Independent delivery contractors could soon be granted protection under proposed changes to labour laws. Image: ChatGPT
The delivery driver bringing you dinner. The ride-hailing operator weaving through traffic to get you home. The courier dropping off your late-night online splurge.
Under proposed changes to South Africa’s labour laws, they may soon be treated as employees and not “independent contractors”.
Cabinet recently approved the publication of the Labour Laws Amendment Bill, 2025 and the Labour Relations Amendment Bill, 2025 for public comment.
The proposals are not yet law, with public comment open until the end of March, but they signal the biggest shake-up of labour relations in decades.
At the centre of the shift is a strengthened presumption of employment. If implemented, the law would extend labour protection to anyone whose employment is controlled by a platform or company.
People who are integrated into a business or depend on a company for an income also become employees, regardless of what your contract says.
While not a legal definition of a “gig worker,” the draft amendments redraw the line around who counts as an employee.
That could pull app-based drivers, food delivery riders, freelance platform workers, hospitality shift staff and even certain film and television freelancers into the full protection of labour law.
If classified as employees, they would be entitled to join trade unions, bargain collectively and take part in protected strike action.
Companies would have to issue written contracts to shift and “on-call” workers, setting out guaranteed hours, maximum hours and notice periods. Cancel a shift without proper warning, and the worker must be paid.
For workers long treated as flexible, disposable labour, it is a fundamental shift.
Under the draft amendments, employees could be dismissed without a hearing in the first three months of employment, or during probation, whichever comes first.
Disciplinary procedures are streamlined and align with the revised Code of Good Practice on Dismissal issued in 2025, which lowers procedural hurdles in cases of incapacity or misconduct.
However, high earners will see their compensation for unfair dismissal capped at R1.8 million.
New small businesses would also be exempt from bargaining council agreements for their first two years – a move designed to ease regulatory pressure on start-ups.
Cabinet said the Bills aim to modernise labour law, strengthen enforcement and extend protections to vulnerable and previously excluded workers, while balancing employers’ operational requirements.
“Proposed amendments aim to strike an appropriate balance between increased flexibility for employers and enhanced protections for workers,” the Cabinet statement said.
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The opening of the third South African store in Boksburg offers low prices, job creation, support for local suppliers, and community impact.
Walmart proudly opened the doors of its third South African store at East Point Shopping Centre in Boksburg on Saturday 28 February 2026, welcoming customers, community members and local partners to a vibrant, fun and memorable opening day.
Picture: Supplied
From early in the morning, shoppers gathered in anticipation, eager to experience Walmart’s Every Day Low Prices and extensive range of fresh, grocery and general merchandise offerings. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as customers explored the new store, engaged with Walmart associates and enjoyed opening-day celebrations designed to reflect a mix of Walmart culture with local SA flavour.
Picture: Supplied
The Boksburg opening builds on the strong momentum from successful launches in Clearwater and Fourways, where customers have also 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.
Picture: Supplied
André Steyn, Vice President of Format Acceleration at Massmart, reflected on the excitement of the store’s launch, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the strong turnout. “We’re grateful to have seen so many families come out to join us to experience this opening. We can’t think of anything else that’s so suited to a great day out for them than that fun, welcoming and exciting energy of a Walmart store opening,” said Steyn.
Picture: Supplied
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, Steyn says, “Since opening our first store at 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 Clearwater and Fourways stores, included affordable roast chicken quarters, delectably marbled sirloin steaks from the butchery, Dr Pepper drinks, Sour Patch Kids and Reese’s chocolate bars. At the Boksburg store, early customer feedback highlighted that they enjoyed the unbeatable prices on everyday groceries and consumables including eggs, Coca-Cola and All Gold tomato sauce. Boksburg customers also appreciated the wider range of appliances, including fridges, vacuum cleaners, and water dispensers. These additional products were introduced in response to customers who have already shopped atthe Clearwater and Fourways.
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 within a radius of 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 Boksburg store has created 80 jobs and strengthened 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 which are available at all three stores.
To celebrate the store opening and make an immediate impact, Walmart has also donated 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 the Clearwater and Fourways stores
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
The PEC has set final conference dates, extended branch meeting deadlines and outlined its 2026 focus on fixing local government.
The ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Committee met in Qonce from 1–2 March 2026 and issued an official statement on 3 March 2026 .
As of March 2026, ANC members must note the revised Branch General Meeting deadline of 15 March and confirmed provincial conference dates later this month.
What is happening?
The PEC met at Canon James Calata House in Qonce for its Ordinary Provincial Executive Committee meeting.
The meeting was attended by ANC National Executive Committee representative Khensani Kubayi. The provincial chairperson delivered a political overview, while the provincial secretary presented:
A report from the Provincial Working Committee
A framework for the provincial conference organisational report
These reports informed strategic discussions ahead of regional and provincial conferences.
Confirmed conference dates
The PEC reaffirmed the following:
Amathole Regional Conference: 20–22 March 2026
Provincial Conference: 27–30 March 2026
The Provincial Conference is held every four years. It receives reports, determines strategy and policy direction, and elects provincial leadership.
BGM deadline extended
The cut-off date for Branch General Meetings has been extended from 8 March to 15 March 2026.
The PEC stated that BGMs are proceeding across all regions and confirmed that all regions have started their branch processes.
Integrity Commission decision
The PEC received a report from the Provincial Integrity Commission, presented by chairperson Prof SM Mayatula, concerning Chris Hani regional chairperson Lusanda Sizani.
After deliberation, the PEC resolved unanimously that Sizani will remain in office. The committee stated that the matter does not place the organisation into disrepute and declared it closed.
2026 theme adopted
The PEC affirmed the ANC’s 2026 theme:
“A Year of Decisive Action to Fix Local Government.”
The focus includes improving service delivery, strengthening governance, enhancing accountability and advancing local economic development.
The PEC also emphasised preparations for upcoming local government elections and called for strengthened organisational machinery.
Why it matters to you
If you are an ANC branch member, the 15 March 2026 BGM deadline determines eligibility to participate in conference processes.
Branches that fail to meet the deadline may not participate fully in conference structures.
For communities, the Provincial Conference will elect leadership and shape policy direction that may influence:
Municipal oversight
Service delivery priorities
Organisational renewal
Election strategy ahead of local government polls
In addition, the adopted 2026 theme signals a political focus on fixing municipal governance across the Eastern Cape.
What you need to know
Issue
Detail
Practical impact
PEC meeting
1–2 March 2026, Qonce
Strategic provincial planning
BGM deadline
Extended to 15 March 2026
Branches must complete meetings
Amathole Conference
20–22 March 2026
Regional leadership processes
Provincial Conference
27–30 March 2026
Election of provincial leadership
Integrity Commission outcome
Lusanda Sizani remains in office
Matter closed
2026 Theme
Fix Local Government
Service delivery focus
Elections
Local government polls upcoming
Organisational mobilisation underway
Budget position
The PEC welcomed the national budget speech delivered by Minister Enoch Godongwana. It highlighted infrastructure investment, social services funding and economic growth initiatives. It also noted the need for targeted interventions to address poverty, unemployment and inequality in the Eastern Cape.
Youth and alliance matters
The PEC congratulated the ANCYL Provincial Congress and noted resolutions on youth development, education, skills development, economic transformation and social justice.
It further committed to strengthening alliance relations with the South African Communist Party, COSATU and SANCO.
International position and condolences
The PEC rejected what it described as imperialist aggression by the USA and Zionist Israel and reiterated support for Palestinian self-determination. It condemned the killing of civilians and referenced the killing of the Supreme Leader of Iran as being against international law.
The PEC extended condolences to the families of Debra Komose, Billy Nel and XYZ Goduka, and to people affected by natural disasters and global conflicts.
What you should do next
If you are an ANC member:
Confirm your BGM is scheduled and completed before 15 March 2026.
Verify membership status and delegate credentials.
Participate in branch discussions and nomination processes.
Monitor official communications for conference updates.
If you are a community member:
Follow conference outcomes that may affect local governance.
Monitor developments linked to fixing local government.
Track announcements ahead of municipal elections.
For more verified provincial political coverage, visit our Local Eastern Cape News section.
Where to get help or official sources
For full details, refer to the official statement issued on 3 March 2026 .
You may also contact your local ANC branch for process clarification.
Get practical updates that affect your household and community. Subscribe to the Pondoland Times newsletter.
Africa’s largest supermarket chain is holding onto lower prices in an attempt to win market share.
Shoprite’s first-half gross margin edged lower, reflecting “low selling-price inflation, moving to deflation,” the Cape Town-based retailer said Tuesday. Trading profit at its core South African supermarkets unit rose 7.1% to R7.2 billion.
The push to grow customer numbers and volumes through price cuts comes as Walmart renews efforts to crack the South African market with stores under its own brand.
Shoprite opened 209 outlets in its local supermarkets division and added 53 in new chains including Petshop Science, Uniq Clothing, Checkers Outdoor and Little Me.
“If we have to mark our own homework, what stands out is more customers, higher volumes and continued market share gains, meaning you’re running faster than your competitor,” Chief Executive Officer Pieter Engelbrecht said in a presentation to investors.
The shares fell 3.4% by 3:08 p.m. in Johannesburg compared with a 4.1% decline at SPAR, 4.6% drop at Pick n Pay and 5.3% tumble at Woolworths.
Shoprite’s margin slipped to 23.8%, with selling price inflation averaging 0.7% for the half-year. South Africa’s food and non-alcoholic beverages cost growth for the period was 4.7%.
Low single-digit selling-price inflation is expected to persist in the second half, Shoprite said.
This 2026 utility and public-service guide helps Gauteng residents plan around disruptions and policy changes using trusted references.
What Changed for 2026
Year-specific references were refreshed for 2026 search intent.
Internal linking was aligned to current Gauteng.News hubs and categories.
Official-source links were added to support verification before decisions.
South Africa’s recent Budget speech delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was marked by a mixed reaction as he announced a reversal of the value-added tax (VAT) increase — a move initially welcomed by businesses and trade unions. However, this was swiftly overshadowed by a new burden: a hike in the fuel levy, which is expected to have far-reaching effects on consumers and businesses alike.
In his long-anticipated address, postponed twice before, Godongwana revealed that petrol prices will rise by 16 cents per litre and diesel by 15 cents. This marks the first increase in fuel taxes in three years and has sparked criticism from a range of stakeholders, despite the VAT relief.
Concerns from Labour and Civil Society
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), through spokesperson Matthew Parks, expressed disappointment with the fuel levy hike, noting that workers and the broader economy will bear the brunt. “We had hoped the freeze on fuel taxes would continue,” Parks said. “This will hurt workers and the economy.”
Parks added that although both the scrapped VAT increase and the fuel levy hike are painful, the latter disproportionately affects the working class, who are already under financial strain. Cosatu also criticized the government’s failure to adjust personal income tax brackets in line with inflation, warning that workers on the cusp of a higher tax bracket may end up paying more despite only modest income increases.
Furthermore, the union called for expanded social support, including additional VAT exemptions on essential foods and an extension of free utilities like electricity and water for impoverished households.
Mixed Views on the Trade-Off
Some economists, such as Peter Baur from the University of Johannesburg, view the fuel levy as a more equitable solution than raising VAT. According to Baur, while the levy will lead to increased transport and production costs, its regressive impact is less severe compared to a VAT hike, which directly raises the cost of goods and services for all consumers, especially the poor.
Nonetheless, Baur acknowledged that the fuel levy could still have inflationary consequences, as it increases the cost of transporting goods and running businesses.
Business Sector: Logistics and Cost Pressures
Business Unity South Africa’s economic policy director, Lunga Maloyi, noted that the higher fuel prices will drive up logistics expenses for companies dependent on road freight. These additional costs will inevitably be passed down to consumers, compounding financial strain and threatening the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Similarly, the taxi industry — a major consumer of fuel — warned of rising operational costs. Motlhabane Tsebe, president of the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO), said the increase places considerable pressure on a sector that plays a crucial role in moving millions of South Africans daily.
While fare increases occur just once annually and are route-specific, Tsebe urged the government to expedite plans for a formal subsidy system to help stabilise the industry and shield commuters from economic shocks.
Fiscal Perspective: Less Revenue, More Burden
Economist Frank Blackmore from KPMG SA calculated that the fuel tax adjustment equates to a 4% increase in the overall fuel price, expected to generate an additional R3.5 billion in revenue. This figure falls significantly short of the R13.5 billion that would have been collected from a 0.5 percentage point VAT increase.
Sanisha Packirisamy, chief economist at Momentum Investments, also regarded the fuel levy as the less harmful alternative. However, she cautioned that it still erodes household disposable income, particularly when coupled with stagnant medical aid credits — a shortfall projected to cost consumers R1.2 billion this financial year, escalating to R3.8 billion in the coming years.
While the government’s decision to reverse the VAT increase offered a momentary reprieve, the subsequent fuel levy hike has shifted the financial burden in a way that disproportionately affects transport-heavy industries, workers, and low-income households. With rising costs now filtering through to goods, services, and public transportation, both consumers and businesses are bracing for a ripple effect that may well offset any benefit gained from the scrapped VAT hike.
As inflationary pressures mount and economic uncertainty continues, many are calling for more targeted and equitable fiscal policies to cushion South Africa’s most vulnerable from further economic strain.
