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 Thursday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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Consumer inflation slows in November to 3.5% as fuel and transport costs ease BusinessLive reports that consumer inflation slowed to an annual rate of 3.5% in November from 3.6% in October, driven by lower fuel costs. Data published by Stats SA on Wednesday shows the first moderation in the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate in three months, bringing inflation closer to the SA Reserve Bank’s (SARB’s) official 3% target and keeping it well within the tolerance band of plus or minus one percentage point. On a monthly basis, prices declined by 0.1%. The better than expected outcome strengthens the case for the SARB to continue cutting interest rates at its first monetary policy meeting in January. The November slowdown was largely driven by softer fuel and transport costs, though food prices remained elevated in some categories. Fuel prices declined by 2.2% between October and November, with annual fuel inflation slowing to just 0.1%. Food inflation, however, edged slightly higher to 4.4% year-on-year, up from 3.9% previously. Meat prices continued their upward climb, rising by 12.2%, reflecting ongoing supply chain pressures and increased demand. In contrast, prices for vegetables and fruit dropped by 2.3% and 2.4%, respectively, helping to ease pressure on household food budgets. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jana Marx at BusinessDay (subscriber access only). Read too, Inflation surprisingly slows in November, at The Citizen Meat price shock before Christmas, even as consumer inflation rate eases News24 Business reports that while the consumer inflation rate inched down to 3.5% in November, from 3.6% in October, bad news for households in the lead-up to Christmas expenses was that food price inflation jumped significantly to 4.4%, from 3.9% in October. It was the first increase in the food price inflation rate in four months. On average, meat was 12.2% more expensive in November than a year ago, the highest annual rate since January 2018, when it was 13.4%. The impact of the foot-and-mouth outbreak has not yet dissipated, with beef prices still rocketing up. Stewing beef was almost a third more expensive (30.3%) than a year ago; steak 28.4%; and mince 22.8%. Statistics SA noted that other meats also became significantly more expensive, including pork, lamb, and sausage. On the other hand, the dairy and eggs category recorded its sixth successive month of deflation. The price of full-cream and low-fat fresh milk has dropped for most of 2025. Similarly, eggs have registered negative annual price changes since November 2024. Eggs are now 9.1% cheaper than a year ago. Inflation for cereal products (bread, pasta, mealie meal, and flour) moderated to an annual rate of 1.7%, from 2% in October. The monthly change was -0.6%. Prices for key staple cereals registered monthly declines, including white rice (-3.1%), maize meal (-0.8%), and white bread (-0.5%). Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hanlie Nordejee at News24 Business (subscription / trial registration required) Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Deadly Verulam temple collapse linked to substandard materials, lack of building plans The Citizen reports that substandard concrete and reinforced steel, as well as a lack of building plans and oversight, are being blamed for the collapse of the Verulam temple in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Minister Dean Macpherson held a briefing on Wednesday, where he presented the preliminary findings of an investigation into last week’s collapse, in which five people were killed. The DPWI is seeking the company that supplied the concrete to determine where else it has been used. Macpherson said that the supplier had not yet been identified, but that the site of the collapse had been declared a crime scene. He indicated that the findings were preliminary and that a full forensic and criminal investigation would be undertaken. The collapse of the Redcliffe temple occurred while concrete was being poured, with reports indicating that work was underway on the upper levels of the building at the time of the incident. The Minister said the evidence, including video footage, showed a sudden structural failure, “most likely triggered” by the pouring of wet concrete. He stressed that there had been serious contraventions of regulations and standards and that all efforts would be made to bring closure to the families who lost loved ones. Macpherson explained that the building was being constructed illegally, as no approved building plans existed, nor were there relevant construction permits. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Jarryd Westerdale at The Citizen. Read too, Macpherson requests police probe on Durban building collapse that killed five, at BusinessDay (subscriber access only). And also, eThekwini Municipality rejected plans for site of deadly temple collapse, at EWN Over 200 mourn assassinated Madlanga Commission witness at memorial service News24 reports that the final farewell for assassinated security official Marius van der Merwe drew more than 200 mourners to a memorial service on Wednesday, three weeks after he was gunned down outside his Brakpan home. Van der Merwe, a former reservist with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), who testified as ‘Witness D’ at the Madlanga Commission before his death, was remembered as a dedicated crime fighter who gave his all to his work, but also as a man who would go to great lengths for his family and community. Van der Merwe was gunned down three weeks after testifying at the Madlanga Commission about an alleged murder cover-up plot involving high-ranking law enforcement officials. Police have identified three persons of interest in the assassination of the former metro police reservist-turned-private security official, as well as one vehicle involved in the killing. The ceremony concluded with the Last Post, traditionally played in honour of fallen soldiers, followed by a slideshow of family memories set to music. Multiple security companies formed a tunnel as Van der Merwe’s coffin was carried to the hearse, with mourners singing hymns. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thato Gololo at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Family denounces brutal murder of Eastern Cape police detective found with his throat slit News24 reports that the family of an Eastern Cape police detective has denounced his brutal murder after he was stabbed 14 times and had his throat slit. Sergeant Luxolo Ndaba, 42, who was based at Ngcobo police station, was off duty when he was severely attacked. His body was discovered next to his car on a gravel road at Mdeni village during the early hours on 7 December. According to Hawks’ spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, police investigation at the scene revealed a “profoundly violent” attack. “The officer had suffered a fatal incised wound on the throat and 14 stab wounds to the upper back and neck,” said Mhlakuvana. The deceased’s sister, Busiswa Ndaba, said the family was still coming to terms with the loss. The Hawks arrested three people in connection with Ndaba’s murder on 8 December. Mhlakuvana said two foreign nationals, aged 23 and 24, as well as a 16-year-old girl, were charged with murder when they appeared in the Ngcobo Magistrate’s Court on 10 December. Two of the accused were remanded in custody and the minor was handed over to her parent. Ndaba is expected to be buried at his hometown of Ntabankulu in the Eastern Cape on Sunday. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Sithandiwe Velaphi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Two suspects fatally shot in Kempton Park in attempted robbery of courier EWN reports that two suspected robbers were killed in a shootout with police in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg, on Wednesday. According to the SA Police Service (SAPS), the suspects were part of a group allegedly attempting to rob a courier delivery vehicle. Law enforcement officers, working in coordination with private security teams, moved in to intercept the gang, leading to an exchange of gunfire. In addition to the two fatalities, a third suspect was wounded during the shootout. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains under heavy police guard. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Mongezi Koko at EWN. Read too, Two suspected courier robbers killed in police shootout on R25 in Kempton Park, at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Eastern Cape deputy principal denied bail in alleged human trafficking and prostitution case The Citizen reports that a 52-year-old deputy principal accused of trafficking young women and profiting from prostitution has been denied bail by the Makhanda High Court. According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Vuyokazi Gana was refused bail on 15 December following an appeal after earlier attempts to secure her release failed in the East London Magistrate’s Court. Gana was arrested in October 2025 by the East London Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit after a probe into alleged human trafficking and prostitution involving young females recruited from the former Transkei region. Investigations began in September 2023 and uncovered allegations that Gana recruited young women from Qumbu, Mthatha and Ngqeleni. “The victims were allegedly transported from different areas to East London, where they were ostensibly housed at Gana’s premises and coerced into sex work,” the Hawks indicated. Investigators allege that the victims were engaged in sexual activities with various clients and received payments for these services. Gana supposedly profited from these illegal activities by charging accommodation fees ranging between R250 and R300 per night, depending on the room. It is further alleged that Gana “personally collected the proceeds or directed the victims to transfer the funds through her bank account”. The matter has been remanded to 3 March 2026 for further investigation, Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Oratile Mashilo at The Citizen
Seven Kenyans arrested for working illegally on US refugee applications BusinessDay reports that SA authorities on Tuesday raided an illegal operation in which Kenyan nationals were allegedly engaging in immigration-related work involving the processing of Afrikaner citizens destined for the US under Washington’s “refugee” programme. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) said that seven Kenyans were working despite having only tourist visas, in violation of SA’s immigration laws. “They were arrested and issued with deportation orders and will be prohibited from entering South Africa again for a five-year period,” the DHA indicated. No US officials were arrested in the raid, which was apparently conducted at a guesthouse in Pretoria East. “The presence of foreign officials apparently co-ordinating with undocumented workers naturally raises serious questions about intent and diplomatic protocol. The department of international relations and co-operation has initiated formal diplomatic engagements with both the United States and Kenya to resolve this matter,” the DHA said in a statement on Wednesday. Tuesday’s operation is likely to further escalate tension between SA and the US after relations soured over issues including land reform, geopolitical alignment and trade. The Trump administration’s admission of white Afrikaners as refugees aligns with its discredited claim of a “white genocide” in South Africa. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thando Maeko at BusinessDay. Read too, Home Affairs deports seven Kenyans engaged in unauthorised asylum applications, at EWN. And also, Kenyans nabbed for illegally working at US refugee applications centre, at Sunday World Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Former BHP chief Brian Gilbertson has died, family announces Mining Weekly reports that Brian Gilbertson, the South African dealmaker who helped build the global mining giant BHP Billiton before his departure as CEO in 2003, has died. He was 82. His family said in a statement on Wednesday that he passed away earlier in the day at home in South Africa after a period of long illness. He is survived by his wife Rensche, sons Quinton and Sean, and five grandchildren. The 2001 merger between Billiton and BHP created the world’s largest mining company. Gilbertson, who resigned in 2003 because of “irreconcilable differences” with the company’s directors, went on to hold several other leadership positions in the corporate world. Read the original of the short report in the above regard at Mining Weekly Mining sector boosts employment, but Minerals Council wary of labour cost increase Mining Weekly reports that SA’s mining sector recorded a modest increase in employment in the third quarter, adding 2,000 jobs year-on-year to bring total employment to 474,000. The sector added 5,000 jobs quarter-on-quarter, suggesting a modest but noteworthy rebound. According to the Minerals Council SA (previously called the Chamber of Mines), the gains reflect higher commodity demand and a degree of stabilisation in production levels. However, the Council cautioned that post-Coivd-19 data showed that real mining wages have consistently exceeded the value of output produced, creating pressures for the sector. It warned of structural fragility, noting that a sector unable to sustain wage increases without corresponding productivity improvements risked stagnation. Mining sector wages rose from R79,957 in the third quarter of 2019 to R108,759 in the comparative quarter this year, namely a 36% increase. This outpaced headline consumer price index growth of 32% and was slightly above the overall economy’s 33% rise. As a result, mining ranked among the faster-growing sectors in terms of remuneration, alongside finance and construction. “The above-inflation wage growth suggests real gains for mining employees, but it also highlights potential cost pressures for the sector, especially given its exposure to globally competitive markets where higher labour costs can erode profitability,” the Council indicated. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Mining Weekly Other labour / community posting(s) relating to mining
Detectives to get financial incentives as violent crime surges in Western Cape News24 reports that Western Cape police detectives will receive additional financial incentives in an effort to stem the steady decline in experienced officers, provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile announced on Wednesday. Presenting the province’s latest crime statistics, Patekile said the province has struggled to keep pace with the rapid population growth in Cape Town, while, at the same time, the loss of seasoned officers to better-paying opportunities in local government and the private sector has further weakened its capacity. “Local government, not just the City of Cape Town and private companies, are taking from us because we are not matching salaries. That is why we have introduced an additional incentive of R1,000 for docket carriers. If the budget is increased, we will take better care of our detectives, but our budget keeps getting cut,” Patekile indicated. Detectives, he pointed out, did not receive shift allowances and some of the benefits available to other station-based officers. In an effort to strengthen investigations, the SA Police Service (SAPS) was also in the process of rehiring former detectives on three-year contracts to focus on cold cases. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Velani Ludidi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Military Veterans told ‘sorry, your medical fund is bankrupt’ City Press reports that the fund responsible for covering soldiers’ complete medical care until death is practically bankrupt, leaving nearly 36,000 military pensioners facing an uncertain future. The fund has to pay for expensive private healthcare due to the substantial deterioration of the SA Military Health Service (SAMHS). Moreover, millions of rand are lost due to poor management of fraudulent doctors’ and other service providers’ accounts. The outsourcing of more than 80% of medical services to the private sector costs between R40 million and R60 million monthly. Only about 3.5% of the fund’s obligations is funded. The fund’s net financial liability after deducting asset amounts to nearly R2.5 billion. The board of trustees in September warned the Department of Defence, Treasury and other stakeholders that the fund could no longer be regarded as a going concern. Treasury responded to this letter saying government no longer gave financial injections as solutions to institutions’ financial troubles as the state could not afford it. It proposed, as an alternative, a type of subsidy system to subsidise retirees’ medical care within reasonable limits, based on similar systems for other state pensioners. Nearly 36,000 pensioners contributed to the continuation fund throughout their service years. Upon retirement, they entered into a contract with the state that they would have 100% medical coverage until death. Therefore, the state is legally obliged to continue with the benefits to pensioners to which they are contractually committed. Serving soldiers’ contributions now keep the fund afloat. However, this means their contributions – which should one day ensure them the same benefit as the retirees – are now being used just to keep the lights on. Read the full original of the comprehensive report in the above regard by Abram Mashego at City Press (subscription / trial registration required)
Gauteng travel agent arrested, faces 30 criminal charges in holiday scams exceeding R5.6m City Press reports that a Gauteng travel agent who was arrested on Monday this week for allegedly defrauding South Africans out of millions of rand is already facing 30 criminal charges. Premila Shunmugam of Silver Touch Events and Travel appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court this week and remains behind bars until her bail application, which is expected to be heard next week. The state has indicated that it will consolidate the cases against her and is currently aware of at least 24 dockets. City Press reported last Sunday that more than 40 families lost more than R5 million because she never arranged their dream holidays to, among other places, Mauritius – many of which were due to take place this month. This number has since risen to 49 alleged victims, of which 30 have so far filed cases with the police. Their combined loss has already exceeded R5.6 million, according to Yeishan Padayachy of Centurion, one of her victims. He created a WhatsApp group on which all these victims are currently in contact with each other. Victims include families who lost over R600,000 for island getaways and special celebrations like an 80th birthday trip to Bali. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Magdel Louw at City Press (subscription / trial registration required)
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