by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Global Business Solutions joint-CEO John Botha
The publication of the Labour Law Amendment Bill in Government Gazette No. 54220 on 26 February 2026 marks the most comprehensive review of South Africa’s employment legislation in more than a decade.
The Bill proposes amendments to the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act and National Minimum Wage Act following an extended NEDLAC negotiation process conducted between April 2022 and October 2024.
While significant consensus was achieved on institutional reforms affecting the Labour Court and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), several substantive provisions carry notable economic, compliance and governance implications that will now be tested during the public comment phase prior to Parliamentary consideration.
What Emerged from the NEDLAC Process
The NEDLAC negotiations resulted in several areas of consensus between organised business, organised labour and government. Among the agreed amendments is the introduction of an earnings threshold of R1.8-million per annum, limiting reinstatement as a remedy in non-automatic unfair dismissal disputes. Compensation caps linked to CPI adjustments were also incorporated.
The Bill further simplifies the statutory test for procedural fairness, aligning it with prevailing jurisprudence by requiring that an employee be afforded a fair and reasonable opportunity to respond.
Start-up businesses with fewer than 50 employees will benefit from a two-year exemption from extended bargaining council collective agreements. Amendments to section 189A rationalise large-scale retrenchment procedures, restoring the ability to challenge dismissals post-implementation and reducing procedural duplication. A 24-month validity cap on section 77 socio-economic protest certificates has also been introduced.
Taken together, these amendments reflect a negotiated recalibration of certain procedural and remedial mechanisms within the existing labour framework.
Provisions with Material Economic and Compliance Implications
Several proposed amendments carry significant economic and compliance implications.
Statutory severance pay is set to increase from one week to two weeks per completed year of service. For organisations engaged in periodic restructuring, this amendment may necessitate revised workforce cost modelling and financial planning assumptions.
The proposed extension of the definition of “employee,” through a new Schedule 11 to the Labour Relations Act, seeks to extend organisational and collective bargaining rights to certain non-standard and platform-based workers. This represents a potential structural shift in the regulation of emerging work models.
The cost and operational implications of large-scale reclassification remain uncertain and will likely require further interpretative guidance.
Proposed protections for “on call” workers under section 9B of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act introduce minimum pay guarantees and advance notice obligations. These provisions may affect sectors reliant on flexible staffing arrangements.
The amendment to the National Minimum Wage Act, following the Labour Appeal Court’s decision in the Quantum Foods matter, clarifies the exclusion of certain contractual bonuses from minimum wage calculations.
Proposed amendments to the Employment Equity Act concerning arbitrary wage differentiation further signal increased regulatory attention to pay equity compliance.
The Public Participation Phase
The public comment phase now underway constitutes a critical procedural step within the legislative process. Submissions received during this period may influence the refinement, amendment or reconsideration of contested provisions before the Bill is formally introduced in Parliament.
The Labour Law Amendment Bill now enters the formal public participation phase prior to Parliamentary deliberation. The extent and substance of stakeholder engagement during this period may shape the final legislative architecture governing South Africa’s employment relations framework.
Written by John Botha, Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions (GBS), a South African workplace and labour advisory firm specialising in employment law and workforce governance
Source: https://www.polity.org.za/article/labour-law-amendment-bill-2026-legislative-developments-and-economic-implications-2026-03-02
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Minister of employment and labour Nomakhosazana Meth. File photo (Freddy Mavunda/Business Day)
Meth says expansion aims to close enforcement gaps as only 2%-5% of SA workplaces are currently inspected
The department of employment and labour has estimated that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proposal to appoint 10,000 additional labour inspectors could cost about R10bn over the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF), according to a written parliamentary reply.
The figures were disclosed in response to a question from MK Party MP Andile Nchabeleng to employment and labour minister Nomakhosazana Meth about the feasibility and cost implications of the plan announced during the state of the nation address on February 12.
In her reply to the National Assembly, Meth said the expansion of the inspectorate is intended to address longstanding gaps in labour inspection and enforcement around the country.
Administrative data collected by the inspectorate over nearly two decades shows only about 2%-5% of workplaces in South Africa have been covered through advocacy, inspections and enforcement activities.
Meth said the scale of the labour market far exceeds the current inspection capacity. She cited several indicators of the number of workplaces operating.
These include Stats SA’s Quarterly Employment Survey, which uses about 20,000 VAT-registered businesses in the formal sector, and the Commission for Employment Equity report, which recorded 29,269 designated employers that submitted employment equity reports in 2024.
Other estimates referenced by the department include about 4-million registered companies recorded by the South African Revenue Service and about 2.7-million small, medium and micro-enterprises estimated by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The department also referred to guidelines from the International Labour Organisation, which recommends a ratio of one labour inspector for every 10,000 workers in developing economies. South Africa currently has about 16.8-million employed people, excluding workers in the informal economy and some SMMEs, which further increases the scale of the inspection challenge.
Meth said appointing an additional 10,000 inspectors would “significantly improve the operational reach of the inspectorate and make an impact in the South African labour market”. The department said the increase would also help respond to growing demand for its services, including the regulation of undocumented migrant workers.
Financial estimates contained in the reply indicate that employing 10,000 inspectors would cost about R3.7bn a year in salaries and wages. Over the MTEF period, the total cost is expected to reach about R10bn.
The projected expenditure would cover basic salaries, leave pay and gratuities, performance-based allowances and bonuses, statutory contributions such as pension and medical aid, as well as tools of trade required by inspectors.
The department said funding for the initiative is expected to come from the National Treasury, which typically finances commitments announced by the president during the state of the nation address.
Meth also confirmed that a detailed project and implementation plan is still being developed. Once finalised, the framework will first be submitted internally for approval before being tabled. The department indicated that the implementation framework is expected to be completed by March 13.
Source: https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-03-09-r10bn-plan-to-hire-10000-labour-inspectors/
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Rishav Juglall (supplied)
Firm manufactures, supplies cleaning products
Rishav Juglall is the entrepreneur behind Rocky Brands, a business that has created 48 employment opportunities.
Based in Midrand, Rocky Brands manufactures and supplies high-quality cleaning products to retailers across SA.
In 2022, Juglall’s business was named Pick n Pay Business Supplier of the Year. And in 2023, his company secured R15,7-million in blended funding from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
The IDC, an entity of the trade, industry and competition department, drives job creation through industrialisation and supports businesses owned by black people, women and youth to build a more inclusive economy.
“The funding helped us to buy more equipment, and that enabled our production process to be mostly automated, saving us money and time and contributing to the well-being of our employees because they work less overtime to meet deadlines,” explained Juglall.
The investment also allowed Rocky Brands to upskill staff to operate the new machinery and warehouse equipment, while bulk stock purchases have reduced input costs.
Juglall, who holds a qualification in marketing and economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, identified a gap in the market for affordable, quality cleaning products.
Inspired by his mother’s struggle to find reasonably priced products — including a cleaning agent for her glass-top stove — he launched the business 15 years ago.
Its main manufacturing plant operates from Riversands in Midrand, supported by distribution depots in Durban and Cape Town.
In 2011, when Juglall was just 22, he had a vision of transforming the cleaning products sector in SA.
“At the time, I could only find an Australian import, and it was expensive. I then found Weiman products on Amazon, and the reviews were very impressive. I reached out to the brand and sealed a deal to supply South African retail stores with Weiman products, and that’s how I started my business,” he said.
His company became the sole distributor for Weiman products in SA at the time, supplying major retailers.
The company began manufacturing approximately 90% of its products in-house from 2016.
“The shift to local production not only supports the South African economy but also gives us greater control over the quality and sustainability of our offerings,” Juglall said. “We were one of the first black-owned businesses in SA to supply Woolworths with cleaning products from 2023.”
Today, Rocky Brands manufactures and delivers cleaning brands including Goo Gone, Orange, Wright’s, Weiman, Earth Friendly, Magic Eraser and Clean Start. The company supplies Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Spar, Checkers, Bidvest Prestige, Supercare and House & Home, among others. — GCIS‘s Vuk’uzenzele
Source: https://www.sowetan.co.za/news/2026-03-10-rocky-brands-cleans-up-as-it-drives-job-creation/#google_vignette
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Walmart 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 Walmart Clearwater and Fourways, included affordable roast chicken quarters, delectably marbled sirloin steaks from the butchery, Dr Pepper drinks, Sour Patch Kids and Reese’s chocolate bars. At Walmart Boksburg, early feedback from customers 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 at the 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. 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 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 Walmart stores.
Saving money and supporting communities go hand-in-hand. 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 Walmart’s Clearwater and Fourways stores.
Source : Walmart
Image : Walmart
Source: https://www.insightdiy.co.uk/news/walmart-opens-third-south-african-store/16174.htm
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Shoprite shares weren’t spared Tuesday’s market sell-off, falling 4.4% despite producing real growth in volumes.
Adecade ago, it was standard fare at the Shoprite Holdings results presentation to get a quirky statistic about how only a handful of shops in Nigeria were selling more Moët & Chandon than all of the retailer’s bottle stores in South Africa.
Then the champagne turned to pain, and as part of a pivot to opportunities at home, CEO Pieter Engelbrecht put the cork into Shoprite’s geographical footprint. When he took charge in 2017, the retailer was in 15 countries; it’s now in seven. And all of them close to South Africa.
The latest set of results suggests that the strategy is working. After accounting for the discontinued operations in Ghana and Malawi, as well as the sale of its furniture chains in Angola and Mozambique, the group’s revenue increased by 7.1% to R138.9bn for the half-year ended December. Diluted headline earnings per share grew 7.9% to 708.c and the dividend is 307c a share.
South Africa first
“The real proof that the South Africa-first strategy is working sits in the Supermarkets RSA numbers,” says Merchant West analyst Bianca Lakha. “Holding a 6.2% trading margin while running internal selling price inflation at just 0.7%, [which is] well below Stats SA’s 4.7% food inflation, is a statement about the depth of price investment this business is willing to absorb.”
The promotional activities of Black Friday and Christmas are included in these numbers. “That the group still grew trading profit 7.1% despite effectively choosing to deflate prices through the festive season tells you the volume response is real,” she adds.
In fact, taken as a whole, the products on Shoprite’s shelves were actually cheaper than a year before thanks to lower commodities prices and a stronger rand.
“We over-index on many of the commodities, and the prices of products such as potatoes, rice, maize meal have in some cases come down by as much as 40%,” says Engelbrecht.
A win for suppliers
What the price deflation also tells you is that the company grew volumes. And higher volumes, says Engelbrecht, is good news for suppliers. Not to mention consumers, who benefit from those bulk discounts.
But the competition is fierce. “Because the economy is not growing, we are all now scratching around in each other’s business,” Engelbrecht says.
And not just in retail, either. Though Shoprite is pushing deeper into financial services, so are the telecoms players. The banks, in turn, are creeping into mobile telephony and data sales.
Yet – and maybe Mr Price, now in the throes of a deeply unpopular German acquisition, should take note – South Africa has fewer headaches for Shoprite than the days when it had to deal with foreign currency restrictions, market turbulence and hyperinflation.
“We are basically now done with the rationalisation,” Engelbrecht tells Currency.
Lakha reckons the exit from Ghana, Malawi and the furniture businesses in Angola and Mozambique was well-timed. These would have been a drag on profits. The portfolio is now cleaner and more manageable on paper, she says.
Reaping the data
It means that Shoprite’s management team have been able to free up capital previously tied to “subeconomic returns” and put to better use at home, says Coronation portfolio manager and analyst Tumisho Motlanthe.
“Some of the other markets on the continent turned out to be much more capital intensive than expected,” he adds.
Its lekker local ventures mean that Checkers is treading ever deeper into the well-to-do waters Woolworths used to patrol so fiercely, aided in part by the Xtra Savings loyalty programme. This now boasts 34-million users – that’s more than half the country’s population – generating a trove of valuable data. Not to mention the success of the country’s largest motorcycle gang, the Doorbell’s Angels (officially known as Sixty60).
Management at Checkers and lower-income division Shoprite each have a sharp focus on their respective markets. Other retailers have learnt the hard way that you shouldn’t approach affluent and thrifty consumers with the same playbook.
No wonder the company keeps tweaking its international supplier base to stretch their rands the furthest. As recently as five years ago, the group still imported goods from 84 countries. That is now down to 20, says Engelbrecht.
As an aside, Engelbrecht mentioned 162 containers destined for its stores are now stuck in the Suez Canal due to the conflict in the Middle East. Thankfully not fresh produce, but glassware and similar goods from places such as the Czech Republic and Türkiye.
Source: https://currencynews.co.za/how-shoprites-bet-on-south-africa-paid-off/
by Dev_SACCAWU | Labour Market News
Shoprite remains one of South Africa’s most successful retailers, delivering strong results despite margin pressures stemming from low selling price inflation.
Shoprite is also the country’s largest retailer, now boasting over 3,600 stores across its network.
The retailer released its results for the 26 weeks ended 28 December 2025 on Tuesday, 3 March, revealing a strong start to its 2026 financial year.
Shoprite’s revenue increased by 7.1% to R138.85 billion, while its sales of merchandise grew by 7.2% to R136.8 billion.
This was slightly outpaced by the company’s cost of sales, which rose by 7.3% to R104.18 billion.
Shoprite CEO Pieter Engelbrecht explained that the retailer experienced very low internal selling price inflation over the 26-week period, with high promotional activity over the festive season leading to deflation.
This put some margin pressure on the retailer, with its profit for the period recording a slight decline of 0.4% to R3.69 billion.
The group’s total comprehensive income for the period decreased by 7.40% to R3.31 billion.
However, the company managed to increase its earnings from continuing operations by 4.5% to 697/1 cents, while earnings from discontinued operations remained flat.
The lion’s share of the group’s income came from its core Supermarkets RSA segment, which increased sales by 7.1% to R115.33 billion.
All of the brands in this segment performed well, with Shoprite and Usave increasing sales by 5.1%, while Checkers and Checkers Hyper saw 8.9% growth in sales.
Another standout performer was the group’s market-leading Sixty60 on-demand digital platform, which saw its sales increase by 34.6% to R11.9 billion over the 26-week period.
The group’s other local brands, including Petshop Science, Uniq Clothing by Checkers, Checkers Outdoor and Little Me, increased sales by 70.9%.
Overall, the Supermarkets RSA segment increased its trading profit by 7.1% to R7.19 billion.
However, the company took some pain outside South Africa. Shoprite’s Supermarkets Non-RSA delivered 12.1% sales growth to R11.54 billion, but suffered from a profitability perspective.
This segment’s trading profit fell by 17.4% to R303 million, which Engelbrecht attributed to adverse conditions in Mozambique over the period.
“We continue to maintain a disciplined approach to capital allocation as well as portfolio focus,” the CEO said.
“Following the recent classification of our operations in Ghana and Malawi as discontinued operations, our scope of operations on the continent now numbers seven countries, all situated relatively close to our South African home base.”
The group’s other operating segments, including OK Franchise, Transpharm, Medirite, and Computicket, increased their sales by 3.5% to R9.93 billion, while their trading profit decreased by 1.6% to R302 million.
Across its segments, Shoprite opened 209 stores in the interim period, expanding its continuing operations footprint to 3,655 stores.
On the back of these results, Shoprite declared an interim dividend of 307 cents per share, representing year-on-year growth of 7.7%.
Source: https://dailyinvestor.com/retail/122505/south-africas-biggest-retailer-feels-the-squeeze/
