In our Wednesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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TimesLIVE reports that Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Minister Buti Manamela has issued a notice of intent to cancel the registration of three major private higher education institutions. Damelin, City Varsity and ICESA City Campus are to be deregistered after prolonged non-compliance with the Higher Education Act and related regulations. The DHET indicated in a statement that Manamela had considered submissions made by the institutions before taking the decision. Department spokesperson Matshepo Seedat said the move followed a sustained pattern of regulatory breaches and was taken in the interest of protecting students and safeguarding the integrity of the higher education sector. She explained that the decision was primarily based on the institutions’ failure to submit complete statutory annual reports despite multiple extensions being granted. According to the DHET, all three institutions failed to provide key documentation required by the registrar, including audited annual financial statements, proof of financial surety or guarantees, SARS tax compliance certificates and occupational health and safety compliance documentation. The DHET also received confirmation that City Varsity and ICESA City Campus had ceased operating altogether. Seedat said the affected institutions would be given an opportunity to make representations as required by law. “The department will ensure that students affected by this process are supported through appropriate academic and administrative arrangements,” she stated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Modiegi Mashamaite at BusinessDay
Drunk driver crashes into accident scene in Cape Town, kills off-duty LEAP officer who had stopped to help News24 reports that an off-duty Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) officer was killed on Sunday (14 December) when an allegedly drunk driver crashed into the scene of another accident where the officer had stopped to offer his help. The incident occurred on Jakes Gerwel Drive, near Samora Machel, Cape Town. A police spokesperson reported: “The police vehicle was parked on the side of the road with flashing blue lights when an off-duty law enforcement officer stopped on the left side of the road with his VW Polo to assist the police members with the accident. A silver-grey Toyota Fortuner came at a very high speed and drove into the back of the police vehicle, which then overturned.” Police officers at the scene managed to avoid the approaching vehicle, but officer Lyle Thomas was fatally injured. The Toyota Fortuner rammed into a nearby tree and came to a complete stop. The 37-year-old driver was arrested and will appear in court once charged. Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais said the tragedy underscored both the dangers law enforcement officers faced and the devastating consequences of reckless behaviour on the roads. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicole McCain at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Violence against principals and teachers condemned by Gauteng MEC The Citizen reports that Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane says violence against teachers and school leaders undermines the stability of schools and threatens children’s future. This was said in reaction to the death of the principal of Samit Christian Academy, an independent school in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on Sunday (14 December). The principal was killed during a house robbery at Maokeng Extension in Thembisa. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said this incident was another brutal and senseless act of violence that has robbed the Gauteng education sector. A suspect has been arrested in connection with this crime. Chiloane condemned the incident in the “strongest terms”. He said the loss of another principal to violent crime was “devastating and deeply concerning.” Chiloane added: “The GDE reiterates its call for strengthened community safety measures and continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies, communities, and social partners to protect educators and school leaders.” He said the department stood in solidarity with the family, the school, and the broader education community. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chulumanco Mahamba at The Citizen Court rules Road Accident Fund liable for farm worker's eye injury from tree branch IOL News reports that in a damages claim case, the Western Cape High Court has ruled that the Road Accident Fund (RAF) is liable for the damages suffered by a woman who was a passenger on the back of an open truck and who was struck by a thorn from a tree branch in her eye. Shereen Booysen claimed the driver of the vehicle was negligent by swerving out for oncoming traffic resulting in the vehicle hitting the tree branches on the pavement. The driver, Ricardo Baartman, on the other hand, maintained that he had stopped before the tree line to drop passengers. The RAF, in defending the matter, claimed Booysen’s eye was not injured by the branch, but by something which the wind blew into her eye while she was walking. Booysen was a seasonal worker at a farm and her employer provided transport for workers, both to and from work. On the day of the incident, she and her co-workers were seated in the cargo bed area at the back of a truck. The cargo bed had no canopy or other covering. According to her, at one of the stops, Baartman swerved the truck, hitting the branches, and she was injured by a thorn. Booysen subsequently underwent two operations on her eye, and she had to remain in hospital for about a month. Acting Judge F Moosa noted that under the rigours of cross-examination, it became clear that Baartman attempted to mislead the court. He admitted that he actually stopped on the pavement directly under the overhanging thorn branches. Judge Moosa found that Baartman was aware of the low-hanging branches and that the passengers on the exposed cargo bed could get injured. He concluded that this resulted in negligent driving and that the RAF was thus liable for the damages. The amount of damages payable to Booysen will be determined at a later stage. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Zelda Venter at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category Police thwart planned assassination at Wynberg Magistrate’s Court, at EWN On Wednesday, Public Works Minister to disclose findings from preliminary probe into Redcliffe temple collapse, at The Mercury
Motorists could see fuel price relief in January BusinessTech reports that after steep hikes in December, motorists are set to get a much-needed break at the pumps in the new year. Mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) indicate that petrol and diesel users in SA could see significant price cuts. The stronger rand heading into the new year has kept fuel recoveries positive, while oil prices have dropped significantly, bringing petrol prices into the positive as well. Diesel prices, meanwhile, have continued to shine, now showing around a R1 per litre over-recovery heading into the new year. The projected levels at mid-month are as follows: Petrol 93 – decrease of 15 cents per litre; Petrol 95 – decrease of 17 cents per litre; Diesel 0.05% (wholesale) – decrease of 94 cents per litre; Diesel 0.005% (wholesale) – decrease of 102 cents per litre; and Illuminating paraffin – decrease of 69 cents per litre. The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources only announces the final price a few days before the implementation date. However, the data does give a strong indication of where prices are headed. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessTech Consumer inflation expectations for next two years fall to record low of 3.7% Bloomberg reports that consumer inflation expectations for two years ahead fell to a record low of 3.7% in the fourth quarter from 4.2%, data released on Friday showed. The SA Reserve Bank (SARB) said in its December Quarterly Bulletin published on Monday: “Encouragingly, surveyed inflation expectations came down further in the fourth quarter of 2025, likely in response to the lowering of South Africa’s inflation target to 3%. On average, the inflation expectations of all surveyed groups fell below 4% across the entire forecast horizon.” The bank reiterated that the new target would help anchor inflation expectations at a lower level over the medium term, and widen room for the prospect of permanently lower interest rates. The decline in inflation expectations may encourage the Monetary Policy Committee to cut interest rates again when it holds its next meeting in late January, after reducing the benchmark repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% last month. Cumulatively, the SARB reduced interest rates by 100 basis points this year. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ntando Thukwana at Moneyweb Other internet posting(s) in this news category
ActionSA considering court action against NPA's Shamila Batohi over inaction regarding Lily Mine tragedy IOL News reports that ActionSA is considering taking National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) head Shamila Batohi to court after she allegedly ignored a court order to pursue criminal charges against the Lily Mine owners, senior officials in the minerals and energy department, and Barberton police officers. Nearly a decade has passed since the Lily Mine tragedy, in which three workers – Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi, and Solomon Nyirenda – died when a container being used as a lamp room fell into the mine when the crown pillar collapsed. Since the incident, the families of the three victims have camped outside the mine, seeking the retrieval of the bodies of their loved ones. An inquest, which took place at the Bombela Magistrate Court in 2023, found that the tragedy had been preventable. Despite the magistrate’s findings, criminal charges have yet to be pursued. ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba said the delay undermined justice for the victims’ families, who have been waiting for accountability for nearly 10 years. He indicated: "I just want to remind South Africans about this tragedy. Remember the mine owners and our government initially lied that the container is irretrievable. It took ActionSA's legal intervention to expose such lies. I just want to assure South Africans that the uncaring ANC and their GNU partners that ActionSA will never give up until that container is retrieved." Read the full original of the report in the above regard at IOL News Other labour / community posting(s) relating to mining
Basic Education’s ‘ghost worker’ verification exercise sparks employee backlash Sunday Times reports that some employees at the national Department of Basic Education (DBE) say they felt like “prisoners” during a surprise verification drive intended to root out ghost workers. The process, which required every staff member to report to the office in person and pose for a passport-style photograph, was announced with less than 24 hours’ notice last month. Several staffers said they had to cancel long-scheduled meetings, including provincial work trips, to comply. While they knew ghost-worker verification was under way in provinces, they said they were not informed it would also apply to employees at national level. A message sent to staff on their WhatsApp group on 17 November stated: “We must complete the verification of a minimum of 60% of our respective staff members by tomorrow afternoon. The DG has explicitly stated that no excuses will be accepted if the 60% target is not met.” Some employees described the rushed process as invasive and poorly handled. DBE spokesperson Terence Khala defended the verification drive and dismissed criticism of the short notice. He said ghost workers posed a real risk to public finances and that robust verification was essential. Ghost workers, namely individuals who do not actually work for government but still claim salaries, have long haunted national and provincial departments. There are various categories of ghost workers, including people who appear on the payroll but do not perform the duties associated with their positions. They can also be people who have left the public service or have died. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Vicky Abraham at Sunday Times (subscriber access only)
Austerity measures are eroding specialist medical training, Colleges of Medicine of SA warns BusinessDay reports that the Colleges of Medicine of SA (CMSA) has warned that austerity measures imposed by provincial health departments are undermining SA’s specialist training pipeline, threatening healthcare and the long-term sustainability of the public health system. In a statement, CMSA CEO Eric Buch said it was critical that the pipeline of medical specialists be preserved and that specialist posts be created and filled in the public sector to ensure access to specialist care for the vast majority of South Africans. The intervention comes amid mounting reports from provincial hospitals and academic departments during 2025 of frozen posts, reduced budgets and operational constraints. At least 1,800 junior doctors who completed community service were left unemployed at the start of the year due to budget cuts. In Gauteng, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital has lost all three of its cardiologists and three of its four ear, nose and throat specialists to resignations, leaving entire departments without senior oversight. Registrars across provinces report waiting years for funded posts, with some working without pay to complete training, while others remain stuck as senior medical officers because registrar slots are unavailable. These developments follow the Treasury’s 2025 budget, which provided only a 0.8% real increase in non‑interest expenditure after a decade of near‑zero growth, so entrenching austerity across frontline services. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Tara Roos at BusinessDay (subscriber access only). Read too, Gauteng's specialist shortage: Frustration, resignations, and a looming crisis, at Daily Maverick
Safa strongly denies Bafana coach Hugo Broos is ‘racist and sexist’ SowetanLive reports that the SA Football Association (Safa) has thrown its weight behind Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who has been under pressure after he made comments about Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent Basia Michaels. As a result of his statements, the United Democratic Movement (UDM) lodged a formal complaint at the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). At the heart of the controversy is an incident involving Mbokazi’s late arrival to the team’s camp, during which Broos stated: “I can assure you he is a Black guy, but he will come out of my room as a white guy, because that I can’t accept.” Safa released a statement on Saturday (13 December) to deny what it called growing misconceptions in the media suggesting Broos was racist and sexist. In a statement Safa said Broos’ comments had been misconstrued. “It is mind-boggling that the coach would be described in such a manner towards a player he has consistently supported since selecting him for the first time a few months ago,” added Safa. The association further clarified that Broos’ remarks regarding the player’s agent were intended to underscore the importance of football agents prioritising players’ welfare and long-term development over short-term financial gain. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mahlatse Mphahlele at SowetanLive. Read too, Safa defends coach Hugo Broos amid AFCON controversy, at IOL News
Cross Border Road Transport Agency lifts CEO’s suspension despite whistleblower allegations Sunday World reports that the newly appointed board of the Cross Border Road Transport Agency (CBRTA) has lifted the suspension of its CEO, Lwazi Mboyi, following direct intervention by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. This decision comes despite a detailed whistleblower memorandum alleging serious maladministration and qualification fraud against Mboyi, which was sent to the former board, Creecy, parliament, and labour unions. The memorandum, penned by senior agency officials including former employee Botsang Moiloa, catalogues a series of allegations claiming Mboyi was irregularly appointed and has since presided over a purge of staff. Mboyi was initially suspended in October for administrative issues, but the Department of Transport later declared that suspension irregular, citing a lack of ministerial concurrence. Moiloa has expressed frustration that the CBRTA has failed to investigate these claims. In response, CBRTA spokesperson Amanda Hlahleni dismissed the allegations as baseless and linked to an aggrieved former employee. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Bongani Mdakane at Sunday World
Petrol attendant arrested for fuel card cloning scam that cost motorists nearly R470,000 Daily News reports that a petrol attendant was arrested last week after siphoning nearly R470,000 through cloning the fuel cards of motorists. The suspect was arrested at a fuel station in Mpumalanga and was due to appear at the Balfour Magistrate’s Court on Monday. With police investigations ongoing, it is believed that there might be more individuals linked to the illegal transactions as uncovered. The arrest of the 34-year-old petrol attendant at a Truckstop inn fuel station was through the efforts of fraud investigators from two banks and the Hawks’ Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit. According to a Hawks spokesperson, the suspect was alleged to have cloned fuel cards during transactions when motorists paid using petrol cards at the fuel station. The Hawks were alerted to the suspected criminal activity and operationalised the information. Officers swooped on the fuel station on 12 December 2025, where the identified petrol attendant was searched. A card-cloning device was allegedly found in his possession, leading to his immediate arrest. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at IOL News
City of Cape Town is a step closer to operating commuter train services GroundUp reports that the City of Cape Town has approved a Rail Business Plan for devolving operation of the city’s Metrorail services from the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) to the municipality. The City will now submit a memorandum to the National Department of Transport requesting that rail services be devolved. According to Mayco member for urban mobility Rob Quintas, devolution will only be possible with funding from National Treasury, which will have to take the form of a multi-year funding agreement. The City’s long-term mobility plan envisages devolution being completed by 2028, but Quintas says the timeline “will ultimately be determined by the national government” and is outside the City’s control. Calls for devolution follow many years of deteriorating passenger rail services, culminating in a near-total collapse in 2021. Earlier this year, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the recovery of the Central Line – Cape Town’s “most important rail corridor” – had cost about R1.3-billion. According to Quintas, devolving Metrorail will benefit “lower-income households who travel long distances from their homes, work and school”. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Liezl Human at GroundUp
Ten jobs that are in high demand in South Africa right now, at BusinessTech Debate over union membership raises questions for NDPP candidate Andrea Johnson, at Pretoria News Grade R teachers face job losses without NQF level 6 qualifications, at Daily Maverick Cape Town cop implicated in fatal hit-and-run and covering up the crime, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
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