CAPE TOWN – It’s D-day for Finance Minister Enoch Godogwana, who will deliver the 2026 Budget Speech this afternoon.
COSATU hopes he’ll provide better coverage for the most vulnerable.
The union is pushing for the expansion and strengthening of the Social Relief of Distress grant.
Source: https://www.enca.com/videos/budget-2026-will-srd-grant-grow
Walmart Announces Plans to Open 21 New Stores Across Gauteng KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape in South Africa
Walmart is making a bold move in South Africa, unveiling plans to open 21 additional stores after launching its third outlet in Boksburg this week.
The U.S. retail giant aims to cement its presence across three key provinces: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape, signaling a serious commitment to reaching more South African shoppers.
The company emphasizes its mission to offer “affordable, high-quality merchandise” to local consumers while reshaping its footprint in the country.
With this accelerated rollout, Walmart is clearly aiming to become a household name nationwide, not just in major cities.
Interestingly, Walmart’s push coincides with its South African subsidiary, Massmart, considering the closure of about 20 Game stores.
Reports suggest some of these outlets might be converted into Walmart locations, while others could be shuttered entirely.
In KwaZulu-Natal, stores in cities like Amanzimtoti, Ballito, Richards Bay, Pietermaritzburg, and The Pavilion may see changes.
Massmart, however, reassures that this is not the end for the Game brand—the affected stores represent only a small fraction of its 122 outlets nationwide.
The strategy seems aimed at modernizing and consolidating retail offerings rather than abandoning the brand entirely.
The third South African Walmart will open at Eastpoint Shopping Centre in Boksburg on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
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This store also replaces a Game location that closed in mid-2025, marking the continuation of Walmart’s strategy to take over former retail spaces.
Launch day promises more than just shopping—family-friendly activities and special promotions will greet early visitors, making it a community event rather than a typical store opening.
Walmart clearly wants to build excitement and loyalty from day one.
Since opening its first two South African stores at former Game sites in Clearwater Mall and Fourways Mall in November 2025, Walmart has shown no hesitation in aggressively expanding.
With 21 new stores planned, the retailer appears determined to create a strong national footprint quickly.
This strategy comes at a time when retail in South Africa is evolving rapidly, with online shopping trends growing and brick-and-mortar chains facing intense competition. Walmart’s approach of using existing commercial spaces and rebranding them allows a fast, cost-effective expansion that could position the company as a dominant player in local retail.
South Africa’s retail sector is competitive, but Walmart is entering at a time when consumers are actively seeking affordable goods without compromising quality.
By targeting key provinces with high population density and urban growth—Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape—Walmart is positioning itself where demand is strong.
This move could also provide employment opportunities in the regions where stores open, which may be particularly important in areas like Richards Bay or Pietermaritzburg, where retail jobs can contribute significantly to local economies.
Over the next few years, South Africans can expect to see Walmart’s footprint grow rapidly.
Massmart may continue converting Game outlets to Walmart stores, while some underperforming locations may close or rebrand.
Observers will also be watching how Walmart balances expansion with competition from established local retailers like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and Spar.
Additionally, consumer response will be crucial—if Walmart can win over price-sensitive shoppers with strong promotions and reliable service, it may become a major player in South African retail faster than expected.
Walmart is clearly serious about South Africa, opening its third store in Boksburg and planning 21 more across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
The move comes alongside potential Game store closures and conversions, signaling a major reshaping of the local retail landscape.
For consumers, it promises more affordable products and convenient locations; for employees and communities, it could mean new jobs and opportunities.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has voiced its opposition to the proposed transfer of transmission assets to an independent Transmission System Operator.
Image: File
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), currently at loggerheads with Eskom in a wage negotiation standoff, has voiced its opposition to the proposed transfer of transmission assets to an independent Transmission System Operator (TSO).
The union is calling for urgent labour consultation before any further steps are taken.
The union said it had noted the directive issued by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), instructing that the assets of the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom Holdings, be transferred to a fully independent TSO outside of Eskom Holdings. NUM argues that the Energy Regulation Amendment Act does not provide an explicit empowering provision for such an end state of ownership.
Citing inadequate labour consultation, NUM said that when NTCSA was separated from Eskom in July 2024, organised labour was not meaningfully consulted. The union subsequently lodged formal disputes with Tokiso Dispute Settlement, which remain unresolved and are currently at the appeal stage.
“The announcement of a further and far more significant step — transferring strategic assets to an entity outside the Eskom group — raises the stakes considerably. NUM insists that structured and substantive engagement with organised labour must take place before the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) finalises any proposals,” said NUM’s Energy Sector Coordinator, Khangela Baloyi.
Baloyi said labour is calling for written, binding guarantees that no employee will be worse off as a result of the restructuring. Employees currently within NTCSA were transferred on existing Eskom Holdings terms and conditions and remain members of the Eskom Pension and Provident Fund (EPPF).
“Moving assets to a fully independent TSO creates unresolved questions regarding the continuity of pension arrangements, medical aid, housing allowances and other conditions of service,” he said.
NUM also objected to financial risks being shifted onto workers. According to Eskom CEO Dan Marokane, transaction advisers have indicated that the proposed transfer could trigger cross-default provisions affecting approximately R400 billion in debt exposure.
The union noted that Eskom Holdings would require compensation for the transfer of transmission assets, estimated at approximately R100 billion — bringing the total potential exposure to about half a trillion rand in the quest to establish an independent TSO.
“These financial realities highlight the scale of risk and complexity involved. Any instability arising from a poorly managed transition — including debt restructuring, compensation funding or tariff impacts — will ultimately affect employment levels, operational capacity, energy security and affordability for the public,” Baloyi said.
Adam Brooke is set to take the helm as CEO of Netball South Africa in 2026, succeeding Modiegi Komane. With a rich background in sports administration, Brooke plans to transform the sport through commercialization, player development, and enhanced governance.
Adam Brooke is set to become the new CEO of Netball South Africa (NSA), bringing with him a wealth of experience in sports administration . Brooke’s appointment, commencing on March 1, 2026, marks a new chapter for the organization, succeeding Modiegi Komane. Komane’s tenure, which ran from October 2023 to October 2025, was marked by challenges, making Brooke’s task all the more significant.
Brooke’s background includes over two decades of experience, with expertise in various facets of sports management, including marketing, event management, sponsorship, operations, and governance. His impressive resume features involvement in high-profile global sporting events such as the Tour de France, Africa Cup of Nations, the FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, the Absa Cape Epic, and the Rugby World Cup. He outlines a three-part plan to drive the sport forward which covers commercialization and professionalization to increase revenue, focusing on the performance of both men’s and women’s teams on the court, and developing netball at a grassroots level within South Africa. Brooke envisions South Africa competing for medals at the 2029 World Cup and aims to collaborate with the Ministry of Sport and other federations to foster talent discovery and development within the sport, providing opportunities for South African athletes to reach their full potential. \Brooke expressed his enthusiasm for taking on the role, citing his passion for South African sports. He saw the position as a “no brainer” because of the opportunity to work for a major federation, representing a sport with growing popularity. He notes the success of the South African netball team, particularly their recent victory against England, and acknowledges the steady growth of the men’s game. This represents a huge opportunity to further advance the sport. The incoming CEO highlights the importance of bringing unity and stability to the federation, especially given the challenges the organization faced last year, including the suspension of a former president and issues surrounding the working environment. Brooke plans to work closely with the new executive, including the president and vice president, while leveraging his experience to complement the existing knowledge within NSA. His strategy emphasizes stabilizing the federation, improving governance, and driving the organization toward a more successful future, emphasizing his commitment to collaboration and a team-based approach. The incoming CEO intends to focus on the performance of the men’s senior team and the establishment of a sponsored league, as well as the implementation of netball programs in schools, particularly for boys. This strategic focus is partly driven by the upcoming World Cup and the broader vision of World Netball (WN) to get the sport included in the Olympic Games. Brooke acknowledges the potential of the men’s team, its status as three-time African champions, and the necessity to build a professional men’s league and also introduce netball in schools to attract more male athletes from a young age. \Brooke’s vision extends beyond immediate successes, as he is strategically focused on the long-term sustainability and growth of netball in South Africa. This involves improving the governance structure within the federation, fostering a positive working environment, and developing talent from the grassroots level. A key element of his strategy is to promote netball in schools, including developing programs for boys and establishing a sponsored league to professionalize the men’s game. Brooke’s approach includes commercialization and professionalization of the sport, and aims to strengthen the performance of both men’s and women’s teams. These strategies are all geared towards not only increasing the appeal and profitability of the sport but also increasing its competitive edge on the international stage. His plan is comprehensive, covering all aspects of the sport, from the development of players to improving its overall financial and competitive standing. By taking this holistic approach, Brooke hopes to create a lasting legacy for himself and contribute significantly to the advancement of netball in South Africa.
Source: https://za.headtopics.com/news/adam-brooke-appointed-as-new-ceo-of-netball-south-africa-80106466
Introductory Remarks
The Congress of South African Trade Unions welcomes the 2026 increase of inflation plus 1.5% (5% in total or R1.44) for the National Minimum Wage. This progressive above inflation increase raises the NMW from R28,79 per hour to R30.23, a new milestone.
Whilst COSATU had tabled a slightly higher proposal, we are pleased that our demand for a positive above inflation increase secured the support of the Commission and the Minister for Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhozana Meth.
Welcome Increases
The NMW Act mandates the Commission to ensure the NMW is not eroded by inflation, as this would plunge workers deeper into debt, poverty and despair. This positive increase helps protect the value of the NMW and workers’ ability to care for their families.
Many workers have received zero or below inflation increases since 2020, with indications that this trend will continue. Millions of workers have seen their wages and benefits slashed.
Most workers support relatives who have lost jobs and wages.
It will inject badly needed stimulus into the economy, spurring growth, sustaining and creating jobs. It will provide relief to nearly 6 million workers earning within the NMW range in particular farm, domestic, construction, retail, transport, hospitality, security, and cleaning workers.
COSATU is pleased with the progress we have made with the NMW since it came into effect in 2019 at R20 per hour, with domestic workers then pegged at R15 and farmworkers R18, a 50%, 100% and 66% increase, respectively.
They have both since been equalised with the NMW. The NMW is a far cry from the poverty wages farm and domestic workers were paid a few years ago, at times as little as R6 an hour. It is one of government led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress’ most important and transformational achievements.
EPWP and CWP Workers
Engagements need to be accelerated with the Presidency, Treasury and the Departments of Cooperative Governance, Public Works and Infrastructure on a road map to ensure Community and Expanded Public Works Programmes’ workers are raised from the incoming amount of R16,62 to the full NMW.
It is unacceptable that these workers remain pegged at just under 55% of the NMW. This must now end. A road map will be developed with government and labour for those sectors in the EPWP and CWP to incrementally narrow the gap and then equalize with the NMW over the medium-term expenditure framework, e.g. over the next 3 years.
Rounding Off Adjustments
The Reserve Bank is moving away from minting cents, with many coins having been phased out, e.g. 1, 2, 5 and 10 cents. This trend will continue.
Adjusting the NMW by hard-to-remember odd cents makes it complicated for employers and workers to remember the NMW level or make calculations. It makes it difficult for workers to ensure they are paid in line with the NMW Act. Most workers paid the NMW are paid in cash. It is not practical to pay amounts ending in cents.
Implementation Dates
The NMW should ensure that increases to the NMW are implemented timeously and effected from the 1st of January each year. This is in line with the original anniversary of the NMW of 1 January 2019.
BCEA Annual Income Threshold
COSATU remains deeply frustrated, disappointed and angered that the former Employment Conditions Commission and now the NMW Commission have failed to adjust the BCEA income threshold to recover the massive erosion it has suffered from repeated failures over 6 years to adjust it for CPI from 2014 to 2020.
This has led to millions of workers no longer being afforded many critical labour rights protections based upon this annual income threshold. It has exposed them to exploitation and seen their protections and rights eroded and denied overtime payments due to them.
It has seen the protection provided by the Unemployment Insurance Fund reduced. This meant the 5.5 million workers receiving the UIF Covid-19 TERS during the pandemic received more or less than they would have received if the income threshold had consistently been increased to protect it from inflationary erosion.
The BCEA income threshold needs to be protected from inflation and erosion. It also needs to protect workers, as intended when the initial threshold was determined.
COSATU Proposals:
Medium Term Target
A key part of the NMW Agreement at Nedlac was for the NMW Commission to set a medium term target for the NMW once it came into effect. Research needs to begin on this. The NMW was set at the initial low level of R20 and pegged for farm, domestic, EPWP and CWP workers to prevent retrenchments.
We need to set a progressive medium-term target linked to a living wage and a reasonable road map to achieve it.
COSATU Proposals:
Enforcement
Whilst we have made progress, it is critical that the Department of Employment and Labour intensify its crackdown on defaulting employers. Unions must expose such workplaces.
Organised Business must play its part too. This is a criminal offence and should be treated as such. Such employers cannot be allowed to defy the law and treat their employees little better than slaves.
Minister Meth’s bold commitment to employ an additional 10 000 permanent and 20 000 intern inspectors will be a welcome boost to ensuring the abhorrent defiance of the law by some employers is dealt with.
Concluding Remarks
Right-wing critics of the NMW said it would lead to a job’s bloodbath. Independent research by leading academics has proven this not to be the case. It has had a positive impact on reducing poverty and inequality whilst boosting economic growth. Other countries that have introduced an NMW, e.g. the United States, Germany and Brazil, have had similar positive experiences.
Beyond the NMW, the government needs to expedite measures to tackle the network and other obstacles to growing the economy and reinforce the social wage, e.g. subsidised public transport, education, housing, municipal services and social security.
These are critical to fixing the state, unlocking the economy, reducing poverty, creating decent jobs, as well as ensuring workers earn a living wage.
Discount retailer Boxer has made some changes to its executive team, with Pick n Pay CEO Sean Summers set to take over as its non-independent non-executive chair at the start of March this year.
Boxer was unbundled and separately listed from Pick n Pay in 2024, though Pick n Pay retains a majority stake in the company.
On Friday, 20 February, Boxer announced that it had made some major changes to its executive team and board.
The retailer previously announced that its chair, James Formby, will step down from this role with effect from 28 February 2026. He will remain on the board as a non-independent non-executive director.
Summers has been selected to take over Formby’s role, assuming the position of non-independent, non-executive chair of Boxer starting on 1 March 2026.
Boxer explained that, related to this change in chairmanship, Summers will step down as a member of the company’s Remuneration Committee, also with effect from 1 March 2026.
In turn, Formby will be appointed as a member of the Remuneration Committee with effect from the same date.
“The board expresses its sincere appreciation to James for his leadership and valuable contribution as chair of the company and looks forward to his continued service as a non-executive director and committee member,” Boxer said.
“The board welcomes Sean as chair and is confident that his extensive retail experience and strategic leadership will support the company’s continued growth and performance.”
Boxer’s latest trading statement revealed that the retailer is on track for a strong 2026 financial year.
In the 48 weeks ended 1 February 2026, Boxer grew its turnover by 11.9%, and a more muted 3.9% on a like-for-like basis.
The retailer is also on track to meet its 2026 store rollout guidance. Boxer has undergone an aggressive expansion over the past few years, now operating over 500 stores across the country.
The retailer has set a target of opening 60 new stores on a full-year basis in the 2026 financial year.
Boxer’s 2026 financial year will end on 1 March 2026, with the retailer expected to release its full-year results on 11 May 2026.
Source: https://dailyinvestor.com/retail/120988/pick-n-pay-ceo-sean-summers-gets-another-job/
