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 Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Numsa and auto manufacturing executives to meet this week amid wage deadlock and strike threats BusinessDay reports that the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) has held general meetings with members in the automotive industry to secure a mandate, following an ongoing deadlock in wage negotiations with the Automobile Manufacturers Employers Organisation (Ameo). It is now set to meet executives from the Ameo, which represents seven original equipment manufacturers, on Thursday and Friday. Last week, Ameo tabled what it called a full and final settlement proposal for increases of 7% in the first year of a multi-year deal (it previously offered 6.5%) and 5.5% for the next two years (previously 5%). This spurred Numsa, which had been demanding increases of 9% in the first year and 8% in the outer years, to call on the employers to consider an 8% offer in the first year and 6% in the second and third years. “Or if employers believe that that is still tough for them, the union is willing to settle on 7% for the respective three years,” Numsa’s Irvin Jim indicated on Friday. If the union elects to down tools and embark on strike action, it could hurt an industry facing economic headwinds amid cheaper imports from China and tariffs imposed by the US. The sector contributes nearly 5% to SA’s GDP and supports more than 30,000 direct jobs and more than 100,000 indirect jobs. Ameo has said its final offer was sensible and economically responsible, as it exceeded inflation and matched industry benchmarks. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessDay (subscriber access only)
Crop-duster pilot dies after helicopter collides with electric cables on Patensie farm Sunday World reports that police in Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape have opened an inquest docket following a helicopter crash that claimed the life of a female crop duster pilot on a farm outside Patensie on Monday morning. The accident occurred at about 7.45am on the Roodegrond farm, when the Robinson helicopter struck power lines before crashing to the ground. The 43-year-old pilot was declared dead at the scene. The police said the pilot was spraying crops at the farm when it collided with electrical cables and crashed. Police have not yet released the identity of the deceased, pending formal identification and notification of next of kin, but a news report has identified the deceased as pilot, author, and DStv cooking show host Mynie Steffens. According to Sisa Majola of the SA Civil Aviation Authority, the recent crashes across the country do not indicate a national aviation crisis. “The current fatality rate does not signal a crisis in the country; it remains favourable when compared to the global average of 15%,” said Majola. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Coceka Magubeni at Sunday World. Read too, Beloved DStv chef Mynie Steffens dies in helicopter crash in Eastern Cape, at IOL News. En ook, Vlieënier sterf toe heli by Patensie neerstort, by Maroela Media Murder investigation launched after KZN Midlands farmer found dead in boot of burnt vehicle The Mercury reports that police in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Midlands have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a burnt body inside a vehicle in Mpophomeni on Sunday morning. The victim has been identified as local resident Mike Pryor of Kwa Heri Farm in the Indezi Valley, uMngeni Local Municipality (Howick). The municipality said that Pryor was abducted from his home on Saturday night. KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers made the discovery after responding to reports of a burnt vehicle. “Police responded to reports of a burnt-out vehicle and found the body when they opened the boot,” he indicated. He added that the motive for the killing was not yet known and the search for the suspects was underway. In its statement, the municipality urged all residents to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant regarding their personal and property security. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siphesihle Buthelezi at The Mercury Mining Qualification Authority Seta defends R2.1m of private security spend on CEO, citing safety threats Daily Maverick reports that on the basis that the life of its chief executive Dr Thabo Mashongoane was under threat, the Mining Qualification Authority (MQA) spent more than R2.1-million on his security from February to September 2025. Mashongoane was recently reappointed by the sector education and training authority (Seta) after serving at the entity since 2021. According to a number of invoices obtained through a whistleblower, Mashongoane has been paying DDL Security Services, a 24/7 company based in Sandton, for its services. It offers security services, including armed and unarmed security officers, in the commercial, residential, retail and educational sectors. The documents show a large sum was paid to the security company from February to September 2025 for the use of SUV vehicles and two close-protection officers; amounting to just more than R2.1-million. The chief financial officer at MQA, Elaine Brass, explained: “A formal threat and risk assessment specifically related to the CEO was conducted by the MQA in February 2025 prior to the procurement of the services, again in June 2025 in order to assess the need for the services and to determine whether the services could be provided safely. Based on the results of the assessments, it was determined to provide security support to the CEO in order to protect his personal safety and wellbeing.” The Department of Higher Education and Training was asked whether it was aware of these security risks and what steps had been taken to intervene, assist the threatened CEO or provide appropriate security measures under the department’s oversight. Its response is awaited. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siyabonga Goni at Daily Maverick Other internet posting(s) in this news category
NUM and SACP again call for plans to unbundle Eskom to be halted EWN reports that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the SA Communist Party (SACP) have again called for plans to unbundle Eskom to be halted – claiming this was a backdoor attempt to privatise the state-owned power utility. This past weekend, the NUM and the SACP marched to the offices of Eskom and the Department of Employment and Labour in Bellville in the Western Cape to protest against the unbundling of the parastatal into separate enterprises for generation, transmission and distribution. NUM president Phillip Vilakazi said Eskom’s restructuring threatened jobs, collective bargaining, and fair working conditions. “We cannot handover these democratic rights because we would have sold out all the gains of workers. Eskom, the memorandum is going to tell you, if you didn’t know, that the electricity tariffs are the reason why the economy is not growing,” he stated. Viliakasi added that calls for Eskom to hurry along plans to decommission coal fired power plants over climate concerns would only make matters worse. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nokukhanya Mntambo at EWN. Read the NUM and SACP’s press statement at SA Labour News
Solidarity considers legal action against City of Joburg after banner removal IOL News reports that trade union Solidarity is preparing for possible legal action against the City of Johannesburg after its eye-catching campaign banners were unceremoniously removed by municipal authorities. But, the union said it had followed all the necessary procedures through an advertising agency. The large-scale banners with "Welcome to the most race-regulated country in the world" appeared along the M1 South between Smit Street and Empire Road. Solidarity said its campaign was designed to coincide with the high-profile G20 summit, aiming to leverage the global spotlight on SA to highlight issues of racial injustice, economic decline, and governance failures. However, the campaign sparked controversy and drew sharp criticism from government officials. On Monday, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi wrote on X accusing the creators of the banners of seeking to undermine efforts for transformation towards an inclusive society that acknowledged the injustices of apartheid. In response, Solidarity spokesperson Pieter Jordaan said that the municipality's actions were unlawful and indicative of a desire to suppress messages that criticised the government. "All indications are that the vandalism and removal of the board were unlawful ... It appears that the City council itself is the criminal party that removed and damaged Solidarity’s banner. It is clear that they did not want the message to be seen," said Jordaan. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sinenhlanhla Masilela at IOL News. Read too, Solidarity threatens legal action over removal of highway advert in Joburg, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required). En ook, Metro verwyder Solidariteit se veldtogbord, by Maroela Media Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Mpumalanga sugar industry and jobs threatened by 400% surge in Brazilian imports Sunday World reports that SA’s R25-billion sugar industry has urged the government to shield it from what it calls “crippling external forces”, namely cheap imports and punitive export tariffs that threaten rural livelihoods and the country’s food security. The appeal came from SA Sugar Association (Sasa) chief executive Sifiso Mhlaba during a meeting in Malalane, Mpumalanga, attended by Premier Mandla Ndlovu and industry leaders. The industry supports an estimated 65,000 direct jobs and 270,000 indirect jobs in SA. Mhlaba indicated: “Mpumalanga produces 20% of the country’s sugarcane. The challenge we face primarily is with imports coming from Brazil. We’ve seen an increase of more than 400 % this season. For every ton of sugar imported into South Africa, we have to export a ton at a loss of R7,000, that’s not just a number; it’s a livelihood.” He warned that the industry has already lost 20,000 jobs since 2018 and said: “Workers and farmers alike are at risk. We are therefore calling on the government to assist us in protecting the livelihoods and the jobs that we are supporting through this industry.” Mpumalanga’s sugar sector, anchored in the Nkomazi region, supports two major mills in Malelane and Komatipoort and employs more than 65,000 people directly, with a further 250,000 indirectly dependent on the value chain. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane at Sunday World. Read too, Iconic South African industry being decimated, at Daily Investor
Godongwana expected to back 3% consumer inflation target on Wednesday Bloomberg reports that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to endorse a 3% consumer inflation target on Wednesday when he presents his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, so aligning fiscal policy with the SA Reserve Bank’s (SARB’s) push to anchor prices at that level. Bloomberg Economics Africa Economist Yvonne Mhango indicated: “Godongwana is expected to confirm a lower inflation anchor of 3%, replacing the current 4.5% midpoint of the South African Reserve Bank’s 3%-6% target band. This move should help moderate wage and price increases and strengthen policy credibility.” Jeffrey Schultz of BNP Paribas was a bit more guarded and said “we think it will likely stop short of formally adopting such until we get closer to the next national budget cycle in 2026.” SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago has argued that the current target is too wide and high, is out of line with trading partners, and that a lower goal will help the country save on borrowing costs. The SARB’s monetary policy committee (MPC) in September began using the 3% target to inform its decisions. The MPC kept the benchmark rate at 7% as it pursued that goal. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Thousands turn up for traffic officer recruitment drive at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg The Mercury reports that thousands of young people hoping to be traffic officers in KwaZulu-Natal turned up on Monday at the Pietermaritzburg Royal Showgrounds for the recruitment process. About 200 posts are available. The large gathering of people in the area caused traffic logjams across the city. Spokesperson for the KZN Department of Transport and Human Settlements, Ndabe Sibiya, said: “By 10h30, more than 7,000 applicants had already written the assessment test for the 200 Trainee Provincial Inspector posts … We have received more than 34,000 applications. This is a clear indication of the interest to be part of the highly energetic and efficient Road Traffic Inspectorate.” The department dismissed claims that the assessment test process would continue on Tuesday morning. MEC Siboniso Duma said the assessment phase had concluded on Monday, and there was no scheduled continuation for Tuesday. “Any posts being circulated claiming that the process will continue on Tuesday are not true. Importantly, we wish to apologise to motorists, residents and workers who were inconvenienced this morning,” said Duma. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thami Magubane at The Mercury. Read too, No further assessments, says MEC Duma after PMB traffic chaos, at The Witness
High Court dismisses challenge to eThekwini city manager Musa Mbhele's appointment The Mercury reports that the Pietermaritzburg High Court has dismissed an application that sought to challenge the appointment of Musa Mbhele as the city manager for the eThekwini Municipality. The application had been brought by Bheki Mabaso, and the judgment was handed down last week. But the fight is not over and is likely headed to the Constitutional Court. In his court papers, Mabaso was listed as a principal clerk employed by the municipality. He had brought the application on the basis that, as an employee of the municipality, he had an interest in whether Mbhele was lawfully appointed. Mabaso challenged the appointment of Mbhele on the grounds that the appointment had been irregular. At the heart of his case, the applicant argued that the fact that there were more councillors as part of the selection panel than were permitted by law made the process invalid. He had asked for the review and setting aside of the selection panel, as well as of the appointment of Mbhele as the municipal manager for the municipality. The court, however, dismissed the case, noting that the section of the regulations used to challenge the appointment did not refer to municipal managers but to senior managers. The court found that the appointment of the municipal manager could not be attacked, especially since other affected entities, the eThekwini Municipality and the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs department, had not challenged the process. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thami Magubane at The Mercury Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Adjudicator rules in favour of girlfriend over customary wife in R4.5 million death benefit case Cape Times reports that the customary wife of a deceased man failed in her attempt to claim a death benefit as she had not proved dependency on him and was an estranged spouse. In her complaint to the Pension Funds Adjudicator (PFA), the wife was unhappy that the Becsa Provident Fund distributed the death benefit of R4.5 million to the deceased’s four children and to his girlfriend. The deceased was a member of the fund until he died in September 2023. The complainant submitted that she was married to the deceased and was financially dependent on him. She provided a copy of a lobola letter dated 17 September 2022 and a marriage certificate in support of her submissions. But, the fund submitted that according to its investigation report, the deceased was never married. It also established that the girlfriend qualified as a factual dependent on the basis that she was financially dependent on the deceased, she lived with him, and they shared common household responsibilities. According to the fund, the complainant failed to furnish it with proof of her dependency on the deceased. In her determination, the PFA noted that the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act provided for the posthumous registration of a marriage. Thus, the complainant, as the customary wife, qualified as a legal dependant. But, she explained that while the customary wife qualified as a legal dependant by virtue of her marriage to the deceased, that did not necessarily entitle her to an allocation of the death benefit, as the death benefit did not form part of the deceased’s estate and was therefore not subject to any matrimonial property regime. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Zelda Venter at Cape Times
Former Laerskool Akasia finance clerk guilty of fraud, ordered to repay school R210,000 The Citizen reports that a former finance officer at Laerskool Akasia has been found guilty of fraud and theft. The Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court sentenced Lorraine Scheepers, 60, to three years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years. The court also ordered Scheepers to repay R210,000 to the school. She was found guilty of fraud and theft on 9 June 2025. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) received an anonymous tip-off about the ex-finance officer’s conduct. This prompted an investigation by the department’s anti-corruption unit, which uncovered Scheepers’ fraudulent activities. GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department’s investigation found that between 2019 and 2021, the former finance clerk stole approximately R846,000 in school funds and manipulated bank statements to conceal the theft. The department welcomed Scheepers’ conviction and sentencing. It urged all school communities to report any suspected irregularities through official GDE channels. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chulumanco Mahamba at The Citizen Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Ekurhuleni metro police officers involved in theft, torture, murder, Madlanga commission told Daily Maverick reports that retired Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Revo Spies told the Madlanga Commission on Monday that a group of officers within the EMPD’s specialised services unit ran a criminal racket, hijacking trucks and disappearing with their freight. This formed part of his broader testimony, in which he described how the officers “operated like rogues”. “They would hear a rumour and go out making arrests in places like Hammanskraal, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State. According to them, it was a success because there were arrests, but they acted completely outside their mandate. They conducted criminal investigations, which are solely the responsibility of the SAPS. They had no authority to investigate cases, yet they did it,” Spies claimed. He revealed that a civilian, the owner of a security firm who has not been charged in connection with the alleged rogue EMPD activities, was a constant presence in the alleged criminal activities. He did not name the person. Spies dropped another bombshell, alleging that the current acting EMPD boss, Brigadier Julius Mkhwananzi, was an accessory to a murder, accused of cleaning up a crime scene. This is the same brigadier who, according to evidence before the commission, entered into an unlawful agreement with alleged organised crime leader Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s security company. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Vincent Cruywagen at Daily Maverick. Read too, Ekurhuleni deputy police chief implicated in murder scene clean-up, at BusinessDay (subscriber access only)
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