research found that the average expectation for headline inflation over the next five years has fallen to 4.2%, with expectations for 2025 and 2026 averaging 3.8% and 4.2%, respectively. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jana Marx at BusinessLive (subscriber access only). Lees ook, Reserwebank hou rentekoers onveranderd, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Wesley Neumann's epic legal battle for reinstatement as school principal continues on Friday IOL News reports that former Heathfield High School principal, Wesley Neumann, will head back to the Labour Court on Friday where his David and Goliath battle with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) continues for his reinstatement. According to the head of the department at the time, Brian Schreuder, Neumann went against directives he had issued that instructed that every Grade 12 pupil be physically at school every day from 3 August, 2020 until the commencement of their National Senior Certificate exams. According to Neumann’s counsel, Vernon Seymour, despite his reservations about the directives issued, which related to health and safety concerns during the first wave of the Covid pandemic, evidence in disciplinary proceedings confirmed that Neumann complied with informing pupils and staff to return to school. Seymour submitted on Wednesday that the arbitrator who made the dismissal sanction had committed errors of law and had “made a decision that was untenable in law”. He claimed the arbitrator's decision “was out of kilter” and that he “did not consider the complete consensus of evidence and failed to consider all issues”. Arguments by the WCED that the dismissal of Neumann had been procedurally and substantially fair are still being heard. The education arm of the Special Action Committee (SAC-E) commented: “This case extends beyond an individual dismissal. It raises critical questions about the future of education, the rights of workers, and the ability of communities to act in defence of learners’ safety.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chevon Booysen at IOL News
Stellenbosch HR manager resigns from acting corporate services director post, dodges council suspension News24 reports that embattled Stellenbosch Municipality human resources manager Alexander Kannemeyer avoided suspension this week by resigning from his acting role as corporate services director, leaving the council powerless to act against him. This was revealed in a special confidential in-committee council meeting held on Wednesday. However, Kannemeyer is still employed by the municipality as a human resources manager. The council convened the sitting to determine whether Kannemeyer should be suspended after he was given seven days to provide reasons why he should not be placed on precautionary suspension. This followed a viral video in which he suggested that life for white employees should be made “difficult” until they resigned. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp explained that Kannemeyer’s resignation as a Section 56 manager meant that council could not suspend him. In terms of the Municipal Structures Act, a municipal council can only suspend someone who is a Section 56 manager or who officially acts in that role. Aucamp indicated: “He (Kannemeyer), therefore, side-stepped the Stellenbosch Municipal council’s attempt to legally suspend him by making it impossible for them to do so.” He added that the DA still wanted the matter investigated, in accordance with a motion approved by the council two weeks ago. “The DA also requests that the municipal manager, who, in terms of the Structures Act, is now the only person that can suspend Mr Kannemeyer, do so immediately because of the risk that he could influence the investigation in his current position,” Aucamp indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Marvin Charles at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Polokwane mayor and senior officials must undergo lifestyle audits following Hawks raid, DA insists Sunday World reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for the embattled Polokwane mayor, John Mpe, to undergo a lifestyle audit. This after a raid was conducted on Wednesday by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) at the offices of the Polokwane Municipality. According to the DA’s finance spokesperson in Polokwane, Jacques Joubert, the mayor and all senior officials needed to declare their gift registers since assuming office and to undergo full lifestyle audits. He pointed out that a whistle-blower had raised serious concerns over a list of 28 tenders worth more than R724-million. All allegedly linked to senior municipal officials. “The (whistleblower’s) spreadsheet contained bid numbers and contract values, most of which were awarded during 2022 and 2023. It suggests serious impropriety involving the Executive Mayor, John Mpe, and the Municipal Manager, Thuso Nemugumoni,” Joubert stated. He added that the document also indicated that some tenders were awarded to foreign-owned companies, while others allegedly involved entities linked to the mayor, the municipal manager, her partner, and close associates. Also applauding the Hawks’ intervention was the Concerned Citizens of Polokwane (CCP). The group described themselves as the first to “blow the whistle” on the matter. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nakampe Lekwadu at Sunday World. Read too, Hawks raid Polokwane municipal offices amid multimillion-rand tender corruption probe, at News24 Light sentence for corrupt Eastern Cape driver’s licence examiner News24 reports that a corrupt Eastern Cape traffic official and driver’s licence examiner burst into tears of relief after he was sentenced to only five years’ correctional supervision for his fraud-related crimes in the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha on Thursday. Rory Petrus, 39, faced a minimum prescribed sentence of 15 years’ direct imprisonment for his crimes, but Judge Mzamo Nobatana found several substantial and compelling circumstances to deviate from this sentence. Petrus, who initially faced over 50 charges, was found guilty of incitement to commit an offence, two counts of corruption, fraud, forgery, uttering and the unlawful issuance of a driver’s licence. He was also sentenced to one year in prison for incitement, one year for corruption and five years for fraud and forgery. Additionally, he was sentenced to five years for uttering, one year for the unlawful issuance of a driver’s licence and another five years for the second corruption charge. However, Nobatana ordered that his sentences run concurrently, meaning that Petrus will serve an effective five-year house arrest under correctional supervision. According to the sentencing order, he must complete several rehabilitation programmes, including anger and financial management courses, communication and self-management classes, and anti-drug and alcohol abuse classes. He must also complete 600 hours of community service for at least 20 hours a month. In his sentencing judgment, Nobatana strongly condemned Petrus’ actions, saying he brought the Sunday’s River Valley Local Municipality into disrepute and endangered motorists’ lives. However, he could not ignore the fact that during the trial, it was submitted as evidence that Petrus had a drug problem at the time of the offences and had been to rehab twice. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Candice Bezuidenhout at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Read too, Drug rehab and house arrest, not jail, for corrupt Eastern Cape traffic official, at Daily Maverick Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Seven teachers from Mthatha school suspended over 'sexual misconduct' TimesLIVE reports that seven teachers from St John’s College in Mthatha have been placed on precautionary suspension pending an investigation into allegations that they had sexual relationships with and impregnated pupils at the school. On Monday, teaching and learning came to a halt at the school, as learners protested and shut down the college, demanding justice for their peers. The Eastern Cape Education Department’s spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said a formal investigation would start on Monday, with three female investigators conducting the sexual harassment allegations. Other issues will be dealt with by other investigators. “Additionally, the police have also advised the victims of sexual harassment and abuse to open a case at the police station themselves and not the department. They also assisted to manage the pupils who tried to burn classes, hostels and the school generator,” he stated. The allegations made by pupils during the meeting with the department included sexual harassment and victimisation by teachers of pupils, leading to death threats. Pupils have also alleged corruption; less provision of nutrition to pupils; drunk teachers; and drug abuse by pupils and teachers at the school. Mtima added the department has activated psychosocial support for affected pupils to ensure they got debriefing and counselling by psychologists and social workers. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Shonisani Tshikalange at DailyDispatch. Read too a report at SABC News
Gauteng taxi boss gunned down on Soweto Highway on Thursday morning TimesLIVE reports that the National Taxi Association’s Gauteng chair, Thami Moyo, was shot dead on the Soweto Highway on Thursday. This was confirmed by the association’s spokesperson Theo Malele, who said: “We can confirm that there has been an assassination but the motive behind this is unknown. It’s still under investigation.” A police spokesperson, speaking from the scene, said Moyo was driving a Toyota Hilux when he was intercepted at around 9.30am in the vicinity of Diepkloof by suspects driving a minibus taxi and a Toyota Hilux. The 58-year-old was blocked in and fired on multiple times. He succumbed to his wounds and was certified dead at the scene. While the motive has yet to be confirmed, it is suspected to be related to ongoing taxi violence. There has been a spate of murders within the taxi industry in the province. In April the Gauteng government said it had brokered a ceasefire between the National Taxi Alliance and SA National Taxi Council. At that time, the bloodshed had since the beginning of the year claimed 59 lives in the province. Read the original of the report in the above regard by Khodani Mpilo at BusinessLive. Read too, SAPS taxi violence task team roped in to investigate Moyo's murder, at EWN. En ook, Taxi-grootbaas in Soweto doodgeskiet, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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