In our Tuesday morning roundup, see
summaries of our selection of recent South
African labour-related reports.
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New Samwu strike threat hangs over Buffalo City Metro DailyDispatch reports that the Buffalo City Metro (BCM) faces the threat of another crippling strike after the SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) accused the municipality of acting in bad faith by failing to implement a key labour agreement. The agreement, aimed at resolving a long-running expanded public works programme (EPWP) jobs dispute, was reached three months ago. However, last week the union accused the municipality of negotiating in bad faith, saying it could not rule out the possibility of another strike. Samwu alleges that BCM has delayed the establishment of a committee tasked with investigating claims that some EPWP workers were unfairly excluded from permanent employment in 2019. The committee was a key resolution of an agreement reached in September between the metro and unions after a previous strike. It was agreed that the committee – made up of representatives of BCM management, Samwu and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (Imatu) – would be established within 20 days. The committee had been expected to hold its first meeting by the first week of December and submit a report to council at its first sitting in January. But, Samwu’s Yoliwe Govuza said that the agreed timelines were unlikely to be met because of what she described as BCM’s dishonesty. However, Imatu’s Siyanda Yamba said the union understood that the local collective agreement was being implemented, though some resolutions were still in progress. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mandilakhe Kwababana at DailyDispatch (subscriber access only)
Police plead for public assistance to locate missing SA Navy man News24 reports that Western Cape police have appealed to the public for assistance in locating a South African Navy member, who has been missing since last Friday. Provincial police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said 35-year-old Bonginkosi Nkambule was last seen leaving his place of work in Simon’s Town. He was dressed in his full SA Navy uniform at the time and failed to report for duty the following day. “The investigating officer followed up all leads in a bid to locate Bongani, without success,” Twigg reported. By Monday afternoon, Nkambule had still not been located. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Lisalee Solomons at News24 (subscription / trial registration required) Calls for SANDF intervention in Bekkersdal amid claims of police complicity with illegal miners EWN reports that Bekkersdal residents are accusing local police of being in cahoots with illegal miners operating in the area, claiming that this alleged corruption is the primary driver behind a surge in violent crime. The allegations follow a horrific shooting on Sunday, where nine people were killed and ten others injured after gunmen opened fire at a local tavern. One resident said that they believed that illegal miners were behind the attack. The residents expressed a deep lack of faith in the SA Police Service (SAPS) and suggested that officers were financially incentivised to ignore criminal activity. Frustrated by what they perceive as the police defending criminals rather than citizens, residents are now calling for the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) to be deployed to the area to restore order. "Right now, we have had enough. Every time we stand up, the police defend these people," a resident alleged. Read the original of the short report in the above regard by Jabulile Mbatha at EWN Other internet posting(s) in this news category
Great news about petrol prices in January BusinessTech reports that the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF) for the end of the third week in December indicates that motorists can expect big cuts in prices at the pumps in January. After starting the month in the negatives, petrol price recoveries have swung firmly into positive territory, with drivers now lined up for a 30 to 35 cents per litre cut. Diesel drivers will have even more to cheer about, with fuel price recoveries pointing to a significant cut in the new year of over R1 per litre. The large shift in recoveries is thanks to both a stronger rand and a weaker oil price, with both factors benefiting local motorists. While there is still more than a week left of the month, the trajectory for both of these factors is firmly on the side of stronger over-recoveries. A clear winner for local fuel pricing is the global oil price, which is heading for a second weekly decline as concerns over a growing glut outweigh potential supply disruptions. While fuel prices increased in December, likely impacting the inflation rate for the month, the current trajectory for January pricing will balance this out, and more. The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources will announce the official changes before they come into effect on 7 January 2026. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BusinessTech
No shortlist yet for new SARS Commissioner, with panel still sifting applicants News24 reports that a shortlist of candidates to succeed Edward Kieswetter as Commissioner of the SA Revenue Service (SARS) by May 2026 has not yet been finalised – with just more than four months of Kieswetter’s tenure left. National Treasury indicated that a panel chaired by former Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene “is currently considering the applications in response to the public advertisement for the post, with the view of recommending to the president and the minister of finance a shortlist of candidate/s for consideration and ultimately appointment.” It is not known how many people, or who, have reacted to the advertisement. Treasury added that the SARS succession process was being conducted “in line with the recommendations of the Nugent Commission Report”, referring to the commission of inquiry instituted following the controversial reign of Tom Moyane, who led SARS from 2014 to 2018. Kieswetter was appointed SARS Commissioner in May 2019, and his five-year contract was extended in 2024 to April 2026. According to Treasury, the selection process for Kieswetter’s successor “will include technical assessments to evaluate candidates’ relevant competencies, and all shortlisted candidates will undergo comprehensive personnel suitability checks and security vetting.” Interviews for the post “will not and have never been conducted publicly. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Hanlie Nordejee at News24 Business (subscription / trial registration required) New judges appointed to Companies Tribunal Engineering News reports that national Cabinet has appointed several judges to serve as members of the Companies Tribunal. They are Judge Mohammed Navsa, Judge Kathleen Satchwell, Judge Robert Nugent, Judge Boissie Henry Mbha, and Judge Visvanathan Ponnan. “Their collective expertise distinguished judicial careers, and deep commitment to justice bring renewed strength to the Tribunal at a pivotal time in its evolution,” the Companies Tribunal noted. It highlighted that each judge had made a significant contribution to SA’s jurisprudence, particularly in areas closely aligned with the Tribunal’s mandate, namely commercial law, administrative justice and dispute resolution. “Their backgrounds in complex decision-making, mediation of high-level disputes, and the application of principled judgment will enhance the Tribunal’s capacity to resolve matters swiftly, impartially, and in a manner that strengthens confidence in the Tribunal’s alternative dispute resolution mechanism,” the Tribunal pointed out. Chairperson Judge Dennis Davis expressed confidence that the newly appointed judges would further enrich the Tribunal’s jurisprudence, particularly in the arbitration of company disputes. Read the full original of the report in the above regard at Engineering News
NHLS spends R18 million monthly on outsourcing, Motsoaledi reveals Cape Times reports that according to Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, building the capacity of the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) in terms of staff and equipment would be more cost-effective than outsourcing tests to private laboratories. But, while it would be financially advantageous for the NHLS to insource, such a move required sufficient budget and cash flow to compete with the higher salaries of private laboratories and high-cost equipment. “This requires additional funding either through increased fees or an allocation from the National Treasury. The National Treasury has been reducing health budgets and has not been accepting bids for budget increases,” Motsoaledi pointed out. He was responding to parliamentary questions by DA MP Michele Clarke about the NHLS partnering with private sector company, PathCare, to tackle the delays in cancer testing at its Joburg facility. The Minister said the strategy was to incrementally direct surplus funds towards equipment and staff salaries. Once NHLS staffing levels were back to full strength, the use of private laboratories would then be scaled down and reserved only for exceptional surge scenarios. Clarke had also asked Motsoaledi about the vacancies at each NHLS facility and the minister’s written reply showed 46 vacancies for periods ranging between three months and three years. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mayibongwe Maqhina at Cape Times
Cosatu slams recommendation to increase salaries of public office bearers by 4.1% The Mercury reports that trade union federation Cosatu has slammed the Independent Commission for the Remuneration of Public Office Bearers for recommending a 4.1% salary increase for the 2025/2026 financial year. If approved, the increase will apply to senior government officials, parliamentarians, members of provincial legislatures, local government office bearers and others, including the judiciary. Published in a government gazette this week, the proposal has been met by outrage among labour unions and political parties. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks rejected any increase for politicians and called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to reject the proposal.. However, he indicated that the federation would support a smaller 3.5% increase for judges and magistrates as there was a need to treat them separately and avoid a brain drain in an already overwhelmed judicial system. More generally, Parks indicated: “It defies logic that a month after the Minister for Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana warned Parliament and the nation that further tax hikes may be a necessity in 2026, that the commission thought proposing an additional R536 million to fund the salaries of politicians, commissioners and judges is morally justifiable.” Parks added: “Most galling is the inclusion of the 9,331 local government councillors under whose watch the state of municipal finances and services has deteriorated at an alarming rate, with numerous municipalities failing to pay their employees’ salaries, pensions, medical aids and taxes.” Read the full original of the report in the above regard at The Mercury. Read too, Cosatu slams plans to increase MPs’ salaries as service delivery declines, at The Citizen. And also, MK Party rejects proposed 4.1% pay rise for public office bearers as ‘morally indefensible’, at IOL News Other internet posting(s) in this news category
JMPD officers ordered by mayor to get out of their patrol cars and enforce the law IOL News reports that Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has condemned the Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) for what he described as the "reckless habit" of officers remaining in their patrol vehicles instead of actively enforcing the law. Morero made the comments on his official Facebook page on Monday, accompanied by a video showing several JMPD vehicles parked along a busy street, with the officers sitting inside. The footage captures someone who is presumed to be a senior officer, also in full JMPD uniform, confronting his colleagues and ordering them to get out of their cars and start enforcing the law. The officer is seen taking control of the parked patrol vehicles and demanding the car keys. "Letha is'khiya baba," (Bring the keys), the officer says, as he orders the officers to walk around and begin their duties. “Lawlessness happening in broad daylight while officers simply observe from their patrol cars is intolerable. Heads will roll," Morero warned. His remarks came amid growing concerns over police visibility and rising crime rates in city. Earlier this year, Morero also expressed disappointment with the lack of by-law enforcement during a service delivery operation in the inner city. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mthobisi Nozulela and view the video clip at IOL News
Lottery Commission whistleblowers denied financial compensation GroundUp reports that former National Lotteries Commission (NLC) staff members whose lives were upended after they blew the whistle on corruption in the organisation have been denied financial compensation. After participating in a year-long reparations process, they were instead offered a combination of psychological support sessions, “wellness” services, educational sponsorships and, in some cases, grocery vouchers. Whistleblowers who were not staff members, some of whom faced death threats, arson attacks and expensive litigation, were only informed at the end of the year-long process what criteria the NLC board had approved for reparations, and that they did not meet them. They learned this last week, during a brief virtual meeting with a lawyer representing the NLC. This was later confirmed through emailed rejection letters signed by NLC board chairman Barney Pityana. A total of 18 people (comprising current and former staff and non-staff whistleblowers) participated in the process, and one settlement has been concluded, according to NLC Commissioner Jodi Scholtz. She explained that no funds were allocated for compensation as this was prohibited by the Public Finance Management Act and Treasury rules. She also said any formal apology could be construed as admission of guilt with far-reaching legal consequences. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Raymond Joseph at GroundUp Randburg court dismisses attempt by suspended PIC executive to silence whistleblower City Press reports that suspended Public Investment Corporation (PIC) executive Thabiso Moshikara was dealt a blow last week after the harassment case he opened against a whistleblower was dismissed by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court. Magistrate Thomas Ncube ruled that, based on the evaluation of arguments, Moshikara could well have attempted to solicit gratification after he opened a harassment case against the whistleblower. The court heard that Moshikara went to the whistleblower’s residence to hold discussions to solicit such bribes. The court papers indicated that the respondent never invited Moshikara to his home and that the applicant went of his own accord, allegedly with corrupt intentions. According to Magistrate Ncube, Moshikara “made an attempt to divert attention from his corrupt activities by trying to silence the whistleblower using this court and bringing this application against the respondent. This is clearly an attempt to intimidate the whistleblower for being a whistleblower.” Moreover, Ncube also said the whistleblower had acted responsibly. Moshikara, who was acting head of the PIC’s Unlisted Investments unit, was suspended in July for allegedly soliciting a R3 million kickback from the whistleblower. Police have opened an extortion case that remains under investigation. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mduduzi Nonyane at City Press (subscription / trial registration required)
Msunduzi Municipality denies drunk driving arrest of municipal manager The Mercury reports that the Msunduzi Municipality has moved to dismiss social media claims that its municipal manager was arrested for drunk driving and claims that the reports are false and misleading. In a statement, the municipality said it had noted “recent social media reports regarding the arrest of a municipal manager for drunk driving” and confirmed that “the individual in question is not the municipal manager of Msunduzi”. The municipality further clarified that “at the time of the incident, our municipal manager was out of the city,” directly contradicting the claims circulating online. The statement came amid heightened public scrutiny of senior officials and road safety conduct, particularly as KwaZulu-Natal continues to grapple with high levels of road fatalities. While distancing the municipal manager from the alleged incident, the municipality reiterated its broader stance on road safety and law enforcement. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Siphesihle Buthelezi at The Mercury
Tshwane metro and municipal manager guilty of contempt of court for failure to provide regular and accurate billing accounts Moneyweb reports that the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality and its municipal manager have been declared to be in contempt of court for non-compliance with a court order related to the city’s failure to provide regular and accurate billing accounts to two property holding companies. Acting Judge Dingenus van den Bogert issued a punitive cost order against the metro, noting in his judgment handed down in the High Court in Pretoria that a punitive costs award was warranted. However, Van den Bogert refused the request by Uniqon Developer and Uniqon Wonings for the Tshwane municipal manager to be ordered to pay a fine of R100,000, suspended for 30 days subject to the municipal manager complying with the obligations set out in two paragraphs of a High Court order issued on 16 October 2023. Van den Bogert said he has no intention of imposing a fine on the municipal manager in his official capacity because then the taxpayer would bear the brunt for his disobedience. However, he added that should the municipal manager persist with this egregious conduct, there was nothing that stopped Uniqon Developer and Uniqon Wonings bringing another contempt application against the municipal manager in his personal capacity and seek a sanction against him personally. “That will be fair, because then he can raise his own defences,” the judge indicated. Van den Bogert ordered the metro and the municipal manager to comply with the 16 October 2023 court order “in full” by 16 January 2026 and to file an affidavit by the same date explaining why the municipal manager elected to disregard the court order. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Roy Cokayne at Moneyweb
Eastern Cape messenger’s conviction for PPE tender fraud overturned DailyDispatch reports that an Eastern Cape man, Ayanda Matinise, has had his conviction and 10-year sentence for fraud overturned In a scathing judgment in the Mthatha High Court setting Matinise free, Judge Mbulelo Jolwana said there had been a “complete failure of justice on many fronts and at numerous angles resulting in the conviction of the appellant being unsustainable, unjust and therefore indefensible, a concession which counsel for the state also correctly made during the hearing of this appeal”. Jolwana stated: “It is clear from the record that the court embarked on widescale speculation to fill the gaping holes in the evidence tendered by the state. Where the analysis of the evidence should have begun, the court went straight to the conclusion of guilt after making transient references to what it called, ‘facts not speculation’.” Matinise, a former messenger in the office of then health MEC Sindiswa Gomba, was found guilty on charges of fraud, forgery and uttering in relation to the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sentenced in February 2023. The charges related to PPE tender fraud to the value of more than R23m. It was alleged that Matinise forged the signature of the director of supply chain management and awarded a tender to a service provider for the supply and delivery of PPE. Matinise, from Ilitha, was released from the Wellington correctional centre in Mthatha in September. Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ziyanda Zweni at DailyDispatch
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