by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
The Congress of South African Trade Unions-affiliated public service unions , including the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union, South African Democratic Teachers Union, Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa and Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, will on Monday hold a media briefing in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
They are expected to voice their anger over the Government Employees Medical Scheme GEMS 9.8 members contribution increase.
COSATU has described the increase as unlawful and unaffordable.
Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/news/labour-secures-pension-and-severance-gains/
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Picture: Gallo Images
Stringent labour law amendments that caused tension between the government and labour have been moderated to please workers – with additional provision that employers who make late pension payments to their pension funds would pay interest.
The department of employment and labour is considering public views before finalising the previous agreements so that the legislation can go to parliament.
Previously, organised labour put pressure on the government and business not to compromise the workers’ gains in the Labour Relations Act and other legislation.
Labour law amendments protect workers
In terms of the labour amendment as agreed by social partners, employers would be required to comply with pension fund payments.
The payment process would be overseen by department’s labour inspectors.
Employers who make late payment of workers’ contributions to the pension fund would be required to pay interest.
This was aimed at addressing concerns that some employers, particularly municipalities and private firms in the security industry, failed to pay over the pension contributions to their funds.
Recently, many workers who went to collect their pension money from funds were shocked to learn they had very little money because their employers had failed to pay over the funds.
National Treasury has also intervened and withheld the local governments’ equitable share from defaulting municipalities.
R182bn allocated from national government
Based on the 2026-27 national budget, municipalities are allocated R182.3 billion in direct transfers from national government.
Some municipalities could lose their share if Treasury implemented the decision.
The enforcement would strengthen the Conditions of Employment Act provisions compelling employers to pay their employees’ pension contributions.
Also, a proposal that the national minimum wage should drop from R20 an hour and the exemption of small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) from several labour laws was dropped.
Also, a suggestion that SMMEs should be excluded from having to pay retrenchment packages if they had been operating for less than two years was challenged by labour.
The most significant achievement for employees is the increase of severance pay for workers losing their jobs, from one to two weeks per year of employment.
Cosatu hails revisions
In cases where employers had defaulted to pay monies due to employees, the Unemployment Insurance Fund would be used to plug the gap so that the affected workers were not left without income.
Trade union federation Cosatu claimed credit for the changes.
Cosatu spokesperson Matthew Parks said the proposals “would have fundamentally set workers’ rights back”.
Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/news/labour-secures-pension-and-severance-gains/
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Cosatu, Eskom, Ferrochrome
Cosatu applauds Eskom’s decision to provide a reduced electricity tariff to ferrochrome producers, potentially leading to job creation and preventing retrenchments. The move is part of a five-year plan.
The Congress of South Africa n Trade Unions ( Cosatu ) has expressed strong approval of Eskom ‘s strategic move to offer a reduced electricity tariff of 62 cents per kilowatt-hour to ferrochrome producers, specifically Samancor Chrome and the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture. This decision is a crucial component of a comprehensive five-year assistance plan designed to mitigate the escalating electricity costs faced by these companies.
The overarching goal is to protect these businesses from the economic pressures of high energy prices and, critically, to avert the planned workforce reductions that were imminent. The initiative highlights a collaborative effort to stabilize a vital sector of the South African economy and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of workers. Cosatu’s parliamentary coordinator, Matthew Parks, highlighted the union’s positive response to Eskom’s intervention and emphasized the importance of the next step in this process: securing the necessary approvals from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). Parks indicated that this approval is pivotal, potentially unlocking significant economic benefits, including the reopening of previously suspended smelters. \The anticipated outcome of NERSA’s approval holds considerable promise. Parks estimated that the revival of these smelters could lead to the direct creation of over 11,000 jobs. Furthermore, there is the potential for the generation of over 100,000 indirect jobs. The cascading economic impacts of this decision are substantial, extending beyond the immediate employment landscape to include the stimulation of related industries and the boosting of overall economic activity. Cosatu views this as a progressive intervention that addresses the immediate threat of Section 189 retrenchments, a process that would have resulted in thousands of workers losing their employment. Parks emphasized that the intervention by Eskom is a step that offers tangible relief to the workers at these companies. The action will also support the resuscitation of previously mothballed smelters, thereby reinstating economic activity and potentially reversing some of the negative effects of the economic slowdown. Cosatu specifically applauded the commitment of the concerned parties to seeking solutions and their willingness to facilitate continuous engagement. This cooperative spirit is seen as essential for addressing a long-standing crisis. The union recognizes the importance of the parties’ dedication to finding sustainable and permanent solutions to maintain the sector’s longevity. \This development underscores the complex interplay between government entities, labor unions, and private businesses in navigating economic challenges. The five-year assistance plan represents a strategic approach to stabilizing an industry impacted by volatile energy prices. The collaboration between Eskom, the ferrochrome producers, and Cosatu highlights the value of proactive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. It demonstrates the ability to identify potential risks to employment and take steps to address them proactively. Parks’ statements clearly articulate the union’s appreciation of Eskom’s initiative and emphasizes the significance of the NERSA approval. The entire process illustrates a shared commitment to creating an economic environment that is both stable and sustainable. The potential for job creation further solidifies this initiative, as it acts to safeguard existing jobs and potentially increase employment opportunities across numerous sectors. The proactive stance taken by the involved parties reflects a broader objective of ensuring the long-term health and growth of South Africa’s economy and the well-being of its workforce. It is important to note the impact of the rising electricity costs to the economy and to the job security of South African citizens. The potential for the reopening of previously mothballed smelters is a win-win situation for both the economy and the citizens.
Source: https://za.headtopics.com/news/cosatu-welcomes-eskom-s-reduced-tariff-hails-potential-job-80379234
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Doors open Saturday, 28 February 2026, at Eastpoint Shopping Centre, Boksburg
- Opening of third Walmart store in Boksburg marks an accelerated store rollout with a further 21 proposed Walmart stores in the pipeline
- Walmart Every Day Low Prices track record in South Africa supported by independently published total basket price comparisons
- Walmart online express delivery extended from 5km to 8km radius of all Walmart stores following positive first-time shopping app user feedback
- Excess of 1.5 tonnes of non-perishable food donation to FoodForward SA to support family food security in Ekurhuleni
Walmart is accelerating its commitment to South Africa with the announcement of its third store opening at East Point Shopping Centre in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
Building on the strong momentum from successful launches in Clearwater and Fourways, where customers have enthusiastically embraced Walmart’s Every Day Low Price philosophy, this new location marks the start of an accelerated rollout. With a further 21 stores proposed in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, Walmart is firmly establishing a broader national presence to deliver affordable, high-quality merchandise to South African consumers.
Every Day Low Prices Customers Can Trust
With Walmart’s Every Day Low Prices, Boksburg customers can confidently shop on their own schedule and trust that they will always get the lowest total cost for the trolley of products they need, at the quality they expect, without having to wait for short-term promotions or worrying about constantly fluctuating prices.
Commenting about Walmart’s Every Day Low Price track record in South Africa, André Steyn, Vice President of Format Acceleration, says, “Since opening our first Walmart store in Clearwater Mall, we have been pleased to see independently published total price comparisons confirming that Walmart has delivered a low-price advantage on a comparable trolley of everyday essentials, including bread, milk, eggs, rice, sunflower oil and sugar.
One Stop in-Store Shopping & Walmart Shopping App Convenience
Customers at the Clearwater and Fourways stores were thrilled with the one-stop convenience of an exceptional product assortment that combines fresh food and groceries alongside a carefully curated range of family and home entertainment items, all available under one roof. Popular customer picks from Walmart Clearwater and Fourways, including affordable roast chicken quarters, delectably marbled sirloin steaks from the butchery, Dr Pepper drinks, Sour Patch Kids and Reese’s chocolate bars will be available in the new store right from day one. Based on customer feedback, we’ve also expanded our product offering with a broader selection of appliances that now includes fridges, vacuum cleaners and water dispensers.
For even greater convenience, shoppers can download the Africa version of the Walmart shopping app to take advantage of the retailer’s 60-minute express delivery service. With 99% of its first-time online customers expressing a firm intention to place repeat orders of fresh food, groceries, adult beverages and small appliances, Walmart has now extended its 60-minute online delivery service from a radius of 5km to 8km from its stores.
Support for Local Community & Small Suppliers
In line with Walmart’s passionate commitment around the globe to local communities, this new store will create 80 jobs and strengthen ties with small local suppliers like Ekurhuleni-based household detergent manufacturer and Walmart Supplier Growth Summit participant, Ultra Chem, who are the supplier of the ECONO brand bleach, dishwashing liquid, pine gel and other cleaning products.
Saving money and supporting communities go hand-in-hand. To celebrate the store opening and make an immediate impact, Walmart will donate over 1.5 tonnes of non-perishable groceries to FoodForward SA to support food security efforts amongst families in the broader Ekurhuleni community within which the store is located. This initiative is consistent with similar efforts associated with the opening of Walmart’s Clearwater and Fourways stores.
Store Opening Details
The Walmart East Point Shopping Centre store will open at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, 28 February 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Store Manager, Hector Msane, a 22-year retail veteran.
The opening day will feature a range of family-friendly activities and treats for customers to enjoy.
Location: Shop L17, East Point Shopping Centre, Corner Rietfontein and North Rand Road, Jansen Park.
Store Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Sundays and Public holidays
Hector and his team look forward to welcoming you with the friendly, efficient service that makes Walmart special.
Source: Walmart
Image: Walmart
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Source: https://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/walmart-announces-opening-date-for-third-south-african-store/16118.htm
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
The new proposed rate is much lower than the current charge of R1.36 cents per kilowatt-hour.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has welcomed Eskom’s decision to offer a reduced electricity tariff of 62 cents per kilowatt-hour to ferrochrome producers Samancor Chrome and the Glencore-Merafe Chrome Venture.
The new proposed rate is much lower than the current charge of R1.36 cents per kilowatt-hour.
This is part of a five-year assistance plan which aims to shield the companies from rising electricity costs and prevent planned retrenchments.
Cosatu parliamentary coordinator, Matthew Parks, says the union is now awaiting approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.
Parks says the approval could lead to the reopening of suspended smelters, potentially creating over 11-thousand direct jobs and more than one hundred thousand indirect jobs.
“This progressive intervention will not only address the imminent threat of the companies’ Section 189 retrenchments, which would have seen thousands of workers lose their jobs. Once approved by the National Electricity Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) it will provide welcome relief to workers at these companies whilst simultaneously enabling them to reopen previously mothballed smelters. COSATU applauds the commitments by the parties to find solutions and provide space for further engagements on a sustainable, permanent plan for a long festering crisis,” said Parks.
Source: https://www.ewn.co.za/2026/02/28/cosatu-welcomes-eskoms-decision-to-offer-reduced-rates-to-samancor-chrome-and-glencore-merafe-chrome
