Workers protest outside factory in Nancefield over alleged labour practices

by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News

Employees gathered outside the entrance to Casa-Mia Biscuit Manufacturing, demanding improved working conditions and submitting a memorandum of demands to management.

Employees are demanding improved working conditions, alleging excessive working hours, inadequate benefits and unfair treatment by management.

Employees of Casa-Mia Biscuit Manufacturing staged a protest outside the company’s premises at 43 Jesmond Avenue, Nancefield, on Monday, July 13, alleging unfair labour practices.

When Soweto Urban arrived at the scene, workers were protesting peacefully outside the factory. However, a Vision Tactical security official alleged that some protesters had damaged the entrance gate.

The workers agreed to speak to the media on condition of anonymity, saying they feared victimisation.

ALSO READ: JMPD warns motorists of protest action in Pimville and Dlamini

One worker from Slovo Park, who said he has been employed by the company for more than two years, alleged that employees work 12-hour shifts from 6am to 6pm, seven days a week, with only a 30-minute lunch break and one 15-minute tea break.

Police officers and private security personnel monitored the protest outside Casa-Mia Biscuit Manufacturing in Nancefield as workers demonstrated over alleged unfair labour practices.

He further alleged that their hourly rates are not stipulated in their employment contracts.

“The contract states that we will work 12 hours on weekdays. However, since I started, I have been working from Monday to Sunday without any rest days,” he said.

Another worker from Pimville alleged that employees are denied labour benefits they believe they are entitled to.

ALSO READ: Police warn against vigilantism during weekly anti-migrant protests

“We do not have UIF and a provident fund. We just work. I’ve been with the company for over a year. Our agreement was 12 hours from Monday to Friday, but we are forced to work on weekends as well.”

The same worker also alleged that South African employees had been dismissed and replaced with migrant workers because, according to him, they were less likely to complain about working conditions.

“They are treating us like we are foreigners.”

A group of workers told Soweto Urban they were demanding what they believe are fair labour practices.

“We want our lunch break increased to one hour and our tea break to 30 minutes. We want to know how much our hourly rate is. We stand on our feet for 12 hours and, on top of that, our supervisors mistreat us. We do not have employment contracts; we were made to sign only a job description form.”

The workers also alleged that they receive payslips only on request.

ALSO READ: IN PICS: Immigration protest sees Diepkloof Hostel residents march through Bara

“It takes at least three weeks to get your payslip after requesting it. When you take that payslip to the bank or to apply for credit at a shop, they tell you it appears to be a draft and cannot be accepted.”

They further alleged that they are required to perform duties outside their job descriptions.

“We do not get paid our full amounts, there is no night shift allowance, and we do not have annual leave or sick leave. We are verbally suspended without receiving written warnings. UIF is deducted on our payslips; however, we believe we are not registered with the Department of Employment and Labour.”

Another worker alleged that they were dismissed after missing work to visit a clinic, despite submitting a doctor’s sick note.

The workers submitted a memorandum of demands, which was received and signed by Casa-Mia HR representative Poppy Ramosina.

Ramosina told the workers she would present the memorandum to management.

ALSO READ: Bara hawkers welcome March and March protest

The workers’ demands include:

• An increase in hourly wages or a minimum daily wage of R400, as well as a night shift allowance
• Registration for UIF
• Regular payslips
• A review of working hours
• Medical aid
• Pension fund benefits
• Rest days and paid leave
• Permanent employment contracts
• Personal protective equipment
• Paid sick leave upon submission of a valid medical certificate

The workers said they would not return to work until they received a formal response to their demands.

They said they expected management’s response on Wednesday, July 15.

Soweto Urban attempted to obtain comment from Casa-Mia. However, security personnel denied the media access to the premises while Ramosina was escorted inside. Casa-Mia had not responded to Soweto Urban’s request for comment at the time of publication.

Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/soweto-urban/news-headlines/local-news/2026/07/14/workers-protest-outside-factory-in-nancefield-over-alleged-labour-practices/

NUM expresses strong disapproval of jobs cuts by De Beers in South Africa

by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News

Labour union the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has strongly decried the plans announced by multinational diamond company De Beers and De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa (DBSSSA) to pause production at the Venetia mine, in Limpopo, for two years and to issue a Section 189A notice to employees.

The NUM says this decision threatens the livelihoods of 1 134 permanent employees at the Ventia mine and a further 80 employees at DBSSSA.

The union says it is deeply disturbed by how the management at De Beers communicated this decision, adding that the company attempted to portray it as a sudden and unavoidable crisis when, NUM argues, the company had long been aware of the challenges facing the diamond industry.

“Workers cannot be treated as disposable tools that are discarded whenever companies face economic pressures. De Beers has known about the challenges confronting the diamond market for a long time.

“It is therefore disingenuous to present this announcement as a sudden crisis. Workers and their trade union should have been engaged honestly and transparently long before a Section 189A notice was issued,” says NUM national health and safety secretary and diamond sector chief negotiator Masibulele Naki.

He added that workers should not be the first to face wage cuts or layoffs, especially given that staff salaries are not the reason for the company’s financial struggles.

The NUM has demanded that De Beers and DBSSSA urgently consider viable alternatives such as retraining and skilling programmes, temporary job preservation measures, a reduction in non-essential expenditure and a comprehensive review of executive and management costs.

The NUM also calls on South Africa‘s departments of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and Employment and Labour, organised labour and all key stakeholders to intervene urgently to protect jobs at Venetia and DBSSSA.

Source: https://www.miningweekly.com/article/num-expresses-strong-disapproval-of-jobs-cuts-by-de-beers-in-south-africa-2026-07-14

Salaries not paid, treasury funding blow leaves Masilonyana workers in limbo

by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News

Masilonyana municipality was previously shutdown by angry residents of Theunissen. Photo supplied

Workers at the cash-strapped Masilonyana municiaplity in the Free Sate remain in financial distress after the municipality failed to pay salaries.

NUM condemns De Beers’ decision to suspend production at Venetia Mine

by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News

FILE | Mine workers underground.
Image Credits : Reuters

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has condemned De Beers’ decision to suspend production at Venetia Mine for two years.

The company has also started Section 189 retrenchment proceedings, placing over a thousand workers at risk of job losses.

NUM says the move is a severe blow to employees, families and surrounding communities and that the company should have consulted workers earlier.

NUM National Health and Safety Secretary and Diamonds Sector Chief Negotiator, Masibulele Naki says, “It was deliberate for Venetia management not to communicate with the National Union of Mineworkers- which is the only majority union organising in the Venetia mine. Because in the past, from our last wage negotiations- we were aware of the situation that is facing the diamond industry- even in all of Africa.”

“That’s why the workers compromised at that particular time, that instead of signing some of the offers, we signed less- it was negotiated in those basis. Then we agreed on continuous engagement, and evaluation of the situation, but they decided to pause,” explains Naki.

Below is the full interview with NUM’s Masibulele Naki:

Source: https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/num-condemns-de-beers-decision-to-suspend-production-at-venetia-mine/

Denosa welcomes the Health Ombud’s report

by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News

Patient beds are covered with boxes and files. Image Credits : Ground Up

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) says the Health Ombud’s report has put some of the concerns it raised on the working conditions for workers in the public hospitals to rest.

The report, which looked into the deaths of several health care-workers in KwaZulu-Natal, found no evidence linking their deaths to workplace bullying, among others.

It has, however, uncovered persistent staff shortages, deteriorating infrastructure and poor workplace support.

DENOSA’s chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Sibonelo Gumede, says, “We are pleased from the report of the ombudsman that dealt specifically with the case of Mazwi, the doctor who died in Prince Mshiyeni. And the reports now, it makes it clear. We’re still studying the report, but the report makes it clear that the rumors that went about that he, as an employee, was denied coming back has been ruled (on) and set aside.”

Source: https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/denosa-welcomes-the-health-ombuds-report/

SAPS Roadblock Rights

by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News

It’s hard to describe that sinking feeling when you encounter the flashing blue lights, yellow signs and orange bollards. Here’s what you can and cannot do at a police checkpoint.

We’ve all experienced that slight dip in the stomach when rounding a bend to see a sea of neon vests, traffic cones, and flashing blue lights. Roadblocks are an essential reality of driving on South African roads, designed to keep motorists safe, catch unroadworthy vehicles, and deter criminal activity. However, a combination of intimidating roadside tactics and general public confusion often leaves drivers unsure of where they stand.

Related: What are my rights if I get stopped at a roadblock?

With the nationwide administrative rollout of the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) system, keeping tabs on your legal protections is more critical than ever. To help you navigate your next encounter calmly and safely, here is a definitive AutoTrader guide to what law enforcement can—and strictly cannot—do at a South African roadblock.

How to Pay Your Traffic Fines Online in South Africa

1. The Big Distinction: Roadblocks vs. Roadside Checks

Not every flashing blue light carries the same legal weight. South African law separates police operations into two distinct categories, and your privacy rights change depending on which one you encounter:

• Authorised Roadblocks (Section 13(8) of the SAPS Act): These are large-scale, structured operations. They require written authorisation signed in advance by a National or Provincial Police Commissioner. At these checkpoints, the law authorises officers to search your person and vehicle without a warrant.

• Informal Roadside Checks (Section 3I of the National Road Traffic Act): These are casual setup variations in which a couple of Metro Police or traffic officers pull vehicles over at random on an off-ramp or suburban street. Here, officers’ powers are much narrower.

2. What Law Enforcement is Strictly Allowed to Do

When you are signalled to stop by a uniformed officer, you are legally required to do so immediately. Fleeing or ignoring the signal is a serious criminal offence. Once stopped, officers are fully within their rights to execute the following procedures:

Demand Your Driver’s License and Identity

Under the National Road Traffic Act, you must carry your physical driver’s license (or an acceptable temporary layout) on your person or in the vehicle. You are obligated to present it upon request, alongside your vehicle’s license disc. You must also state your name and address if asked to confirm your identity.

Inspect Vehicle Fitness

An officer can inspect your tyres, lights, wipers, and license disc. If they have reasonable grounds to suspect your car is severely unroadworthy, they can issue a notice to discontinue its use or, in extreme cases, have it impounded.

Conduct Breathalyser Tests

You cannot legally refuse a breath alcohol screening. Under Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act, refusing a breathalyser or a subsequent blood test is an arrestable offence.

Execute Active Warrants of Arrest

If a computer check at the roadside reveals that you have an active, court-issued Warrant of Arrest registered against your name (for instance, a contempt of court warrant for ignoring a previous traffic summons), officers have the legal authority to arrest you on the spot.

3. What Law Enforcement is Strictly Forbidden from Doing

While officers hold significant power, the Constitution and the Criminal Procedure Act draw a hard line against roadside bullying and unlawful coercion.

Demand Cash or On-the-Spot Fine Payments

This is perhaps the most common point of roadside friction. No traffic officer or SAPS member can force you to pay a traffic fine at the side of the road.

Even if the police have a mobile payment bus or a digital point-of-sale machine stationed at the roadblock, your participation is 100% voluntary. You always maintain the right to contest the infringement through regular administrative or legal channels.

Red Flag: If an officer demands cash, suggests driving to a nearby ATM, or hints at an informal “soft drink” payment to let you go, they are soliciting a bribe. Offering or paying for it makes you equally guilty of a criminal offence.

Unlawful Searches at “Roadside Checks”

As mentioned earlier, unless it is a formally approved Section 13(8) roadblock, officers cannot search your vehicle or your person without your explicit consent, unless they have clear, objective “reasonable grounds” or “probable cause” (such as smelling cannabis or seeing open alcohol containers on the seats). They also cannot search through your personal smartphone without a specific warrant.

Detain or Threaten You Over Unpaid Fines Alone

An outstanding traffic fine is an administrative notice—it is not a warrant of arrest. An officer cannot legally hold you, take your car keys, or block you from driving away simply because you have unpaid fines on the system. They may only detain you if they can physically produce a valid warrant issued by a magistrate.

Vital Protections

If you find yourself pulled over, the golden rule is to remain exceptionally calm, polite, and cooperative. Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel. However, protecting your peace doesn’t mean yielding your legal rights:

• Ask for ID: You have the legal right to demand to see an officer’s Appointment Certificate (their official police ID card). If they refuse or cannot produce it, their subsequent actions may be deemed unlawful. At a formal roadblock, you can also politely ask to see the written authorisation for the command.

• You Can Record the Encounter: It is entirely legal to take photos or record video/audio of your interaction with law enforcement, provided you do not physically obstruct them from doing their jobs. Officers are strictly forbidden from confiscating your phone, damaging your camera, or forcing you to delete footage.

• Same-Sex Searches: If a physical body search is legally initiated, you have the right to demand that it be conducted by an officer of the same gender.

Should you feel that an official is overstepping the boundaries of the law, do not engage in a heated roadside argument. Keep your composure, write down the officer’s name, badge number, and the registration plate of their patrol vehicle, and report the misconduct later to the SAPS Anti-Corruption Hotline (082 820 6467) or the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

---

Source: https://www.autotrader.co.za/cars/news-and-advice/automotive-news/saps-roadblock-rights/17334