2023: The wrap
A summary of stories reported by Elitsha this year.
Labour
Cosatu protests for decent work
Cosatu and its affiliates commemorated the International Day of Decent Work, 6 October, with marches in urban centres around the country. Elitsha attended the actions in Cape Town, King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape, and Tshwane.
Simba workers on strike over unlawful deductions
The workers say Simba has unlawfully been deducting money for transport for the last six years. The company has agreed with the two registered unions at its plant and warehouse, to pay a once-off R30,000 compensation to each worker.
Families of Rheinmetall Denel Munition victims call for a formal inquest
While a public inquiry by the Department of Labour found that the arms company has a case to answer, the NPA has closed the book on the case.
Cosatu and SACP slam NPA decision not to prosecute Rheinmetall-Denel
Cosatu and SACP are furious over the decision by the National Prosecuting Authority not to prosecute anyone, despite the finding of the public inquiry into the deadly 2018 blast that the arms company should be held accountable.
Farmworkers speak out against evictions
The Rural Legal Centre says it deals with cases of eviction of farmworkers and families who have stayed on the same farm for more than 20 years.
Ten points about ‘illegal’ mining
The public discourse on ‘illegal’ mining or zama-zamas has reached fever pitch with communities on Johannesburg’s west rand erupting in protest this week against the violence of zama-zama gangs. Here, David van Wyk explores ten points to get behind this ‘confusion’ or lack of critical thinking.
Saftu backs an e-hailing drivers’ union
The trade union federation is meeting with the minister of employment and labour regarding the recognition of e-hailing drivers. Photo by Simon Ramapuputla
Community health workers belong in the public sector!
Unions claim that the labour department is doing the health department’s bidding by proposing to remove community health workers from the public health bargaining council.
Labour department appeals ruling to register Simunye Workers Forum’s as a trade union
The registrar of labour relations says the Simunye Workers Forum does not meet the Labour Relations Act requirements to register as a union.
Taxi drivers in South Africa want to register their trade union
On the 4th of July the National Public Transport Workers Association (Qina Mshayeli) notified the department of employment and labour of their intent to register the union.
Simunye Workers Forum members shot during protest
Four members of the Simunye Workers Forum and bystanders were shot on Saturday afternoon after a meeting with the owner of a bakery in Germiston, east of Johannesburg.
en