In our Friday morning roundup, see the
following summaries of our selection of recent
South African labour-related reports.
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MPs told by Auditor-General’s office of ‘culture of impunity’ at labour department BL Premium reports that MPs were told on Wednesday that a culture of impunity reigned within the Department of Employment & Labour (DEL) and its entities because there was little consequence management for wrongdoing. Auditor-General (AG) officials said in a presentation to parliament’s employment & labour committee on the audit outcomes for the portfolio that this exposed the DEL, the Compensation Fund (CF) and the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) in particular to fraudulent activities by external and internal parties. “A culture of strong performance, accountability, transparency and consequence management is not embedded within the department and key entities within the portfolio, resulting in the lack of improvement in the audit outcomes and performance of the portfolio,” senior audit manager Delta Rapitsi said. Particularly disturbing, the officials noted, was the state of the CF, which once again after several years received a disclaimer on its financial statements because of its inadequate record-keeping. The fund is responsible for the payment of claims for injuries or illness at work. The AG’s office recommended that a forensic investigation into the fund be undertaken – possibly by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) — to determine the cause of the malaise and facilitate consequence management. The UIF received a qualified audit opinion with findings. The audit outcomes of Nedlac and the CCMA were the best in the portfolio, both receiving unqualified opinions with no findings. Opposition MPs were dissatisfied at the non-appearance of DEL Minister Nomakhosazana Meth at the meeting. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Linda Ensor at BusinessLive (subscriber access only) Nine years on, technician still waiting to hear from Compensation Fund if he can get payment for cerebral manganism GroundUp reports that former computer technician Andre Djelatovic has waited nine years for the Compensation Fund (CF) to finalise his claim after manganese was found in his brain. He was exposed while working at South32 Metalloys, but the Fund only approved compensation for a lung condition and rejected his neurological claims. Despite new medical evidence and tribunal hearings, his case remains unresolved, leaving him battling to pay his medical bills. Djelatovic, 48, from Gauteng used to work for a computer company and was frequently called out to service computers at South32 Metalloys between 2010 and 2014, when he was exposed to manganese. He says he started to struggle at work in 2015, with lethargy, chest and mobility problems. In August 2017 he visited a specialist neurologist who found his neurological issues to be “likely cerebral manganism”. He applied to the CF, sending all the specialist reports. But the Fund only approved compensation for his lung condition, evaluating his permanent disability at 60% and awarding him R9,875.46 per month. The Labour Department did conduct a study on various South32 Metalloys sites. In the study, some areas where Djelatovic had worked were labelled as “high risk”. His tortuous attempts to appeal the CF’s rejection of his claim and be advised of the outcome are detailed in the GroundUp report. Djelatovic says he feels as if, all these years later, he is back at square one. All that has changed is that his condition has worsened. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Joseph Bracken at GroundUp
Joburg Water condemns attack on staff member by customer in Tulisa Park SABC News reports that Joburg Water has expressed outrage after one of its employees was attacked by a customer while disconnecting an illegal connection in Tulisa Park, Johannesburg. The incident happened on Wednesday last week, but was only reported by the water entity on Wednesday. Joburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala urged residents and customers to allow their staff to carry out their duties in a safe and respectful environment. The entity said it viewed any act of violence against its employees with the utmost seriousness and would not tolerate such behaviour under any circumstances. The matter has been reported to the relevant law enforcement authorities. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at SABC News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Valdene Reddy to take over as JSE CEO when Leila Fourie retires Moneyweb reports that the JSE announced on Tuesday that Group CEO Leila Fourie would retire on 31 March 2026, with Valdene Reddy to take over the CEO post from 1 April. Reddy is currently the Director of Capital Markets at the JSE. Her appointment is subject to regulatory approval. JSE chair Phuthuma Nhleko commented: “Leila has led the JSE with strategic clarity and an unwavering commitment to transformation. Her tenure has been marked by innovation, operational resilience and a deep sense of purpose.” Reddy said it was an honour to be appointed as Group CEO. “My focus will be on accelerating innovation and enhancing our competitiveness through ongoing strategic transformation. I look forward to working with our talented team and valued partners to unlock new opportunities for growth and impact,” she added. Nhleko said he was confident Reddy’s deep industry expertise, strategic acumen and stakeholder relationships would position the JSE for continued success. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Suren Naidoo at Moneyweb
Social Development Minister diverts blame over irregular appointment The Citizen reports that Department of Social Development (DSD) Minister Sisisi Tolashe claims that the allegations of irregular appointments in her office are a deliberate attempt to tarnish her reputation. She appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Thursday. This followed media reports that her personal assistant, Lesedi Mabiletja, had been irregularly appointed as the minister’s chief of staff in September 2024. The 22-year-old reportedly earned an annual salary of around R1.4 million, despite lacking experience or qualifications for the senior role. Mabiletja is said to be the niece of Tolashe’s special adviser and alleged lover Ngwako Kgatla. Mabiletja returned to her personal assistant role after her “quiet” removal as chief of staff. During Thursday’s meeting, Tolashe dismissed the reports as “false”. Tolashe told MPs that Mabiletja’s appointment as her personal assistant was “irregular” and placed blame on her former chief of staff, Zanele Simmons, for allegedly facilitating the appointment. She explained as follows: “Given the administrative nature of this process, it was delegated to the chief of staff, who works jointly with human resources [division] in the department. At the time, I had no reason to suspect that the then chief of staff would betray my trust and undermine the recruitment and selection of ministry support staff. It has since been established that the appointment of Ms Lesedi Mabiletja as a personal assistant to the minister was found to be irregular.” Tolashe indicated that both Simmons and Mabiletja were placed on precautionary suspension with full pay after she became aware of the matter. She added that the matter had been referred to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for an external investigation. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Molefe Seeletsa at The Citizen. See too, Minister Tolashe denies wrongdoing, blames former chief of staff for 'irregular' appointment, at EWN
SABC splashes out R5.5 million on CEO, even as it bleeds R4.2 billion in unpaid TV licences The Citizen reports that the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) may be drowning in unpaid TV licence fees, but that did not stop the public broadcaster from showering its CEO, Nomsa Chabeli, with millions in salary payments during another year of financial struggle. The SABC’s financial results for the year ended 31 March 2025 show another year with an unqualified audit opinion, but an increase in net losses. For the 2025 financial year, Chabeli received a basic salary of R3.5 million, equivalent to approximately R297,916 a month. The corporation spent R1.3 million on her other expenses and allowances, as well as R668,000 on her contributions to the pension fund, medical aid and others. All of these expenses combined cost the SABC more than R5.5 million. The report revealed that the corporation allocated R23.2 million to its non-executive directors, executive directors and senior management. The SABC’s annual results showed that it recorded a net loss of R253.3 million compared to R197.8 million in the 2024financial year. The broadcaster has, for some time, complained about unpaid TV licences. For the 2025 financial year it reported having been able to collect more TV licence fees compared to the previous year. However, it still incurred a loss of around R4.2 billion. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tshehla Cornelius Koteli at The Citizen
PSIRA suspends eight officials over registration of Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala’s security company IOL News reports that the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) has suspended eight staff members after uncovering serious irregularities in the registration of controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s security company, Cat Protection and Security. PSIRA spokesperson Bonang Kleinbooi said a preliminary investigation revealed improper conduct, procedural lapses, and systemic weaknesses in internal control mechanisms, including failures in document verification, oversight, and ethical compliance. PSIRA has also initiated a legal review of the registrations of Cat Protection and Security and its director, Matlala. The authority will also review its Code of Conduct for staff members to align disciplinary consequences with acts of omission, negligence, or collusion in breach of the PSIRA Act. Matlala in custody and faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering. The charges stem from the 2023 shooting of actress and socialite Tebogo Thobejane on the N1 highway near Sandton. Thobejane, known for her role in Muvhango, was shot in the foot during the incident. A female passenger in the vehicle suffered a severe spinal injury and has since been left paralysed. Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo recently alleged in testimony before the Madlanga Commission that Matlala was a member of a drug cartel called the “Big Five.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Simon Majadibodu at IOL News. Read too, Registration of Cat Matlala's security firm marred by irregularities, at Cape Times. En ook, PSIRA skors agt ná onreëlmatighede met Matlala se CAT Protection, by Maroela Media
Concerns over delays with disciplinary action, blacklisting of companies linked to Tembisa Hospital corruption IOL News reports that despite claiming that there has been progress in dealing with officials involved in the looting of Tembisa Hospital, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for the provincial Department of Health (GDoH), Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, have been accused of failing to take meaningful action to discipline employees. This was after the recent interim report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into corruption at Tembisa Hospital revealed that officials at the GDoH and hospital staff abdicated their duties, allowing the looting of more than R2 billion to go unabated. More than 15 current and former officials have been identified as having received R120 million through their involvement in the corruption schemes. This number is expected to rise as investigations continue. According to the SIU, it has prepared 116 disciplinary referrals against the 13 officials, of which 108 were delivered to GDoH relating to maladministration and the irregular appointment of service providers at the hospital. The DA in Gauteng has expressed its disappointment about the progress of the disciplinary action, saying both the GDoH and Lesufi have failed to take meaningful action against corruption. The party’s spokesperson for health in the province, Madeleine Hicklin, said not even one of the implicated companies had been blacklisted, while the pension funds of those who had retired or resigned had not been frozen. She said of the 177 forensic investigations conducted in the province, 76 have been released - and most of those were heavily redacted. “Premier Lesufi continues to shield GDoH officials, including the HOD and Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko,” she claimed. Her colleague, Dr Jack Bloom, said he requested an update in August and the department did not respond. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Manyane Manyane at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Sibiya’s devices seized in raid as KZN cops accuse him of corruption, fraud, money-laundering News24 reports that on Wednesday as part of a corruption, fraud, money-laundering and defeating the ends of justice investigation, police officers raided deputy national commissioner Shadrack Sibiya’s home in search of cellphones, memory sticks, laptops and any other device containing his emails. The raid was carried out after KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Serious and Violent Crime Unit head Brigadier William Sipho Kunene successfully applied, ex parte, for a search-and-seizure warrant in the South Gauteng High Court. According to the order granted on Wednesday, the corruption charges against Sibiya include counts of corruption “relating to public officers”. Sibiya also stands accused of contravening the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act’s provisions, which bar members of the legislature from giving or receiving bribes and also bar other persons from giving them bribes. KZN police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi , whose televised accusations of criminal infiltration into SA’s law enforcement system prompted both the Madlanga Commission and a parliamentary investigation, has accused Sibiya, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and his chief-of-staff, Cedric Nkabinde, of being part of a web of criminal capture. Mchunu and Nkabinde, have alleged that they, too, were the targets of unsuccessful police raids. It is unclear whether the alleged attempted police raids on Mchunu and Nkabinde were linked to the search-and-seizure operation that was carried out at Sibiya’s Centurion home on Thursday, where his laptop and cellphones were seized. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bernadette Wicks, Karyn Maughan and Alex Mitchley at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, 'They must fire me': Sibiya vows not to resign after SAPS raid, at EWN Magistrate’s illness delays ruling in discharge application by Mashatile VIP protection unit accused News24 reports that the Randburg Magistrate’s Court has postponed judgment on an application by eight police officers attached to Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s security detail, who were implicated in a vicious 2023 assault on motorists, to have the criminal case against them thrown out. The accused made a brief appearance in the dock on Thursday, but the matter was postponed as a result of the magistrate hearing the case, Abdul Khan, having fallen ill. The men are charged in connection with a July 2023 incident which took place on the side of the N1 highway in Johannesburg. Video footage which went viral on social media showed the officers brandishing rifles and pistols and assaulting what turned out to be a group of trainee soldiers. They were suspended but were then reinstated to non-operational office roles three months later after their suspensions lapsed. In the meantime they are facing criminal charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, reckless driving, and obstruction of justice. After the State closed its case, the defence brought a discharge application in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which provides that if at the close of the case for the prosecution at any trial, the court is of the opinion that there is no evidence that the accused committed the offence referred to in the charge it may return a verdict of not guilty. Judgment is now expected on 6 November. In the meantime, the accused are all out on bail of R10 000 each. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bernadette Wicks at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Read too, Magistrate's illness delays the verdict in Paul Mashatile's VIP protection unit case, at The Star. En ook, Saak teen bloulig-agt weer uitgestel, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Cape Town teacher wanted for sexual offences case hands himself over to police Cape Times reports that Adam Edwards, wanted for a sexual offences case which was registered at Bothasig SAPS in August last year, has handed himself over to police. Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said Edwards was arrested on Wednesday and he appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where his bail was opposed. Last month, the Provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit called on the public’s help in finding Edwards after a warrant of arrest was issued by the court. Edwards was previously employed as a teacher at Riverside College in Burgundy Estate. The institution said it has offered support services for parents or children who might feel unsettled following the news that a former staff member was wanted for a sexual offences case. The school’s principal, Carlien Ellis indicated: “From our own internal investigation, we can confirm that this matter does not involve a contact crime. The allegations relate to the alleged possession of intimate personal imagery.” She added that the college has been working with leading specialists to strengthen their policies on cell phone use and cybersafety, and that “recent events have highlighted just how important this is”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Cape Times
Court upholds taxi route closures in Western Cape amid safety concerns IOL News reports that the Western Cape High Court has dismissed an urgent interdict application brought by the Congress of Democratic Taxi Associations (Codeta) against the provincial Department of Mobility. It confirmed the lawfulness of the department’s decision to close certain taxi routes and ranks. The court found that the department acted within its legal mandate when it invoked extraordinary measures to ensure commuter safety and restore order following persistent taxi-related violence and disruptions in the Helderberg and Khayelitsha areas. Codeta had sought to prevent the department from implementing the closures, arguing that the decision was procedurally unfair and unlawful. However, the court ruled that the department’s actions were justified, reasonable, and in the public interest. The ruling noted that the extraordinary measures were necessary to prevent further loss of life and property damage linked to ongoing taxi conflicts between Codeta and the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (Cata). Western Cape Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku welcomed the judgment and added that the department would continue implementing the 30-day extraordinary measures, including the temporary closure of the specified routes and ranks. He indicated: “With seven days remaining, we call on all parties to return to the negotiating table and work towards a lasting, peaceful solution.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mandilakhe Tshwete at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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