In our roundup of weekend and recent reports,
see the following summaries of our selection of
South African labour-related articles.
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Right to strike in SA will stay unchanged, regardless of how ICJ rules, says labour department BL Premium reports that SA is unfazed by whatever conclusion the International Court of Justice (ICJ) may reach on the right to strike, as that right is already guaranteed by the constitution. This was indicated by Department of Employment & Labour (DEL) spokesperson Teboho Thejane following ICJ public hearings held last Monday to Wednesday at the request of 20 countries and five international organisations for an opinion on whether the right to strike was protected in terms of convention 87 of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). “For SA, the decision doesn’t matter because the right to strike is guaranteed by the constitution,” Thejane advised. In its oral presentation, the SA delegation made the case that the right to strike was protected under the convention, specifically under article 3, which broadly protected the organisational autonomy of workers’ and employers’ bodies and barred state interference. A favourable advisory opinion would rebuke states and employer groups that have sought to exclude strike rights from the convention. While the convention does not expressly refer to “strike”, it guarantees that workers may freely form and join trade unions to further and defend their interests. DEL Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has pointed out that the “right to strike is not only a cornerstone of our own constitutional democracy, as enshrined in section 23 of our constitution, but it is also a vital component of freedom of association globally”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Report on security threats against top executive shows sharp rise Business Times reports that The World Security Report – compiled by Allied Universal, the world’s biggest security company – has noted a 42% rise in physical threats against top company executives, forcing many organisations to spend more on extra security for their C-suites. According to Christo Terblanche, regional president of G4S Africa, more than three-quarters of South African companies reported being targeted by criminal violence in the past year – one of the highest rates globally – with executives increasingly feeling threatened. "The [report] shows that 28% of South African CSOs (chief security officers) reported an increase in threats of violence toward executives, yet local companies are among the best prepared globally, with higher than average levels of executive protection, threat monitoring and crisis preparedness," Terblanche reported, adding that this proactive stance was helping to reduce incidents. Thabani Ndwandwe, chief risk officer at Standard Bank, pointed out that growing concerns of crime among business leaders could, in time, find expression in a sullied investor appetite, leading to SA losing investment and talent. "Before we talk about investments, the most important thing is that you want people to feel safe, to want to be in the country … Secondly, it’s harder to attract talent, for people to willingly want to come to South Africa and stay if they’re worried about safety. So it’s a very important area just to fix from a crime perspective," Ndwandwe noted. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Business Times (subscriber access only) Off-duty City of Cape Town LEAP officer killed in vicious hijacking Cape Times reports that an off-duty Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) officer was killed during a hijacking in Sheffield Road near Philippi, where his vehicle was found abandoned, on Sunday. City of Cape Town safety and security mayco member JP Smith said two suspected hijackers were behind the attack on the 26-year-old officer. One of the suspects has since been arrested. “LEAP officers responded to the scene in Sheffield Road on Sunday where the officer's vehicle was found abandoned. The 26-year-old was off duty when he was hijacked by two suspects. The attackers stabbed him multiple times, but also stoned him. His colleagues found him in the Marikana Informal Settlement, as he had tried to flee his attackers, but he succumbed to his injuries in hospital,” said Smith. The City has appealed to residents to come forward with any information that might lead to the arrest of the second suspect. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Cape Times Pretoria tactical officer killed in ambush on Friday while responding to alarm Caxton Network News reports that a Pretoria tactical officer was shot and killed on Friday morning in a shoot-out while responding to a distress call in Newlands, east of Pretoria. The officer, identified as Ulrich Kirsten from CSI Security, was ambushed by armed suspects after responding to a multi-zone alarm activation. The security company said in a statement that Ulrich, a former SAPS member and a highly respected member of the tactical response team, was fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire. Supporting units arrived promptly and one suspect, who is believed to be a notorious criminal linked to multiple crimes in Pretoria’s east, was apprehended at the scene. Ulrich was praised for his passion for safeguarding communities, which was evident every day in the way he served and protected. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Corné van Zyl at Caxton Network News. Lees ook, Taktiese reaksiebeampte sterf; heldedaad lei tot arrestasie, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Analysts on Eskom wage negotiations label 15% increase as unaffordable’ The Citizen reports that analysts have labelled the 15% wage increase demanded by Eskom employees as unaffordable and unjustifiable. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), representing 15,000 workers at the state-owned power utility, advised last week that workers were demanding a 15% wage increase, along with higher housing and other allowances. According to Eskom, it has met with worker representatives, but talks were currently on break and were set to resume later this month. “Negotiations are underway, with the parties having convened for two days and scheduled to reconvene on the 21st, Eskom said. According to Professor Bonke Dumisa, an independent economic analyst, the demand for a 15% wage increase was both reckless and unaffordable, even after Eskom announced a profit. North-West University economist Professor Waldo Krugell, commented: “Average inflation has been low for some time, and there is no way to justify 15%. It is also not affordable. Eskom is sort of profitable again, but only because the taxpayer is bailing it out. 15% is no place to start a good-faith negotiation.” However, Eskom CEO Dan Marokane’s salary package, including benefits, annual salary, and other payments, cost the power utility R11.7 million during the 2025 financial year. It has been queried why Eskom cannot afford to give workers justifiable increases if can afford to pay one man that much. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tshehla Cornelius Koteli at The Citizen
Illegal miners make use of ambulance to access Westonaria mine Sunday Times reports that illegal miners (zama zamas) have found a novel way to move in and out of mines in the Gauteng town of Westonaria, namely by using a state ambulance. Mining group Sibanye-Stillwater has confirmed such an incident at its Cooke 2 mine, while a police source says reports of illegal miners being smuggled in and out of mines in an ambulance are becoming more common. Sibanye’s James Wellsted said that an investigation revealed that staff working on the mine premises were offered R20,000 each to allow the illegal miners access to the mine. The mine is currently under rehabilitation and is guarded by private security company Bidvest Protea Coin (BPC). Wellsted said on 12 July the mine’s control room spotted guards opening the gate for a state ambulance, after which 16 “unidentified individuals dressed in white overalls” exited the vehicle. Two were pulling a wheelie bin and one was carrying a toolbox. “The individuals were observed entering the cage area, [and were] joined by four mine employees. The cage subsequently descended underground,” he said. Wellsted added that an internal docket had been opened and the incident was taken up with BPC management. The EMS driver and assistants have had cases registered against them by the Department of Health. The implicated Cooke employees are on suspension and face disciplinary procedures. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hendrik Hancke at Sunday Times (subscriber access only)
Broke Unisa Enterprise fails to pay its staff on time Sunday World reports that the staff of Unisa Enterprise, a commercial wing of the University of SA (Unisa), have not been paid salaries for September. But this is only the tip of the iceberg, as staff further claim their salary payments have been delayed every month from May to July, but even then, those payments were slashed by half. More than 20 staff members tasked with generating millions for Unisa through commercial business have complained to the Unisa management committee regarding their plight. In a letter signed by senior officials of Unisa Enterprise such as the senior HR manager Kelebogile Ramasika, the affected staff members expressed their collective concern over their salaries not being paid, delayed or halved. The staff stated that the management of Unisa Enterprise has been made aware of the potential crisis since October 2024. The officials wrote that in May, that only junior staff were paid on time, while the managers were paid late. They said that the worst thing as that the communication on salary delays was only done on payday. CEO of Unisa Enterprise, Lesetsa Matshekga, confirmed that the company has experienced challenges in paying salaries on time and was facing financial issues. He said the executive was communicating with the Unisa council for a solution. However, insiders at Unisa stated that the problem was bigger than the salaries owed to the staff and pointed out that Unisa Enterprise was struggling to generate income from its commercial projects, as some of its biggest clients were no longer interested in working with them, while others had failed to settle their accounts. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bongani Mdakane on page 10 of Sunday World of 12 October 2025
Controversial suspension ignites power struggle at the Public Investment Corporation IOL News reports that there is a fierce battle under way for control of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), which is Africa’s largest asset manager. The state-owned asset management company invests funds on behalf of clients, primarily for the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF). According to highly placed sources, the tension reached a climax with the organisation severely divided over the suspension of its chief investment officer (CIO), Kabelo Rikhotso last week. On one side stands the established board of directors, and on the other, a challenging faction, reportedly linked to former spokesperson Adrian Lackay, which – according to insiders – is attempting to wrest control of the PIC through covert manoeuvres. According to the sources, the “Lackay grouping” was orchestrating a campaign to remove the current board and install a new one. They claimed that this had intensified over recent weeks, in anticipation of internal ANC contests for leadership because “Who runs the PIC controls access – to capital, to portfolios, to deals.” Lackay declined to comment on the claims regarding his alleged involvement in the ongoing turmoil at the PIC. Last week’s shock move to place Rikhotso on precautionary suspension is now being framed as a key flashpoint. The PIC board announced the suspension “in line with applicable labour legislation and internal PIC policies and procedures.” Observers said Rikhotso’s suspension might not be merely disciplinary, but a tactical move in that it deprived him of a significant power centre within the PIC and created a vacuum that could be exploited by the rival faction. One insider remarked: “It’s no accident this push is happening now. The people behind it believe that, once they have key players in place at the PIC, they can tilt the whole public investment agenda in favour of their faction.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard at IOL News
Suspended Social Development spokesperson ‘felt threatened’ after warning by Tolashe’s aide The Citizen reports that more chaos has been added to the controversy surrounding the Department of Social Development (DSD) and its minister, Sisisi Tolashe. The latest incident is that of Tolashe’s parliamentary liaison officer, Luvuyo Shasha, warning the department’s suspended communications chief Lumka Oliphant she will “get hurt”. Oliphant was suspended in September after findings made by the Auditor-General (AG). The DSD said it was investigating potential misconduct, but Oliphant claimed her suspension had nothing to do with the AG’s report, but was linked to a news report about a R3 million trip to New York by Tolashe. Oliphant alleged the minister believed she was behind the media leaks. According to a Sunday Times report, Shasha phoned Oliphant on Saturday and told her she could get hurt if she did not stop her “tantrum” behaviour. He then updated his WhatsApp status with several messages. Oliphant said two of them felt like threats towards her. One stated that he had “warned” her, while the other said: “I will shoot you with an AK47 if you don’t listen.” The suspended communications chief then opened a case of intimidation at the Sandton police station. After this, the DSD confirmed that Shasha too had been suspended. “Acting in his [personal] capacity, the officer’s conduct is considered to have brought the minister and the department into disrepute,” acting deputy director-general Xolile Brukwe explained. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Gareth Cotterell at The Citizen Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Millions ‘looted’ from Tembisa Hospital splurged on seven supercars worth R60m TimesLIVE reports that tenderpreneur Hangwani Morgan Maumela splurged about R60m on seven luxury cars — a Rolls-Royce, two Aston Martins, a Ferrari and three Lamborghinis — with money “looted” from Tembisa Hospital. Four of the vehicles — a Ferrari 812 Superfast supercar, a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, an Aston Martin DBS, and an Aston Martin DB11 — were found at an Mpumalanga car dealership as the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) attempted to seize them last week. The cars are together worth more than R30m. The SIU was granted an interim court order on 29 September by the Special Tribunal to attach and preserve the seven luxury vehicles — all of which are in the same shade of blue — and other assets, including a R70m three-storey residential property in the Sandton suburb of Sandhurst, from Maumela, his family trust and other associates such as family members. The application succeeded in interdicting Maumela and his associates from selling, leasing, donating or transferring any of the assets pending the finalisation of the SIU’s probe into dodgy contracts at Tembisa Hospital worth R2.3bn. However, the four vehicles, which investigators traced by following the money paid from the hospital contracts, were found to be registered with Omar’s Motor Den, a luxury vehicle and supercar dealership based in eMalahleni. On Thursday morning, when the SIU swooped in both Sandton and eMalahleni, the four luxury cars were found on the dealership’s showroom floor. Omar’s Motor Den’s lawyer, Yasmin Omar, said her client was co-operating fully with the curator, even though it was not cited as a respondent in the application underpinning the order. The dealership has agreed not to sell the vehicles until the matter is finalised. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Isaac Mahlangu at TimesLIVE. Less ook, Tembisa-tenderskandaal: Beslag gelê op Aston Martins, Ferrari, kuns en juwele, by Maroela Media Modimolle pair arrested for alleged sale of learners’ licences appear in court TimesLIVE reports that a traffic examiner, Mmakoma Theresa Mokgobanama, and a driving school owner, Fancinah Kgakatsi, appeared in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Friday to face charges related to the illegal issuing of learners’ licences. Their case was postponed until Tuesday for bail application and further police investigation. Mokgobanama and Kgakatsi were arrested during a joint operation conducted by members of the provincial anti-corruption investigation unit and the Road Traffic Management Corporation on Thursday. “The arrests followed a complaint received on Wednesday alleging that the two suspects were demanding between R2,500 and R3,000 from applicants in exchange for learners’ licences without the applicants being tested,” police spokesperson Brig Malesela Ledwaba indicated. “A police operation was conducted in Modimolle, during which a complainant deposited an amount into the driving school owner’s account. The money was allegedly intended to secure a learner’s licence for a male individual known to the police, who arrived late for his examination and did not write the test. Preliminary investigations later revealed that the same individual was declared as having passed the learner’s licence test though he never wrote the test,” Ledwaba reported. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at TimesLIVE
Outrage in Parliament over teacher-learner sex scandals Sunday Tribune reports that MPs have expressed outrage following a report by the SA Council for Educators (SACE) over the alarming number of teachers accused of having sexual relations with learners. The report, tabled before Parliament’s portfolio committee on basic education last week, revealed 606 cases of teacher misconduct in the 2024/2025 financial year, 127 of which involved sexual relations with learners. SACE chief executive Ella Mokgalane said the council was deeply troubled by the persistence of such cases. “We are worried because the number of reported cases keeps increasing. There are currently 606 in total, and of those, 127 involve teachers who continue to sleep with learners. If these teachers are found guilty, they are removed from the roll,” said Mokgalane. In the 2024/2025 financial year, 36 teachers were removed from the roll. Mokgalane added that investigations were being hampered by a lack of resources, with 379 cases from previous years, some dating back to 2022, still under investigation. Committee chairperson Joy Maimela voiced frustration at the apparent lack of progress in curbing teacher misconduct. She asked what measures were in place to ensure that teachers found guilty of sexual offences never worked with children again and Mokgalane responded that offenders were blacklisted and barred from working with learners. The presentation revealed ongoing investigations into several disturbing incidents, including a rape case, a teacher accused of sleeping with a learner on school premises, teachers who courted learners, and others involving teachers who impregnated learners. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mhlengi Shangase at Sunday Tribune Other internet posting(s) in this news category
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