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 roundup of weekend and recent reports,
see the following summaries of our selection of
South African labour-related articles.
|
Numsa signs three-year wage agreement in the tyre manufacturing sector Engineering News reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has concluded a three-year wage agreement in the tyre manufacturing sector, effective from 31 July this year to 30 June 2028. The union reports that it negotiated across-the-board (ATB) wage increases for all hourly paid employees in Grades 1 to 7. These encompass a 5.5% increase effective 1 July 2025 (backdated), a 5% increase from 1 July 2026, and a 5% increase from 1 July 2027. In addition to the ATB increases, Numsa says it secured a commitment to move qualifying employees from the minimum to the maximum rate per grade over the three-year period. This means that employees below the maximum rate will receive additional increases yearly to close the gap and, by 30 June 2028, all qualifying employees – employed before 30 June 2025 – will be earning the maximum rate for their grade. Numsa also negotiated a contribution of 10c an hour from both employers and employees into a housing fund to support future housing needs. This initiative will be managed in a tax-effective manner and elevated to the bargaining council for implementation. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News. Read too, Numsa secures above-inflation wage deal in troubled tyre manufacturing sector, at BusinessDay (subscriber access only) Nehawu signs 7% wage increase deal with NSFAS, ending a seven months impasse The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) reports that a seven months long wage impasse at the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) ended with the signing of a wage deal on 5 November 2025. This followed strike action in the month of October. The agreement specified a salary adjustment of 7% across the board for all employees within the NSFAS Bargaining Unit (i.e. Level 3 – 12) effective from 1 April 2025. It also encompassed an increase in the housing allowance from R1,200 to R2,200 (83.3%), with R1,793 of this increase effective from 1 April 2025 and R227 effective from 1 April 2026. Once off long service awards were also agreed upon. The parties further agreed that the following matters be deferred for further engagements in both the National Bargaining Forum, and the National Consultative Forum, namely: staff dependent bursary; early retirement; hybrid working policy; threshold for recognition of new unions; decentralisation; and implementation date for job evaluation outcomes. The union said that it determined on “resetting our relationship with NSFAS management, which we can confirm that it is moving towards the right direction ensuring an environment of sound labour relations at the workplace.” Read Nehawu’s press statement in full at Nehawu News. Read too, Nehawu and Nsfas reach resolution after prolonged wage dispute, at IOL News
Senior IDAC official kidnapped and assaulted on his way home on Friday The Citizen reports that the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA’s) Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has confirmed that its Head of Investigations and Operations was kidnapped and assaulted on Friday night. He was abandoned near Rabie Ridge in the early hours of Saturday morning. According to IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the senior official was driving home when unknown assailants intercepted his vehicle, kidnapped him, and later left him stranded after taking his cellphone and laptop. The victimised official has been identified in media reports as Matthews Sesoko. “He managed to receive assistance and was taken to a nearby police station to report the matter. He is currently receiving the necessary medical attention, following his traumatic experience,” said Mamothame. While the NPA cautioned against speculation regarding the motive, the agency acknowledged that the timing and nature of the attack raised serious concerns. Sesoko has been closely involved in several high-profile corruption cases emanating from the State Capture Commission’s findings. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Oratile Mashilo at The Citizen. Read too, Head of investigations at National Prosecuting Authority's IDAC kidnapped and assaulted in Midrand, at IOL News. And also, Kidnapping of IDAC official a concern for parliament inquiry probing interference in the police, at IOL News East Rand security officer shot and killed in line of duty Boksburg Advertiser reports that tributes have poured in for a senior reaction officer from Spot Watch Security (SWS), Jan Cameron, who was shot and killed in the early hours of Tuesday morning (6 November) while responding to a business robbery on Middle Road. According to AJ Smith, a manager at SWS, the incident occurred at around 01:30. “Although investigations are underway, it is alleged that Jan went out to assist with the business robbery and was shot as soon as he got out of his vehicle,” Smith said. The suspects apparently fled in the direction of Farrarmere but didn’t manage to get away with any stolen goods. Smith described Cameron, who had worked for SWS for many years, as a loyal and selfless colleague. In a statement, SWS said Cameron was a courageous officer whose bravery and dedication would never be forgotten. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tayla Smit at Boksburg Advertiser Daveyton deputy principal shot on Friday as he was entering school premises The Citizen reports that a deputy principal was shot on Friday morning (7 November) while entering Dinoto Technical Secondary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed the incident. The victim sustained injuries in the shooting and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical care. The motive behind the shooting has yet to be established. GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona indicated that the police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. He said the department had dispatched psychosocial support teams, including officials from the Ekurhuleni North District, to provide counselling and support to educators, learners and staff affected by the incident. However, he advised that the ongoing matric exams were not halted due to the incident. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed shock at the incident and called for swift justice. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Enkosi Selane at The Citizen. See too, Deputy school principal shot in Ekurhuleni, at TimesLIVE. En ook, Adjunkhoof by Ekurhuleni-skool geskiet, by Maroela Media Metro cop and another man dead in early morning Saturday shooting at Durban’s beachfront TimesLIVE reports that two men, one of whom was a policeman, died during an altercation at Durban’s beachfront in the early hours of Saturday. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said emergency staff responded to reports of a shooting near the public pools at Blue Lagoon at about 2.30am where two men were found. Both men were found to have multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies. Jamieson said one man in his thirties showed no signs of life and was declared dead. The second man, believed to be a Metro Police officer also in his thirties, was found in a critical condition. “Advanced Life Support Paramedics worked to resuscitate the man on scene before rushing him through to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately a short while after arriving at hospital the patient went into a state of cardiac arrest and despite all attempts to save the man he was declared dead,” Jamieson reported. Police are investigating. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by TimesLIVE Cape Town metro police officer falls to his death from roof while pursuing robbery suspects in Kensington IOL News reports that a Cape Town metro police officer died in the line of duty when he fell from a roof after a scuffle with alleged robbers. Tyler Lamb, 30, was part of a team that pursued suspects from a parking area, where a business premises on 8th Avenue in Kensington in Cape Town was robbed at 12pm on Friday (7 November). Lamb died in hospital after he sustained serious injuries. Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said they were devastated by the loss of Lamb, who was a metro police neighbourhood safety officer. He indicated: “Information at this stage is that (he) was chasing a suspect in a shooting incident across a roof. He fell as a result of a scuffle and lost consciousness. Despite the best efforts of EMTs and hospital staff, I was informed that the officer had passed away.” Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed that two suspects were arrested and would appear in court once they have been charged. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chevon Booysen at IOL News Exorbitant close protection costs for RAF's former CEO, who had nine bodyguards, exposed IOL News reports that Road Accident Fund (RAF) head of security, Stephen Msiza, has made startling revelations about former CEO Collins Letsoalo’s close protection services. They came at a cost of R8m a year, exceeded the R480,000 limit set by the board. Testifying at the Standing Committee Accounts’ (Scopa) inquiry into the RAF last week, Msiza confirmed that the close protection services were provided to Letsoalo despite the SA Police Service (SAPS) finding no threat to his life. “The board said the security must be procured because this is a policy issue,” he explained. There were initially three bodyguards for Letsoalo, but the number increased to six, and the number was nine at the time he left the RAF. Two former board chairpersons also enjoyed security services in line with the policy, and no threat assessment was done on them either. Scopa chairperson Songezo said they were particularly interested in the expenditure on close protection services because, as flagged by the Auditor-General, there was a difference between what the board had determined and what was spent. “There are other financial institutions that work with more money, and there is more at stake, and those people don’t get protection within the state environment,” Zibi noted. Msiza told the inquiry that Letsoalo had instructed that his wife and son shouldalso be provided with security, regarding which Msiza had expressed his displeasure, leading to a souring of their relationship. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mayibongwe Maqhina at IOL News. Lees ook, Oud POF-hoof blaas miljoene op persoonlike beskerming, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
AMCU reports yet another fatal incident at Sibanye Platinum’s Marikana Operations The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) issued a statement on Saturday (8 November 2025) in which it reported on a fatal incident at Sibanye Platinum, Marikana Operations, EPL 3 Shaft. The union stated: “On the morning of 6 November 2025, AMCU received a report that on 5 November 2025, at approximately 22:20, a winch driver was in the process of changing rigging at the toe of the stope when a large fall of ground occurred, covering him at 9 West 64 Panel. The worker remained trapped underground for more than 36 hours before the rescue team was able to retrieve his body on Friday, 7 November 2025. Tragically, he was no longer alive.” According to the union, this latest tragedy brought the total number of mining fatalities this year to 39, with falls of ground being the leading cause, accounting for 15 deaths. At Sibanye-Stillwater alone, six workers have already lost their lives in 2025, three in gold operations and three in platinum. AMCU went on to say: “What makes this loss even more painful is that these deaths are preventable. With platinum prices at record highs, we are seeing disturbing levels of pressure from management to increase production at any cost, often at the expense of workers’ safety.” Read the union’s press statement in full at AMCU News
Locked-out FlySafair cabin crew reject latest wage offer News24 reports that FlySafair remains embroiled in a labour dispute with the SA Cabin Crew Association (SACCA), after the union’s members rejected the airline’s latest wage offer. FlySafair locked out some of the union’s members on Monday (3 November) following a deadlock in wage negotiations. The airline prevented a third of its cabin crew from working after they refused to sign a wage offer. As part of mediation sessions at the CCMA on Thursday, the airline presented workers with a new offer, which the union rejected on Friday. The offer included salary increases ranging from 6% to 6.5%, from a previous 5.7% offer. It also offered a guaranteed 7.5% annual bonus, along with additional allowances and progression increases and improvements to uniform and commission structures. SACCA’s Christopher Shabangu said that the union had rejected the “watered down offer”, and still disagreed with the multi-year wage offer as well as other proposals, including meal allowances. Shabangu said the union was now waiting for the CCMA to issue a strike certificate. The strike is most likely to happen late next week, he indicated. FlySafair said that more than two-thirds of its cabin crew have still been on duty since Monday, and that its operations have not been disrupted. Half of union members have accepted the offer, the airline claimed. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Aurelia Mouton at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). Lees ook, Vakbond vir kajuitbemanning stem op die nipper teen FlySafair-aanbod, by Rapport (toegang slegs vir intekenare). As well as, FlySafair talks with Sacca break down, cabin crew given midnight deadline, at Daily Maverick
SA’s call centre growth drawing global attention and creating jobs Business Times reports that between April and June, a total of 8,180 new jobs in SA were recorded in high-end customer service call centres serving clients of companies such as Amazon, Lufthansa, and Investec from around the world. This is according to the latest job creation report of the global business services (GBS) sector published by Business Process Enabling SA (BPESA). The sector, which provides outsourced services such as IT, finance, HR, and customer services to businesses across the globe, has created an estimated 150,000 jobs in SA since 2010. It is projected to create 500,000 jobs by 2030, according to the Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator. The report, released ahead of BPESA’s GBS and BPO investor conference held last week in Durban, indicated that between 2010 and March 2025, the international GBS sector in SA added 16,576 jobs to the economy, generating about R47bn in export revenue, measured on an annualised basis. The report said the 8,180 jobs in the second quarter included 5,928 traditionally hired jobs and 2,252 inclusive hiring positions. The Western Cape led once again with 4,119 new jobs, accounting for 50.35% of the total. KwaZulu-Natal followed with 2,434 jobs (29.76%), maintaining strong momentum in global delivery growth. BPESA CEO Reshni Singh said the GBS sector had great potential to enhance inclusive job creation in the SA economy while continuing to boost export revenues by servicing clients from around the world. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Sunday Times (subscriber access only) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Labour Court orders SAB to reinstate up to 188 warehouse workers after unfair retrenchment process News24 reports that SA Breweries (SAB) will have to reinstate up to 188 warehouse workers, pending further consultation with them, after the Labour Court ruled that it had not followed a fair procedure before dismissing them. On Friday, Judge Reynaud Daniels ruled in favour of the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU), which had taken SAB to court on an urgent basis to have workers affected by a recent round of retrenchments reinstated. SAB is the local unit of global brewing giant AB InBev. In reaching his decision, Daniels took issue with several procedural steps taken by SAB during the retrenchment process. He found that SAB had not disclosed all the relevant information needed for a meaningful consultation process. Also, the termination agreements were issued to the union without the names of the affected workers. This meant that workers did not have sufficient time to prepare for their impending retrenchment. Daniels ordered SAB to reinstate workers who were FAWU members and who were affected by the Section 189 process. SAB will also be compelled to re-engage with FAWU in the way envisaged in the Labour Relations Act, and supply it with all the documents it relied upon to justify the changes to its logistics function, Read the full original of the report in the above regard by William Brederode at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Daybreak Foods workers march to labour department for TERS funding to be approved GroundUp reports that about 200 workers of poultry company Daybreak Foods affiliated with the Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU).marched to the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) in Pretoria on Friday. They were demanding to be paid Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) funds. TERS provides temporary financial assistance of up to 12 months to companies or employees facing financial distress. Daybreak Foods, owned by the Public Investment Corporation, was placed under business rescue in July this year and applied for the TERS, according to Mokete Ntsoereng, the secretary of the employees’ committee at the company. “The majority of the workers were sent home when the business rescue started. The workers sitting at home are receiving a stipend of R1,500 every month,” said Ntsoereng. Most of them explained how difficult life has been at home without a living wage. They appealed to the DEL to speedily approve the application of Daybreak Foods for TERS. Among their demands was for the DEL to help with temporary relief to workers while the company stabilised under business rescue, and to support the long-term success of the adopted business plan. The memorandum was accepted by Masilo Lefika, the DEL’s deputy director for employment equity, who promised to give feedback to the group. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Warren Mabona at GroundUp
Consumer inflation target to be lowered to 3% Sunday Times reports that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to announce on Wednesday that SA will lower its consumer inflation target from the present range of 3% to 6% to 3%. The announcement will apparently be contained in the medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS) to be tabled on Wednesday. This is a major coup for SA Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago, who has spent months championing the policy change. It is also a surprising policy shift, as for months indications were that the National Treasury did not favour lowering the range originally set in 2000. It seems that Godongwana changed his mind after meetings with global investment banks JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs. Approached for comment, the Treasury said it was in a closed period ahead of the tabling of the MTBPS and could not comment. It has been Kganyago’s argument that a policy guided by a lower and narrower inflation target would benefit the poor and that SA needed to get its inflation in line with levels similar to its peers globally. But, not all economists agree. Independent economist Roelof Botha rejected the move and said: “The statement that an inflation target point of 3% will be pro-poor is devoid of truth.” Read the full original of the in-depth report in the above regard by Khulekani Magubane at Sunday Times (subscriber access only)
MPs cast doubt on SANDF survey that found morale among soldiers was good EWN reports that MPs have cast doubt on a SA National Defence Force (SANDF) survey, which found that the level of morale among soldiers was good. . Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and the SANDF leadership briefed members of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Friday about the latest survey that measured the views of thousands of respondents. The survey showed that most of the members scored the department above average on training and the "image of the department of defence as an employer", while the factor that registered a negative rating was the availability of resources. But committee members doubtedf the high morale score, saying the reality for soldiers on the ground on deployment indicated otherwise. MP Carl Niehaus questioned the scores and whether members were pressured. "The presentation we have received here today does not reflect the reality of what we encounter in the SANDF. I think there is a gap between the reality and what we as members encounter when we go on oversight visits," he pointed out. But, Motshekga defended the survey, saying it was mainly to help the department, which was “why I will never doubt the truthfulness of the report." Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Babalo Ndenze at EWN
In a first for SA, City of Cape Town appoints a Chief Heat Officer EWN reports that in a first for SA, the City of Cape Town has announced the appointment of a Chief Heat Officer. Albert Ferreira, manager for Resilience and Climate Change, will take on this role to champion awareness around heat and extreme heat events expected to increase in frequency due to climate change. In the hottest months, many areas in Cape Town experienced temperatures higher than 35°C and being heat smart was becoming increasingly important, the City said. Cape Town became a member of the international City Champions for Heat Action (CCHA) initiative in 2024 to amplify awareness of the city's heat risks and advance its heat response work with global partners. Chief heat officers around the world aim to "unify their city governments responses to extreme heat through internal activism, accelerating existing heat protection efforts and initiating new work to reduce the risks and impacts of extreme heat, especially for heat-vulnerable communities in their cities". The appointment builds on Cape Town's Beat the Heat programme, introduced during the summer of 2024. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Paula Luckhoff at EWN
RAF suspends acting CEO, CFO and two senior executives amid corruption probe The Citizen reports that the board of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) has placed four senior executives of the fund on suspension. In a statement on Friday, the board confirmed that the acting CEO, CFO, chief governance officer, and head of the CEO’s office, were on precautionary suspension with immediate effect. “The decision was taken to allow for an independent and unhindered investigation into certain administrative and governance matters within the organisation,” the board indicated, adding that the suspensions did not imply guilt or misconduct. Interim arrangements have been implemented to keep RAF operations running during the suspensions. The suspensions come amid a Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) investigation into the RAF’s financial management and related affairs. The enquiry has been ongoing for several weeks. This week, during the Scopa enquiry, a former executive exposed systemic corruption and fraudulent claims. He also revealed financial mismanagement, including R1.2 billion in duplicate payments and payments to deceased claimants. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chulumanco Mahamba at The Citizen
Gigaba ‘not under arrest’ but ‘engaging with anti-corruption investigating body’ Daily Maverick reports that on Friday (7 November), former public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba announced on social media that he had been summoned to appear in court on corruption charges. But, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) swiftly dismissed the claim, saying they were merely engaging with him. The directorate’s spokesperson indicated: “Kindly note that Gigaba has not been placed under arrest. He is engaging with Idac and there will be no court appearance.” A statement issued by Gigaba’s private office of clarified that the matter was not procurement-related, contrary to earlier media reports. A legal process will now review of the entire matter, inclusive of other respondents’ charges, to allow Gigaba the opportunity to respond comprehensively and in full context. “Dr Gigaba remains willing to engage fully and transparently with the relevant authorities. To date, no indictment has been issued, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate the allegation,” the statement reads. The allegation seemingly relates to “receiving an undeserved benefit,” classified as a Schedule 1 offence. On Friday, Gigaba said: “I do not know what the charges are yet,” but he reaffirmed his respect for the rule of law and confidence in the independence of SA’s judicial institutions. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Vincent Cruywagen at Daily Maverick. Lees ook, Gigaba: ‘Geen dagvaarding of bewyse teen my nie’, by Maroela Media KZN Home Affairs official suspended for sale of fraudulent birth certificates The Independent on Saturday reports that another document scandal has rocked the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in KwaZulu-Natal. This time, birth certificates were allegedly sold to foreigners for the sum of R15,000 each. A DHA official, who was previously implicated in the sale of passports, is now under investigation for his role in manufacturing and selling the birth certificates. He is believed to have sold the official documents to foreigners, mainly Bangladeshis, and generated R2.9 million. The official apparently gained unauthorised access to the computer system where he made up the fraudulent certificates. However, he blew his cover when he left some of the birth certificates at the station where he had been working. DHA spokesperson Thulani Mavuso said that an investigation was still underway and so disciplinary procedures have not yet been instituted against the official. But, he confirmed that the official was currently suspended as a result of another issue. Mavuso could not confirm whether or not money had exchanged hands for the falisified documents. He said that all “incorrectly registered births” would be verified to determine the nationality of the persons registered. The latest scandal at DHA in KZN follows a slew of document-related irregularities which occurred this year (detailed in the news report). Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Wendy Jasson Da Costa at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Two Cape Town traffic officers and a civilian get lengthy jail sentences for issuing fake learner’s driver licences IOL News reports that two traffic officers and a civilian who issued fake learner’s driver licences will each serve lengthy imprisonment terms after being sentenced in the Cape Town Regional Court last week. Karel Davids, 53, Andile James Dondolo, 57, who are traffic officers, and Jason Naidoo, 59, a civilian, were sentenced on 7 November for corruption. Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi advised that Davids received a 12-year sentence, while his ex-colleague Dondolo was sentenced to 14 years plus an additional six months of direct imprisonment. Naidoo will serve 14 years behind bars. “During 2016, information was received regarding two traffic officers at the Ashton Traffic Department, who were involved in the issuing of false learner's driver licences. The matter was investigated by the Hawks and the two officers were identified, as well as the person who corrupted them, which resulted in their arrest in August 2016,” Vukubi reported. The trial commenced in September 2019. Brigadier Mushavhaduvha Ramovha, the acting provincial head of the Hawks, commended both the investigation and prosecution teams for their meticulous collaboration, which led to the sentences. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chevon Booysen at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
|
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page