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1UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
Quarterly ReportAugust 2018
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:FEDUSA concerned about increasing cash-in-transit heists
Mantashe needs to get mining charter ball rolling to secure the industry’s future
P 17 P 8
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA’S CABINETUASA remains positiveFULL STORY ON P4
2 3UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
ABOUT USUASA is a membership driven organisation
meaning its policy and direction is moulded and driven by the members.Members are enthusiastic and committed trade
unionists who organise fellow workers to deal
with workplace challenges collectively. Day in, day
out, they give freely of their time and energy to
supporting their colleagues at work and building
UASA at grass roots level.
We have workplace representatives dealing with
all different workplace issues such as health and
safety, pensions, disciplinary assistance etc.- all of
them dedicated to stand up for fellow colleagues
and improving working lives. Representatives
are also involved in the union’s branch, regional
and national structures.While new members
join up individually, majority of
members have been recruited
by fellow UASA members. The
more members UASA recruit, the
stronger our voice and influence
gets in the workplace.
In summary, UASA offers trusted support in
respect of:
Collective bargaining
Retrenchment consultations
Discipline and Grievance
Legal assistance
Dispute handling
Members enjoy the following benefits:
A funeral benefit which covers the member,
spouse and four children under the age of 21
Maternity benefit after completion of 12 months
membership
Study grants worth R75000 paid out annually to
20 successful applicants
Members get 20% discount at UASA’s own
Marlicht Holiday flats in Margate
0861008272 is the dedicated emergency
number for all UASA members. It provides
instant access to medical emergency evacuation,
roadside assistance, legal helpline, teacher on
call and many more.
UASA’s enthusiasm somewhat dampened by
reshuffle, but we remain positive 4
At last South Africa’s disenfranchised see government
action with the transfer of home ownership 5
Mantashe needs to get mining charter ball
rolling to secure the industry’s future 6
DMR must speed up investigation into Sibanye-
Stillwater fatalities and stick to due process 6
Appeal tarrifs exemption ruling – FEDUSA 7
Revival of new mining charter determines
sector’s future 8
Gold wage negotiations 8
Anglogold Ashanti to cut 2000 jobs 8
Mining fatalities a huge concern 9
New Anglo Platinum Essop negotiations 9
UASA welcomes settlement in silicosis en
TB class action 9
New Mining Charter negotiations 9
FEDUSA to join Treasury on International
Investor Roadshow 10
Speed up minimum wage this May Day and
prepare for the Jobs Summit – FEDUSA 11
Ramaphosa should make work of creating 1 million
jobs as QES, QLFS results show that progress is slow 12
Reduction in the repo rate will stimulate investments 13
Increase in CPI rate no cause for higher interest rates 13
UASA members at Idwala Carbonates gets
7% increase 13
Thousands of security officers will march
against cash-in-transit heists on Tuesday 14
FEDUSA concerned about increasing
cash-in-transit heists 15
Security industry wage talks 15
Fuel price, taxes financially cripple
South Africa’s workers 16
Hefty fuel price increase will put the poor
under even more pressure 16
Wage settlement in bus industry means
lock-out is lifted as well 17
Golden Arrow Bus Services to apply for
exemption from wage agreement 17
UASA members unfairly bearing the brunt of
mismanagement at SA Express 17
Denel: Bad faith bargaining staff salaries for June at risk 18
Minister Pravin Gordhan will look into Denel affairs 19
UASA welcomes new Denel board; decisive
action at other SOE’s must now follow 20
Appointment of Hadebe at Eskom shows Ramaphosa
is serious about rooting out corruption 20
Transnet boodskap aan pensioenarisse 21
FEDUSA welcomes appointment of Transnet
interim board 22
FEDUSA stands by striking SASSA workers 22
FEDUSA appeals to Nzimande to intervene
in Autopax crisis 23
Members at Enstra Paper settle on 8% wage increase 24
Paper and pulp wage dispute 24
Paper & Pulp wage negotiations 24
Personal Care employment notice boards 24
Amanzi Bargaining Council wage negotiations: 2018 25
Personal Care Chronicle: Extracts 25
FEDUSA condemns the use of violence
in resolving dIsputes 26
Amanzi Bargaining Council: Wage negotiations 26
Sugar Bargaining Council: Wage dispute,
negotiations and settlement 27
FEDUSA to lobby labour minister for the
social protection of actors 38
Wage agreement signed with Western
Suburbs Bowling Club, Port Elizabeth 28
Addressing your data breach risk 30
Will you still have a voice after your death? 31
Long Service Awards 32
Study grants awarded to 14 students 33
Offshore considerations when it comes to your will 33
In memoriam 34
Obituaries 37
Recipe: 15 minute pasta 38
It pays to belong to UASA 39
Marlicht Vacation Resort 40
CONTENTS
TOP STORIES TOP STORIES
4 5UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
The Treasury’s plans to speed up the transfer
of ownership of homes worth R180 billion
($15 billion) to about one million poor people from
April, granting them access to assets that could be
sold or used as collateral, is a welcome and long
overdue development.
It will broaden access to affordable housing for
poor communities and can open a new housing
market in South Africa, in other words, this is
a positive form of expropriation without
compensation with the potential of
unlocking economic value and
unleashing empowerment on a
massive scale for South Africa’s
disenfranchised.
The new land and home
owners will be able to unlock
the value in their properties to
increase their wealth and start
building a better future.
Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto, known
for his work on the informal economy and on the
importance of business and property rights, achieved
through his Institute for Liberty and Democracy
the handover of titles to an estimated 1,2 million
Peruvian families on much the same premise.
De Soto’s widespread influence in the field of
development resulted in successful reforms that
also inspired major initiatives in countries such as
Egypt, the Philippines, Honduras and Tanzania.
Workers are tired and weary of
empty words and misleading
promises. This transfer of property
translates in the long-desired
government action workers
want to see. The economic
circumstances of many
will be bettered in the best
interest of our country and
its people.
UASA’s enthusiasm for the “new dawn”
announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa is
somewhat dampened after the sequence of events
leading up to and the actual announcement of the
cabinet reshuffle.
We would have preferred the president to
remain strong and confident as per his SONA, but
it would appear as if the pressure of internal ANC
faction battles has taken its toll and shaken his
confidence. We can only hope that, moving forward,
Ramaphosa will be able to put together a successful
strategy to deal with these matters in order to
deliver on his promise of “South Africa first”,
without compromise to the internal ANC struggles.
It is trite that the likes of Nomvula Mokonyane,
Malusi Gigaba and David Mabuza somehow
managed to survive the reshuffle, and not to
mention the unspeakable Bathabile Dlamini.
Getting back to the more serious matters, we
welcome the appointment of
Nhlanhla Nene as Minister
of Finance. With Nene
at the helm of the
treasury sleepless
nights may soon be
something of the past.
The appointment of
Pravin Gordhan as Minister of Public Enterprises
is of critical importance as he won’t hesitate to get
stuck into and to fix our ailing parastatals. His no-
nonsense approach will soon see major shake-ups
in the respective boards of the parastatals as well
as the corporate architecture aimed at restoring
and eventually maximising shareholder value. In
this regard, at UASA Denel will be top of mind as
the state-owned company that, through singularly
bad management and planning, could not afford
to pay the annual bonuses of our members in
December 2017.
We are also pleased with the appointment of
Gwede Mantashe as the new Minister of Mineral
Resources. The mining sector is not looking
particularly promising lately and it is therefore
critical that the industry is transformed in the
correct manner, keeping in mind that all things
possible should be done to optimise shareholder
value and keep operators in the industry
economically sustainable and financially viable
on the one hand, while at the same time socially
corrective measures must be implemented on an
inclusive basis. It is of critical importance that
Mantashe involve all stakeholders to jointly carve
out a future for the mining industry through the
new Mining Charter.
At last South Africa’s disenfranchisedsee government action with the transfer of home ownership
UASA’s enthusiasm somewhat dampened by reshuffle, but we remain positive
WE WOULD HAVE PREFERRED THE PRESIDENT TO REMAIN
STRONG AND CONFIDENT AS PER HIS SONA
UASA Funeral Care Plan
Underwritten by Assupol Life LtdAuthorized financial services provider I Registration number 2010/025083/6308 Brooks street, Menlo Park, Pretoria, 0081 PO Box 35900, Menlo Park. Pretoria,0102assupol.co.za
Our funeral care plan provides wide cover
Extended family
Payment of benefits
Following benefits are included in your funeral care plan:
Assupol On-Call benefit
Accidental death benefit
The cover can be for you, as the only life insured. Or it can be for you and your immediate family - one spouse and up to six dependant children.
Other family members who are not included as immediate family, such as more than one spouse or other children can be included as extended family members. Extended family members can be added at an additional monthly premium.
Claims are paid within 48 hours - if we have received all required claim documentation.
Ÿ Information, counselling and assistance on bereavement, trauma, HIV/Aids, other medical matters and finance.
Ÿ Ambulance and other transport in emergency.Ÿ School-work assistance to children.Ÿ Assistance with admission to medical facilities.Ÿ Travel arrangements, paid up to R500 per person, for up to
four immediate family members to attend your funeral - if the funeral takes place more than 150 kilometres from your main home in South Africa.
Ÿ Transport to bury the deceased in their main home town, paid for to a maximum of R20 000.
If the accidental death benefit option is elected the funeral cover benefit will be doubled in the event of accidental death. This benefit is only applicable for members age 18 - 65 years.
For example, if client’s spouse dies in an accident, and the spouse has a funeral cover benefit of R10 000, R20 000 will be paid.
AVIS Access benefit as provided by AVIS
Tombstone benefit
iNkomo benefit
Waiting periods
Contact us
Ÿ Vehicle will be provided for a six day period.Ÿ No deposit is payable by the claimantŸ Vehicle must be claimed within six months period.Ÿ Mileage is unrestricted.Ÿ Claimant must have a valid driver’s license.Ÿ Designated driver may be nominated if the claimant does
not have a valid driver’s license.Ÿ AVIS vehicle hire terms and conditions will apply.
Applicable to you, the life insured and your spouse only.
If you, or your beneficiary choose not to receive this iNkomo benefit, a cash benefit of R10 000 will be available.
This benefit provides, for example:
Ÿ Live cattle for funerals.Ÿ Weight 400kg plus.Ÿ Guaranteed good health.Ÿ Younger than 24 months.Ÿ Prime feedlot beef.Ÿ Kanhym Life accredited cattle only.Ÿ Delivery countrywide or collect at Kanhym Life kraal.
Ÿ Immediate family - In the event of death, other than accidental death of the insured life, a six months waiting period from the inception date of the policy is applicable in respect of the full payment of benefits.
Ÿ Extended family - In the event of death, other than accidental death of the insured life, a nine months waiting period from the inception date of the policy is applicable in respect of the full payment of benefits.
011 472 3600 ext 273
A member of the Association for Savings & Investment SA
UASA Funeral Care Plan
Underwritten by Assupol Life LtdAuthorized financial services provider I Registration number 2010/025083/6308 Brooks street, Menlo Park, Pretoria, 0081 PO Box 35900, Menlo Park. Pretoria,0102assupol.co.za
Our funeral care plan provides wide cover
Extended family
Payment of benefits
Following benefits are included in your funeral care plan:
Assupol On-Call benefit
Accidental death benefit
The cover can be for you, as the only life insured. Or it can be for you and your immediate family - one spouse and up to six dependant children.
Other family members who are not included as immediate family, such as more than one spouse or other children can be included as extended family members. Extended family members can be added at an additional monthly premium.
Claims are paid within 48 hours - if we have received all required claim documentation.
Ÿ Information, counselling and assistance on bereavement, trauma, HIV/Aids, other medical matters and finance.
Ÿ Ambulance and other transport in emergency.Ÿ School-work assistance to children.Ÿ Assistance with admission to medical facilities.Ÿ Travel arrangements, paid up to R500 per person, for up to
four immediate family members to attend your funeral - if the funeral takes place more than 150 kilometres from your main home in South Africa.
Ÿ Transport to bury the deceased in their main home town, paid for to a maximum of R20 000.
If the accidental death benefit option is elected the funeral cover benefit will be doubled in the event of accidental death. This benefit is only applicable for members age 18 - 65 years.
For example, if client’s spouse dies in an accident, and the spouse has a funeral cover benefit of R10 000, R20 000 will be paid.
AVIS Access benefit as provided by AVIS
Tombstone benefit
iNkomo benefit
Waiting periods
Contact us
Ÿ Vehicle will be provided for a six day period.Ÿ No deposit is payable by the claimantŸ Vehicle must be claimed within six months period.Ÿ Mileage is unrestricted.Ÿ Claimant must have a valid driver’s license.Ÿ Designated driver may be nominated if the claimant does
not have a valid driver’s license.Ÿ AVIS vehicle hire terms and conditions will apply.
Applicable to you, the life insured and your spouse only.
If you, or your beneficiary choose not to receive this iNkomo benefit, a cash benefit of R10 000 will be available.
This benefit provides, for example:
Ÿ Live cattle for funerals.Ÿ Weight 400kg plus.Ÿ Guaranteed good health.Ÿ Younger than 24 months.Ÿ Prime feedlot beef.Ÿ Kanhym Life accredited cattle only.Ÿ Delivery countrywide or collect at Kanhym Life kraal.
Ÿ Immediate family - In the event of death, other than accidental death of the insured life, a six months waiting period from the inception date of the policy is applicable in respect of the full payment of benefits.
Ÿ Extended family - In the event of death, other than accidental death of the insured life, a nine months waiting period from the inception date of the policy is applicable in respect of the full payment of benefits.
011 472 3600 ext 273
A member of the Association for Savings & Investment SA
Contact us on 011 472 3600 ext 273
TOP STORIES TOP STORIES
6 7UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
For Mining Minister Gwede Mantashe to reach his
goal of a new Mining Charter agreement within
three months, he must get the ball rolling without
delay.
The new charter should be well designed and
its thrashing out will take time as it must involve
all stakeholders to carve out a future for the
mining industry. Stakeholder must have enough
opportunity to participate with open minds, aimed
at striking a balance that will benefit the country
and all who live in it.
It is critical that the transformation of the
mining industry comes about in the correct
manner, with all things possible done to optimise
shareholder value and keep operators in the
industry economically sustainable and financially
viable on the one hand, while at the same time
socially corrective measures must be implemented
on an inclusive basis.
The challenges facing the mining industry are
manifold, with the ongoing decrease in production
that started early in 2017 probably the most
disturbing. UASA’s experience is that severe
cuts in expenditure and human capital are being
made by numerous mining houses to counter low
commodity prices and rising operating costs.
The new Mining Charter will have to be
developed and resolved through negotiation, with
representation by a broad range of stakeholders
– government, business, labour and communities.
Mantashe’s trade union background, being
a seasoned negotiator and, to top it all off, a
politician, is the ideal person to champion this
critically important process.
Mantashe needs to get mining charter ball rolling
to secure the industry’s future
Mining company Sibanye-Stillwater’s fatalities
have reached disastrous proportions with 21
deaths since February this year.
Even a single fatality is one too many and
completely unacceptable.
However, it is UASA’s contention that the
law must run its course. Nothing prevents the
Department of Mineral Resources to speed up its
work to complete the investigation as per the Mine
Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996. With one of our
members, Lingani Innocent Mngadiuasa, a shift
supervisor, having lost his life in the course of his
duties at the mine, as well as all other fatalities and
their loved ones, UASA demands due process from
the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate.
The inspectorate should make public a
comprehensive report of causes and recommendations
of the last four years of Sibanye-Stillwater’s fatalities
or provide a copy of such a report to the parliamentary
committee on Mineral Resources. This would enable
the relevant unions, parliamentary committee and the
Minerals Council to interrogate such a report and then
come up with recommendations.
UASA does not support a process that undermines
the law or transfers problems from the current
management to a “to be appointed curator” as per
the parliamentary committee. We need to know
exactly what lead to the unnecessary deaths, who is
to be held accountable and how such tragedies can
be prevented in future. This is after all the very same
Parliament that committed itself to the rule of law in
the Presidential Committee and on other platforms.
UASA insists on consistency from all parties in
all matters.
DMR must speed up investigation into Sibanye-Stillwater fatalities and stick to due process
The Federation of Unions of South Africa
(FEDUSA) wants government to appeal the
decision by American President Donald Trump on
Tuesday not to grant South Africa exemption from
steel and aluminium tariffs as this decision will only
accelerate job losses in the manufacturing and mining
industries, sectors that have already shed thousands
of jobs due to the unfavourable global economic
situation.
FEDUSA believes that at any rate South African
steel and aluminium exports to the US are so
negligible as to constitute any threat to that
country’s national security.
According to the figures that have been cited by
the Department of Trade and Industry from the US
Census Bureau data, in 2017 the US imported a
total of 33.4 million tons of steel, of which imports
from SA were approximately 330 000 tons or
0.98% of total US imports and 0.3% of total US
steel demand of 107 million tons, the 330 kilo
tons exported from SA represents only 5% of SA
production equating to roughly 7500 jobs in the
steel supply chain.
“As such, SA does not pose a threat to US
national security and to the US steel and aluminium
industries but is a source of strategic primary and
secondary products used in further value added
manufacturing in the US contributing to jobs in
both countries. However, due to these measures,
SA will be disproportionately affected both in terms
of jobs and productive capacity. Furthermore, SA
offered to restrict exports to a quota based on 2017
exports level. However, despite these assurances,
the United States has decided not to exempt South
Africa from the duties,” the DTI said in a statement.
“It is important to note that some of the
exempted countries are the biggest exporters
of steel and aluminium to the United States. For
steel imports: collectively, countries granted
exemption accounted for 58% of total steel imports
into the United States in 2017. For aluminium
imports: collectively, countries granted exemptions
accounted for 49% of total aluminium imports into
the United States over the same period”.
FEDUSA will be working with International Trade
Union Confederation and other fraternal labour
formations in the US to exert pressure on the Trump
administration to reconsider its tariff decision
against South Africa.
FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George
said it ironic that the decision to exclude South
Africa from the tariff exemptions was taken after
President Trump played a round of gold with
Australian businessman Joe Hockey.
Appeal tarrifs exemption ruling – FEDUSA
TOP STORIES TOP STORIES
8 9UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
UASA WELCOMES SETTLEMENT IN SILICOSIS EN TB CLASS ACTION
UASA welcomes the historic settlement of
the silicosis en TB class action litigation that
played itself out over the past three years, South
Africa’s largest class action suit to date.
UASA’s representative at the signing of the
settlement, Franz Stehring, says although the
individual pay-outs are probably not ideal, the
fact that miners who suffered lung afflictions
for decades will at last be compensated for their
suffering is the salient point.
It must be kept in mind that this is merely a
settlement and that court cases pertaining to
the matter may continue for years to come.
UASA will comment on the details of the
discussion on alignment of the settlement with
the Department of Health compensation system
as soon as more information becomes available.
The six mining companies involved are Harmony
Gold, Gold Fields, African Rainbow Minerals,
Sibanye-Stillwater, AngloGold Ashanti and Anglo
American. Anglo American no longer has gold
assets but historically was a bullion producer.
NEW ANGLO PLATINUM ESSOP NEGOTIATIONS
Alwyn van Heerden reports that he and
Divisional Manager Franz Stehring is currently
part of negotiation a new deal for an Employee
Share Ownership Scheme (Essop) at Anglo American
Platinum.
The new scheme will replace the old Kutala
one which has since been disbanded. As soon as
sufficient progress has been made, we will provide
more detail.
NEW MINING CHARTER NEGOTIATIONS
Franz Stehring and Alwyn van Heerden are part of
the negotiations to finale the new Mining Charter.
The new minister, Gwede Mantashe, stated that
he wants the new Mining Charter finalized within
three months.
Because of the magnitude of the project, the
MIGDETT has been resuscitated and a couple of
task teams under the MIGDETT are working on
different aspects of the envisaged Charter.
We will keep you abreast of developments in this
regard.
Mining fatalities spiked by a whopping 125% in
May 2018, when 9 employees died underground
compared to 4 in the same month last year.
Mantashe appointment critical for mining industry
The intervention by Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa
into the Mining Charter debacle as well as
yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle could not have come
at a more opportune time.
Gwede Mantashe’s appointment as Minister
of Mineral Resources comes at a time when
the mining sector does not look particularly
promising, and it is therefore critical that the
industry transform in the correct manner. UASA’s
definition of transformation is that all things
possible should be done to optimise shareholder
value and keep operators in the industry
economically sustainable and financially viable
on the one hand, while at the same time socially
corrective measures must be implemented on an
inclusive basis. It will be of critical importance
that Mantashe involve all stakeholders in the
process of carving out a future for the mining
industry through the new Mining Charter, and
allow them to participate with open minds with
a view to strike a balance that will benefit the
country and all who live in it.
The challenges facing the mining industry are
manifold and include, inter alia, the ongoing
decrease in production that started early in
2017. UASA’s experience is that severe cuts in
expenditure and human capital are being made
by numerous mining houses. Economist Annabel
Bishop recently told Bizcommunity the decline
also has a knock-on effect on other sectors and
industries. “The effects of the low commodity
price environment are compounded by the
continued rise in operating cost,” she said. “These
include above-inflation increases in labour and
electricity costs.”
The precarious state of the industry and the
necessity that all stakeholders be involved in
crafting a new Mining Charter mean that the
charter will have to be developed and resolved
through negotiation, with representation by
a broad range of stakeholders – government,
business, labour and communities.
UASA believes Mantashe is the right person
at the right time. His trade union background,
being a seasoned negotiator and, to top it all off, a
politician make him the ideal person to champion
this critically important process.
UASA is anxiously awaiting the start of these
negotiations and can clearly recall the Bosberaad
where the previous charter was adopted on
19 September, 2014. Perhaps Mantashe might
consider a similar strategy?
Revival of new mining charter determines sector’s future
ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI TO CUT 2000 JOBS
Johnny White from our Klerksdorp office informs
that Anglogold Ashanti served a section 189
notice. Signaling its intention to restructure its
SA Operations and to reduce its labour force from
8246 to 6246 (2000) employees. The normal
consultation process with all the unions will be
facilitated by the CCMA and we will keep you
informed of developments.
GOLD WAGE NEGOTIATIONS
UASA tabled its demands on behalf of UASA
members when wage negotiations kicked off
yesterday.
Management will go and study our demands
and will respond at the next meeting which is
scheduled for 18 July 2018.
Companies involved are Anglo Gold Ashanti,
Harmony, Sibanye Gold, Village main and Evander
Gold Mine.
We will keep you informed of developments.
Mining fatalities a huge concern
TOP STORIES TOP STORIES
10 11UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
The Federation of Unions of South Africa
(FEDUSA) has called on government to speed
up the parliamentary process leading up to the
enactment of the National Minimum Wage Act to
facilitate the implementation of a National Minimum
Wage (NMW) of R3 500 a month and to inaugurate
structures that will force employers to comply
such as the tripartite National Minimum Wage
Commission that was agreed upon at NEDLAC.
The Department of Labour had originally
planned to announce the implementation of the
minimum wage this May Day but was forced to
postpone it to later date to allow space for the
completion of parliamentary processes necessary
for its official introduction in South Africa.
Versions of the NMW previously known as
sectoral determinations that are announced by
the Minister of Labour every year for farm and
domestic workers – currently standing at around
R8 an hour – will be increased by more than 10%
and collapsed into 90% and 80% respectively
of the new national floor of R20 an hour wages.
Minimum wages for these vulnerable sectors will
be gradually increased to the level of the NMW,
itself to be reviewed two years following the date
of its introduction in South After and to be adjusted
regularly thereafter in line with food and transport
inflation for workers.
Organized labour as represented by FEDUSA,
COSATU and NACTU had wanted a minimum
wage of R26 an hour on the basis of a research
it had commissioned on the poverty datum line
in South Africa but had to settle for R20 a hour
following protracted and difficult negotiations
over two years with its social partners of business
and government at NEDLAC under then Deputy
President Cyril Ramaphosa.
FEDUSA is keenly aware that a R3 500 a month
minimum wage is less than an ideal living wage
but will certainly lift an estimated 4.5 million
workers currently earning below that amount out
of abject poverty.
As the country grapples with a high unemployment
rate of 26.7% according to the narrow definition, and
of around 40% when viewed broadly, in an extremely
low economic growth environment that has been
exacerbated by the sovereign downgrading to junk
status or sub-investment grade, FEDUSA is grateful
that President Ramaphosa has kept his promise to
hold a Jobs Summit that he made at the NEDLAC
Labour in January this year to tackle these severe
economic difficulties.
Resources gathered at the Presidential
Investment Conference – that is expected to raise
R1.2 trillion - and scheduled for either August or
September later this year, will give resolutions
taken at the Jobs Summit, the economic muscles
required for their practical implementation.
FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George,
alongside the leadership of the Public Servants
Association (PSA) – the biggest public sector trade
union in South Africa and an affiliate of the union
federation – will address its main May Day 2018
rally in Umthatha in the Eastern Cape.
SPEED UP MINIMUM WAGE THIS MAY DAY AND PREPARE FOR THE JOBS SUMMIT – FEDUSA
The Federation of Unions of South Africa
(Fedusa) will be part of Finance Minister
Pravin Gordhan’s delegation to meet credit rating
agencies and investors in the United Kingdom
and the United States next week, Fedusa said on
Sunday. “Fedusa is the only trade union federation
that will be participating in this international
roadshow aimed at promoting South Africa as an
investor-friendly destination and preempting the
threat of a sovereign downgrading by the credit
rating agencies,” Fedusa general secretary Dennis
George said in a statement.
This latest round of international roadshows
was a follow-up to similar ones held last year
where Team South Africa, made up of the social
partners of government, labour, and business,
were able to convince credit rating agencies and
investors that they were working together to
tackle structural problems facing South Africa.
“Engaging credit rating agencies and investors
is important for the country to ensure rapid
inclusive economic growth and the creation
of decent jobs for our people. Investments are
critical for any developing country,” George said.
“It is always important for social partners
to work together to give hope to our people,
especially the young who find themselves without
jobs, and to deliver a single, positive narrative
about the country when dealing with investors
and credit rating agencies.”
If social partners did not work together to
confront the myriad of structural problems facing
the country it would imply that they were working
against each other. This would be self-destructive
and would not take South Africa forward.
Inclusive economic growth and job creation
was not only about international investment.
Domestic investment was also critical.
Similarly, economic growth was assured
when citizens invested in the education of their
children and in their own education, when a
newly married couple invested in buying a new
home, when an entrepreneur started a new small
business, and likewise when the developmental
agenda called for new resources and innovations,
George said.
On Saturday, the National Treasury announced
that Gordhan, his deputy Mcebisi Jonas, director
general Lungisa Fuzile, key National Treasury
officials, and business and labour representatives
would embark on a non-deal international
investor roadshow next week.
The delegation would spend two days in
London (March 27 and 28), one day in Boston in
the United States (March 29), and two days in
New York (March 30 and 31), the Treasury said in
a statement.
“This follows extensive engagements by
senior National Treasury officials with domestic
investors following the tabling of the 2017
budget by the minister of finance.
“Treasury has a consistent and longstanding
strategy of engaging investors on a regular
basis. The purpose of this is to provide an
update on the most recent developments,
engage constructively with investors, and share
government’s thinking behind its latest policy
proposals,” the statement said.
FEDUSA to join Treasury on INTERNATIONAL INVESTOR ROADSHOW
Please can I have a caption for this pic?
TOP STORIES TOP STORIES
12 13UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
REDUCTION IN THE REPO RATE WILL STIMULATE INVESTMENTS
Within the domestic and global environments
the South African inflation risks have reduced
considerably since the previous MPC meeting.
Domestically the fiscal deficit came in lower than
expected, Moody’s retained the country’s investment
grade rating and also changed the outlook to stable,
the rand appreciated considerably and a number of
political changes had been effected that improved
business and consumer confidence. In addition the
actual CPI surprised considerably to the down side,
which points to low price pressures prevalent in
the economy. In addition, the increase in the VAT-
rate as well as bracket creep further contributed to
downward pressure on demand, which should in itself
put downward pressure on price increases.
Internationally the Brexit fears subsided
somewhat, while inflation remains under control. It is
only the possibility of a trade war that can contribute
markedly to higher consumer price inflation.
The SARB should have reduced the repo rate by
25 basis points in January, but refrained from doing
so due to being conservative as well as being afraid
of some of the above risks creating upward pressure
on consumer price inflation. However, with many of
these risks now in subdued territory - acknowledging
that there will always be risks around - there was
very little reason to not reduce the repo rate.
In fact, a reduction in the repo rate was long
overdue. South Africa needed this 25 basis point
reduction in order to stimulate investments, which
is necessary for economic growth and employment
creation - something the rating agencies require and
the country is in desperate need of.
INCREASE IN CPI RATE NO CAUSE FOR HIGHER INTEREST RATES
The increase in South Africa’s consumer price
inflation (CPI) rate in April this year is no cause
for an increase in interest rates.
The CPI rate increase to 4.5% in April compared
to a year ago – up from 3.8% in March – was
expected, with the South African Reserve Bank
(SARB) well aware that there would follow a
gradual uptick over the course of the year after the
repo rate was reduced by 25 basis points in March.
The increase in the CPI rate was caused by a
number of factors, including the VAT rate hike
from 14% to 15%, the increases in excise duties
on products such as liquor and tobacco, a higher
fuel levy and an end to high base effects (in
March). These factors, as well as a higher oil price
and weaker rand, will ensure a gradual CPI rate
increase.
The impact of the higher fuel levy, increase in oil
prices and a weakening rand caused fuel inflation
to increase from 2.9% in March to 9.0% in April.
The increase in fuel price inflation was responsible
for most of the CPI increase.
Two South African employment surveys, Stats
SA’s Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) and
the Quarterly Labour Force Statistics (QLFS), differ
in many ways, also in the employment story that
they tell.
The QES is a survey among employers,
whereas the QLFS measures employment and
unemployment among the population.
According to the QES, released this morning,
the number of jobs created in the formal sector
(excluding agriculture) of the economy increased
by 56 000 in the first quarter of 2018.
This was not unexpected, as the QLFS, which
was released a while ago, indicated that 111 000
jobs were created in the formal sector of the
economy (excluding agriculture).
The QES confirms an ongoing trend, namely that
the mining sector continues to shed jobs. Another
14 000 jobs were lost compared to a year ago. This
is sad news for UASA workers employed in the
mining industry.
What the QES also points out is that the average
earnings per worker declined in real terms (after
making provision for inflation). Although the
average earnings per worker was 0.4% higher in
the first quarter of this year compared to the same
quarter in 2017, it was 3.3% lower in real terms.
When worker earnings decline in real terms, it
has a knock-on effect right through the economy
as workers can save and spend less, which affects
the pace at which new jobs can be created.
Obviously, this causes social problems,
particularly in the lower remunerated categories.
Is Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa’s youth jobs plan to
create a million jobs in three years a mere pipe-
dream? It has already been stated by opposition
parties that to create a million jobs would take at
least 50 years to achieve at current rates.
UASA urges Ramaphosa to put his money where
his mouth is. The president promised jobs and
transformation. He suggested recently that he
would work towards getting all key role-players
to agree that a million jobs would be created, as
all South Africa needed to do was to get them
together around a table and say “What are you
going to do to get us to create those jobs.”
The latest survey shows that we are indeed still
very far removed from creating sufficient jobs.UASA MEMBERS AT IDWALA CARBONATES GETS 7% INCREASE
Chris Redelinghuys reports that wage
negotiations at Idwala Carbonates have
been concluded and that our members will
all get a 7% pay adjustment on basic pay. As a
consequence, the shift allowance of members
will also increase.
Congratulations to our negotiators and we
trust that our members will be able to put the
increase to good use.
The increase will be implemented with
effect from 1 January 2018.
Ramaphosa should make work of creating 1 million jobs as QES, QLFS results show that progress is slow
SECTOR NEWS SECTOR NEWS
14 15UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
THOUSANDS OF SECURITY OFFICERS WILLMARCH AGAINST CASH-IN-TRANSIT HEISTS
ON TUESDAY
FEDUSA CONCERNED ABOUT INCREASING CASH-IN-TRANSIT HEISTS
The Federation of Unions of South Africa
(FEDUSA) is deeply concerned about the
increasing number of cash-in-transit robberies
that in many cases are accompanied by fatalities or
serious injuries to security guards or the police and
endangering members of the public that are usually
caught in cross-fire in targeted areas.
FEDUSA’s concern follows yet another armed
robbery of a truck carrying cash along the N12 in
Boksburg on the East Rand this morning in which
eight people were injured during a shoot-out that
ensued between the police and the armed gang.
On Wednesday another truck transporting cash
was attacked and robbed by unknown gunmen
along Ontdekkers Road near Roodepoort on the
West Rand.
The latest incident brings to more than 10 the
number of such deadly incidents especially in
Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal.
Many of those security guards who face death
and serious injury in the line of duty on a daily
basis are members of the Motor Transport
Workers Union (MTWU) an affiliate of FEDUSA.
FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George is
concerned about the pattern that seems to be
emerging from these armed robberies, namely the
apparent inability of the police to gather crime
intelligence ahead of these incidents that would
then enable them to anticipate and pre-empt
them; this is in addition to police failure to make
arrests or let alone secure convictions of cash-in-
transit heists suspects.
Thousands of Security Officers in Motor
Transport Workers Union (MTWU) – an
affiliate of the Federation of Unions of South
Africa (FEDUSA) in cash-in-transit industry - will
march across major cities tomorrow, Tuesday, 12
June 20018 – to demand an immediate end to the
senseless slaughter of the colleagues in armed cash-
in-transit heists especially Gauteng, Mpumalanga
and KwaZulu Natal which has reached crisis levels in
recent months; hitting the 159 in the first six months
this year compared to 147 for entire year in 2017.
The Marches will proceed along the following
routes in the major urban centres
Johannesburg: An estimated 1 000 MTWU
members accompanied by 60 armoured Cash Trucks
will depart from 20 De Korte Street in Braamfontein
at 09:30H and proceed down Jorissen, Bicaard and
Simmonds Streets to Bayers Naude Square in the
CBD where a Memorandum of Demands will be
handed over to Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, Gauteng
MEC for Security and Safety
Durban: Hundreds of MTWU Security Officers
will gather at Gugu Dlamini Park at the Workshop
at 08:30H before proceeding along Masabalala
Yengwa Avenue and right into Somtseu Road
towards Hoy Recreational Park where they will
hand over a Memorandum of Demands to the
Provincial Police Commissioner
Cape Town: The processions accompanied by 4
trucks will depart from Keizergracht at 10:00H in
Cape Town central, move down Darling Street, turn
into Adderley Street, head towards Wale Street and
end at Western Cape Provincial Parliament where a
Memorandum will be handed over.
Bloemfontein: Marchers accompanied by 15
trucks will gather at Mahunger at 07:00H and then
proceed along Mandela Street, Magraf and finally
into Charlotte Maxeke Street towards the Provincial
Commissioner’s Office where they will hand-over
the Memorandum
Nelspruit: Marchers accompanied from GF4S
Offices at 6:00H will move to the Rugby Stadium
before proceeding towards Nelspruit Police Station
where they will hand over the Memorandum to the
Provincial Police Commissioner
On Wednesday 13 June 2018 the Parliamentary
PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE will be
briefed on the Cash-in-Transit crisis as outlined
below:
Chairperson: Hon F Beukman, MP
Mr Pilate Gwebu
Tel: 021 403 8287
Cell: 083 709 8395
Email:pgwebu@parliament.gov.za
Briefing on measures to combat cash-in transit
heists
Date: Wednesday, 13 June 2018
Time: 09:00
Venue: E 249, Parliament
DRAFT AGENDA
Each presentation should not exceed 20 minutes
1. Briefing by the South African Police Service
(SAPS)
2. Briefing by the Business Against Crime South
Africa (BACSA)
3. Briefing by the Security Industry Alliance (SIA)
4. Briefing by the South African Reserve Bank
(SARB)
TEA BREAK AT 11:00
5. Briefing by the South African Banking Risk
Information Centre (SABRIC)
6. Briefing by the Private Security Industry
regulating Authority (PSIRA)
7. Briefing by the Unions (POPCRU, MTWU & SAPU)
13:00: CLOSURE
SECURITY INDUSTRY WAGE TALKS
Thabo Tsokela reports that there hasn’t been
lot of progress as the employers didn’t attend
the meeting on Wednesday and when they arrived
on Thursday, they suggested they were informed
by the CCMA the trade unions wanted Wednesday
to caucus. The CCMA Commissioner and the trade
unions denied this. A Mr Mkhaliphi from DoL also
attended the meeting to explain the pros and cons
of what might happen should the parties enter into
any wage agreement prior to the National Minimum
Wage kicking in on 01st of October 2018. It will
simply mean such agreement will be regulated
by the BCEA. He also gave the positive feedback
that the DoL could be registering the Bargaining
Council for the Private Security Sector on Monday,
25 June 2018. In view hereof, the parties agreed to
postpone the meeting, pending the likelihood of the
registration of the Bargaining Council.
Also part of our Wednesday discussion was the
issue of the court case between the PSS Pension
Fund and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority
(formerly the FSB). The FSCA approached the
High Court in Pretoria on an urgent basis to
get the fund placed under curatorship because
the trustees abused the fund monies by paying
themselves exorbitant allowances. When
asked for guidelines how much trustees may be
remunerated, the FSCA could not assist. The
trade unions have meanwhile approached the
FSCA, requesting an urgent meeting to get an
understanding of the court processes. Latest news
received today is that the court case which was
scheduled for today, was postponed by the FSCA,
pending the meeting between the parties which
will most probably take place on Tuesday, 26th of
June 2018 @ 10:00am at registrar’s offices.
SECTOR NEWS SECTOR NEWS
16 17UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
As of midnight tomorrow the petrol price
increases by a whopping 72 cents a litre,
and all grades of diesel by 65,2c per litre.
This is in addition to an increase in the fuel and
the Road Accident Fund levy of 52 cents a litre
combined.
We have just seen the implementation of sugar
tax and the VAT increase, and a carbon tax will
follow soon.
All this means that South Africans will have to
tighten their belts as of this week as the state is
raking in ever-increasing taxes.
The resulting extra expense will put workers
under pressure as all basic necessities such as
food, clothing and transport will be affected.
Companies will pass on the increases to the
consumer through price and fee hikes, or may have
to retrench workers to stay profitable.
It seems the state is spending far too much
money and the country’s workers are expected
to fund the excesses. This while Stats SA’s 2017
Poverty Trends report shows that around 55% of
South Africans live below the upper poverty line.
Clearly, our upcoming middleclass and the
poorest of the poor will once again suffer most.
UASA demands that the state start saving on its
expenditure wherever possible and without delay
and start acting in the best interest of its citizens.
Financially crippling our workers is not the way to
go about creating a better future for all.
Last week’s drop in the interest rate, although
welcome, is not even a drop in the bucket
compared to what South Africans are expected to
fork out.
The hefty increase in the price of petrol, diesel
and paraffin is cause for concern.
The record high jumps in fuel prices are due to
stronger international oil prices and a large deficit
carried over from April, according to the AA, which
also holds that the pressured international oil
prices account for two-thirds of the price rise.
Besides the ripple effect on the transport cost
of consumer goods and on the cost of workers
travelling to and from work, the increased price of
paraffin will hit the poor who need heating in the
cold winter months.
International oil prices and demand play a huge
role in the local pegging down of the fuel prices.
However, it is no secret the about half of the price
we pay is constituted by local additions to the cost.
Since it is the poor who suffer most as a result of
the price increases, maybe it is time government
looked at how local fuel prices are calculated, and
whether some the local additions’ income could be
sourced from elsewhere.
The country’s poor need a hand-up, they need
some more assistance from government to increase
their cash flow to keep their heads above water.
FUEL PRICE, TAXES financially cripple South Africa’s workers
Hefty fuel price increase will put the poor under even more pressure
UASA MEMBERS UNFAIRLY BEARING THE BRUNT OF MISMANAGEMENT AT SA EXPRESS
It is nothing less than criminal that UASA members
employed at SA Express should bear the brunt of
corrupt dealings and poor management practices at
the airline.
UASA represents both cabin crew and ground
staff employees at the company.
“We are shocked and saddened by the sudden
news and consequent action by the SACAA to
suspend the airline’s operating license.
“While we understand that such a decision must
be made in the interest of safety for passengers
and staff, it is clear that various and previous
levels of company management, the board of
directors and the shareholders themselves, have
governed the airline into the ground,” says Jannem
Goussard, Operational Manager at UASA.
One example of utter mismanagement are the
recent revelations by Pravin Gordhan, Minister of
Public Enterprises, exposing dodgy payments to
Trillian. It is this kind of reckless behaviour that
could ultimately cause our members to lose their
jobs if the company cannot be saved from going
under,” says Goussard.
In anticipation that the interests of our members
will be taken into account when hard decisions
are made, UASA wishes to pledge its full support
to the new board, acting CEO as well as Gordhan
with their endeavours to salvage the company.
WAGE SETTLEMENT IN BUS INDUSTRY MEANS LOCK-OUT IS LIFTED AS WELL
Following the protracted negotiations and the
three month strike in the bus industry, we have
received notice from Golden Arrow bus services
that the Lock-out notice has been lifted with effect
from 00:01 on 15 May 2018. This means that
services went back to normal with effect from 15
May 2018.
Click here to see Notice
GOLDEN ARROW BUS SERVICES TO APPLY FOR EXEMPTION FROM WAGE AGREEMENT
Golden Arrow Bus Services informed UASA of
its intention to seek exemption from the wage
agreement reached after the recent grueling three
week strike.
GABS indicated that they will pay the 9% ATB
increase for 2018 as per the agreement, but that
they will seek exemption for the 2019 increase,
especially since they already pay much higher
rates than other operators in the industry.
We will monitor the situation and keep you
informed.
TO ALL UASA MEMBERS
The trade union UASA had the opportunity to
meet with the newly appointed minister of
State Owned Enterprises, Mr. Pravin Gordhan, to
discuss the plight of Denel employees who might be
facing retrenchment due to the poor management
and neglect of Denel management and its board.
Mr. Gordhan was speaking at the annual FEDUSA
Collective Bargaining Conference.
“We explained to the minister that we have, in
writing, several matters of concern raised over
the past months with Denel’s management, which
were also tabled at the meeting. In addition, we
also conveyed that the Denel board which met
22 February 2018 and inter alia discussed the
restructuring of the Denel workforce, which
includes LMT Products (Pty) Ltd, of which
Denel is the majority shareholder. The company
apparently contemplates the retrenchment 50%
of its employees”, says Willie van Eeden, Sector
Manager responsible for aerospace industries in
the union. “We reiterated our opposition to any
form of restructuring that will negatively impact
on the job security and financial freedom of our
members”, says van Eeden. “ We lost confidence
and trust in the Board and Executive Management
of Denel because of the way they interacted with
employees and external stakeholders. The latter
caused serious reputational damage to the Denel
Group. Towards this end, we appealed to the
minister for his urgent intervention to put a stop
to the plans of Denel by way of conducting a full
forensic audit and an investigation to prevent any
further destruction of shareholder value”, he said.
The minister explained that poor management of
SOE’s took its toll over the last 10 years and it will
take a major intervention in each one of them to
get them to function optimally again. He stressed
that major changes will be needed and that the
cooperation of all stakeholders will be of critical
importance.
He took serious note of our Denel specific pleas
and he said the he will investigate the same while
he also expressed his concern that a number of
SOE’s, including Denel, could soon be running out
of cash, which is a very undesirable situation.
SECTOR NEWS SECTOR NEWS
18 19UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
MINISTER PRAVIN GORDHAN WILL LOOK INTO DENEL AFFAIRS
DENEL: BAD FAITH BARGAININGSTAFF SALARIES FOR JUNE AT RISK
The trade union UASA has been engaged in
salary negotiations at a centralised level
with Denel Management since the beginning
of April 2018.
The initial offer from Denel Management was a
4% increase, for non-scheduled employees, who
constitute approximately 70% of the employees
within the recognised bargaining unit within Denel.
During wage negotiations held on the 4th
June 2018, UASA raised concerns received from
members that the calculations presented by
Management was incorrect.
Although Management initially insisted their
calculations were correct, they later conceded
that their calculations were indeed wrong. Denel
budgeted for a 4% increase. UASA suggested that
employees get 5.2% for 9 months, which would
still have been within the 4% budget. Denel argued
it should be 3.9% per month for the same period,
which was of course wrong. Denel Management
was left red-faced and a potential injustice
was averted by UASA and its members. Denel
Management requested to consult their mandate
holders before returning to the negotiations table.
The parties met again on 15 June 2018, UASA
of course expecting a mere formality, however, it
came as a shock when management presented a
memorandum addressed to Labour, in which they
declared that they are not willing to negotiate
further and that parties have exhausted all levels of
engagement with the following offer put to Labour.
Scheduled Employees 5.73% (MEIBC equivalent)
Non Scheduled Employees 4%
Management (First 3 reporting levels 0%)
Management furthermore indicated that the
abovementioned offer will be effective from 1 July
2018, only payable when cash becomes available,
with no back pay.
Denel also, disgracefully, informed the unions
that the salaries of employees for the month of
June were at risk of not being paid. Quote from the
memo: “Please note that the wages payable for the
month of June could be affected as communicated
at the meeting”.
The actions of Denel Management are
considered to be the epitome of bad-faith
negotiations, especially when one considers
the immense work the new Minister of Public
Enterprises, Minister Pravin Gordhan, had done
thus far, to restore reputation and credibility of
Denel, not only amongst employees and unions,
but amongst creditors, suppliers and investors /
customers.
Not only did Denel management not offer an
apology for their miscalculations, but simply
indicated that the Board Chairperson made the
decision and that their cash flow is in serious
pressure.
While we acknowledge that the company is
struggling financially, and we have committed to
work with the Minister to restore Denel to its
former glory, we find it extremely unfair that 70%
of the Denel workforce (non-scheduled employees)
are to carry the burden with a much lesser increase
than the rest of the employees within Denel.
We thus express our utmost disappointment
with the Denel team. Their conduct smacks of the
typical irresponsible Corporate Governance and
ineffective leadership that caused the average SOC
to be in the state that it is, name a drain on the
fiscus.
UASA therefore call upon the Minister of Public
Enterprises yet again, to salvage and restore
integrity of the management of Denel.
SECTOR NEWS SECTOR NEWS
20 21UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
Transnet boodskap aan pensioenarisseTransnet-pensioenarisse se stryd is ‘n geloofsaak
soos bewys deur Grondwethof-oorwinning
Mediaverklaring deur:
Adv. Anton Alberts
VF Plus-voorsitter en parlementêre woordvoerder:
Vervoer
25 April 2018
Die VF Plus is verheug oor vandag se
Grondwethof-uitspraak ten gunste van
die Transnet-pensioenarisse aangesien die
aangeleentheid vir die sowat 40 000 verarmde
pensioentrekkers, wat groot lyding deurgaan, ʼn
geloofsaak geword het.
Die VF Plus wil in besonder dankie sê vir die
goeie werk wat die onafhanklike regspan in die
saak gedoen het wat ʼn deurslaggewende rol in
vandag se positiewe uitslag gespeel het.
Ek het sowat drie weke gelede met die Minister
van Openbare Ondernemings, mnr. Pravin
Gordhan, oor die saak gepraat en hom gewys op
die effek wat dit op Transnet en die staat kan hê
indien die Grondwethof teen Transnet sou beslis,
soos nou gebeur het.
Op die minister se versoek het ek ‘n skrywe
aan hom gestuur waarin die hele aangeleentheid
volledig uiteen gesit is. Hy het dit ontvang en het
toe reeds begin om die kwessie te ondersoek.
Die VF Plus sal nou met meer gesag die gesprek
met min. Gordhan opvolg sodat hy so gou doenlik
met die regspan in gesprek kan tree om hopelik
‘n spoedige en billike skikking te beding vir
onmiddellike verligting vir die pensioenarisse.
Transnet pensioners’ fight is a matter of faith as
proven by Con Court victory
Media release by:
Adv. Anton Alberts
FF Plus chairperson and parliamentary
spokesperson: Transport
25 April 2018
The FF Plus is pleased that today the
Constitutional Court ruled in favour of the
Transnet pensioners seeing as the matter became
a matter of faith for many of the approximately 40
000 impoverished pensioners who are suffering
greatly.
The FF Plus wants to thank the independent
legal team in particular for their good work,
which played a definitive role in today’s positive
outcome.
About three weeks ago, I discussed the matter
with the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr
Pravin Gordhan, and brought to his attention
the impact that a ruling against Transnet would
have on Transnet as well as the state and now the
Constitutional Court has indeed delivered such a
ruling.
On the minister’s request I sent a letter to him
explaining the matter in detail. On receipt of it, he
immediately started to explore the matter.
The FF Plus will now follow up their discussion
with Min Gordhan by requesting that he meets
with the legal team as soon as possible in order to
hopefully negotiate a speedy and fair settlement
that will bring pensioners immediate relief.
UASA welcomes the appointment of the
new Denel board by Minister of Public
Enterprises Pravin Gordhan.
We trust that Cabinet will approve the new
board soonest.
Gordhan’s consultation process with key
stakeholders to establish a way forward for the
state-owned entity (SOE) is a prudent step that
should deliver good results for South Africa.
South Africans know very well that SOEs
play an important role in our economy and
understand that, when performing well, they
contribute to the development and economic
well-being of us all.
For UASA the last straw and final loss of trust
in Denel as an economic player was when our
members and other employees of the SOE did not
receive their bonuses at the agreed-on time at
the end of November last year.
We subsequently met with Gordhan after his
appointment in Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa’s Cabinet
and received his undertaking to rectify the
situation at Denel and other SOEs. In this regard
we especially welcome that no members of the
previous board were retained and that Denel can
now hopefully move into the future and regain
the trust of South Africans and employees with
the job security of our members intact.
We will hold Gordhan to his promise to hold
the wrongdoers at Denel to account and weed
out any corrupt practices. We trust that action at
other SOEs will follow suit as a matter of urgency.
UASA WELCOMES NEW DENEL BOARD; DECISIVE ACTION AT OTHER SOE’S MUST NOW FOLLOW
UASA welcomes the confirmation of Mr.
Phakamani Hadebe as CEO of Eskom, as
announced by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin
Gordhan today.
After the destructive reign of Pres. Jacob Zuma,
where we saw government coffers looted by
politicians and their compatriots, it is comforting
to have a president like Cyril Ramaphosa at
the helm and Gordhan as Minister of Public
Enterprises, who can clearly identify the rot and
meticulously peel the onion until they find it and
deal with it.
We have seen this with Denel, Transnet, South
African Airways, SA Express and are seeing the
same happening at Eskom.
Gordhan’s appointment of new boards,
through which new and hopefully capable senior
management are being put in place, are equally
welcome. While it will take time to turn around the
respective state-owned enterprises, we can take
comfort in the strong focus on the transformation
of these enterprises into viable and sustainable
business that can add shareholder value as opposed
to the destruction that we experienced hitherto.
The latest appointments are proof that
Ramaphosa is serious about rooting out
corruption.
Our hope is that the Minister of Cooperative
Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli
Mkhize will be able to achieve the same
successes with municipalities, 70% of whom are
dysfunctional and an open drain to the fiscus.
APPOINTMENT OF HADEBE AT ESKOM SHOWS RAMAPHOSA IS SERIOUS ABOUT ROOTING OUT CORRUPTION
SECTOR NEWS SECTOR NEWS
22 23UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
FEDUSA appeals to Nzimande to INTERVENE IN AUTOPAX CRISISThe Federation of Unions of South Africa
(FEDUSA) has written a letter to Transport
Minister Blade Nzimande appealing to him to
intervene in state owned bus company Autopax
after it notified employees that it won’t be to pay
April salaries because of cash crunch. Autopax is
a subsidiary of road and rail transport parastatal
Transnet.
In a letter addressed to staff, Autopax Interim
Chief Executive Officer Nathi Khena said the
company has been experiencing a cash flow crisis
over the past 12 months due to a depleted fleet of
buses and a declining pool of passengers; adding
that the current bus strike had compounded the
situation.
“Based on the above, I regrettably wish to
advise all employees that the company will not
be in a position to pay the April 2018 salaries as
expected. This is the
main due to the fact
that the company does
not have the adequate
cash flow to meet
this month’s payroll
requirement,” Khena
said.
However the
United National
Transport Union (UNTU), Transnet biggest union
and an affiliate of FEDUSA said workers should
not be made to bear the consequences of poor
management.
“UNTU will not accept Autopax’s pathetic
excuse that this is due to the ongoing bus strike
that other unions in the bus transport sector
embarked on last week. It is a constitutional right
of all workers to embark on a protected strike.
“By withholding their salaries and stating
that the company cannot pay them because an
adequate number of buses could not operate, is
holding the striking workers ransom to return to
work or else their families would be without food
and shelter,” said UNTU General Secretary Steve
Harris.
FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George said
a permanent Board for Autopax parent company
Transnet should be appointed immediately to
deal decisively with a plethora of poor
governance issues that were
now cascading down
to the bottom and
negatively affecting the
livelihoods of workers,
including putting the
security of their pensions
at risk.
FEDUSA WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF TRANSNET INTERIM BOARD
The Federation of Unions of South Africa
(FEDUSA) has welcomed Public Enterprises
Minister Pravin Gordhan’s appointment of a
team of experienced technocrats headed by former
North West Premier Popo Molefe to serve as Interim
Board members of troubled logistics parastatal,
Transnet.
FEDUSA believes that Transnet is too important for
the South African economy to be allowed to fail and
the appointment opens a new chapter in its history
that will be crucial moving forward.
Gordhan moved swiftly to appoint the new Board
after rejecting representations by considered by the
remaining Transnet directors Seth Radebe, Potso
Mathekga and Zainul Nagdee on why they should not
be axed noting that:
“Transnet is facing serious allegations of
maladministration and corruption. The previous
board has not demonstrated appreciation of the
seriousness of issues at hand or the ability to deal with
these decisively in order to protect the entity in the
interest of South Africans; we have to hold directors of
SOCs to a high standard of corporate governance and
accountability and to protect the assets of the State”.
FEDUSA believes that Molefe has amply
demonstrated his ethical leadership and sincere
commitment to clean governance during his long
drawn out court battles with the minister of transport
to force him to appoint a permanent Board for another
troubled state company, Prasa.
FEDUSA is the largest politically non-aligned trade
union federation in South Africa and represents a
diverse membership from a variety of sectors in
industry. See www.fedusa.org.za for more information.
FEDUSA STANDS BY STRIKING SASSA WORKERSThe Federation of Unions of South Africa
(FEDUSA) fully supports the right of SASSA
(South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
workers within the Public Servants Association (PSA)
– an affiliate of the union federation that represents
the majority of SASSA employees – to embark on an
indefinite industrial action as from today to demand
decent wages and better working conditions
SASSA workers decided to go on strike after
wage talks with agency reached a deadlock. In
February 2018 the PSA tabled a wage increase
demand on behalf of SASSA workers but SASSA
failed to table any offer in response. In terms of
the Constitution of the SASSA National Bargaining
Forum (SNBF), if parties do not conclude a
collective agreement within 30 days of the matter
being tabled, any party may declare a dispute.
FEDUSA welcomes the meeting with Social
Development Minister Susan Shabangu today to
discuss the possible solution to the dispute.
SASSA’s failure to respond to workers demand
left the PSA with no option but to approach the
Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and
Arbitration. Conciliation for a certificate of non-
resolution which was duly issued on 23 April
2018. An extensive balloting by the PSA resulted
mandated its members to continue with the
industrial action.
FEDUSA is aware that the strike will affect the
most vulnerable members of society and on many
occasions actually delay serving the strike notice
to afford SASSA a further opportunity to table its
offer to no avail.
The FEDUSA hopes common sense will prevail
and the parties can return to the negotiating table
as soon as possible.
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only takes a couple of minutes. Visit www.uasa.co.za today!
SECTOR NEWS SECTOR NEWS
24 25UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
AMANZI BARGAINING COUNCIL WAGE NEGOTIATIONS: 2018The General Secretary of the Amanzi Bargaining
Council has reminded all parties to the council
that centralised bargaining would commence on 4
May 2018.
In order to facilitate an orderly bargaining
process, it was agreed that :
Union Salary/Wage and allied demands will be
consolidated and submitted to the GS by 20 April
2018.
At the council meeting scheduled for 4 May
2018 at Turffontein Racecourse, submissions will
be considered and clarified.
The latter submissions may include:
Salary/Wages and Minimum wage
Medical Scheme
Retirement Benefits
Retrenchment Policy and Severance pay
Housing Allowance
Annual Leave
Maternity and Family responsibility leave
Sick leave
Hours of work
Shift Allowance
Minimum Service Agreement
Please bear in mind that Rand Water will not
be part of the foregoing negotiations due to the
multi-year wage agreement reached earlier.
PERSONAL CARE EMPLOYMENT NOTICE BOARDS
CEO Stephen Delport explains how the
Bargaining Council is offering free notice
board services at their offices to assist with
salons needing staff and stylists looking for
jobs.
Click here for the full Video of Employment
Notice Boards.
PAPER & PULP WAGE NEGOTIATIONS
Avril Kotze from our Durban office reports
that CEPPAWU is sticking to its demand for
a 12.27% wage increase, while UASA and the rest
of organised Labour are willing to continue with
negotiations as per the mandate received from the
members. The mediation process will follow soon
and we will keep you posted.
UASA and Enstra Paper entered into a
multiyear wage agreement whereby our
members will get an 8% wage adjustment
with effect from 1 July 2018. Based on the average
inflation rate for the period June 2018 and May
2019, employees will get an increase of 5.5% with
effect from 1 July 2019. If the average inflation
rate for the period is lower that 5.5%, the employer
guarantees a minimum increase of 5.5%, but if
inflation goes beyond 6.5%, all parties will open up
negotiations again.
Click here to view other items addressed in the
agreement.
Well done to our negotiators!
The CCMA Commissioner suggested that the
following elements could facilitate a settlement
agreement:
7% increase across the board
Minimum wage increased to R7250 per month
1% increase to shift allowance and
Other issues all referred to the bargaining Council.
A SMS has been sent to all affected members
to obtain a mandate in view of the next meeting
between all parties taking place on Wednesday, 11
July 2018.
We will work on the majority YES or NO votes. A
“no responses” will also be counted as a YES.
We will keep you informed.
Avril Kotze
MEMBERS AT ENSTRA PAPER SETTLE ON 8% WAGE INCREASE
Paper and pulp wage dispute
PERSONAL CARE CHRONICLE:Please read extracts from the June 2018 Bargaining Council Chronicle
STAFF MATTERS
27UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
SECTOR NEWS
26 UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
The Federation of Unions of South Africa
(FEDUSA) has condemned in the strongest
possible terms the use of violence as a way
of resolving disputes of any nature be it at the
workplace, on the streets or at home. FEDUSA’s
concerns come in the wake of the ambush and brutal
shooting of the National Teachers’ Union (NATU)
Deputy President, Mr. Allen Thompson in Umhlanga,
north of Durban on Friday, said FEDUSA General
Secretary, Dennis George.
Irrespective of whether Mr Thompson had
sworn enemies or whether the callous attack
arose due to NATU’s continued insistence for the
KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Education Department to
be placed under the supervision of the National
Department of Education due to various cases
of corruption being exposed, no civilized society
should embrace violence as a way of settling
differences. Rigorous punitive measures must be
imposed to ensure that the increasing levels of
volatility and instability that beclouds the province
is minimised and eradicated, insisted George.
Workers in our country can I’ll afford to lose
leaders of Thompson’s calibre nor have union
members and leaders that remain steadfast in
taking principled positions on critical worker
issues, silenced or eliminated, for whistle
blowing. Educators remain a critical component
in moving South Africa forward. With these
increased levels of attacks on our educators,
the National Development Plan’s (NDP) vision
2030, of a South Africa that will be enriched by
universal early childhood education, high-quality
schooling, further education and training that
allows them to fulfil their potential and expanding
higher education that accelerates the shift to a
knowledge economy, remains a far cry from reality.
George, who has been in constant touch with
NATU President Siphosethu Ngcobo, has appealed
to the nation to pray for Thompson as he fights
for his life in Hospital. Justice must be served and
these faceless cowards, severely punished.
FEDUSA CONDEMNS THE USE OF VIOLENCE
IN RESOLVING DISPUTES
SUGAR WAGE DISPUTE
At conciliation meeting facilitated by the CCMA
yesterday, employers proposed a 5.6% ATB
increase and indicated willingness to discuss Sick
leave/ Family Responsibility leave & all other items
that form part of the terms of reference. As a result
of the positive developments, the parties agreed
to extend the conciliation process and to continue
negotiations on 1 and 2 June 2018. Note that AMCU
is not part of the dispute.
We will keep you informed of developments.
SUGAR BARGAINING COUNCIL: WAGE NEGOTIATIONS
The dispute process in the council hit a snag
when AMCU indicate that they want to be
part of the wage dispute. We all know that they
initially demanded separate negotiations with the
employers but that their attempt failed.
As a consequence, they now want to join UASA
and FAWU in the dispute process, while, as
mentioned before, at the Sugar Bargaining Council,
they indicated that don’t need us. To their surprise,
however, their status as a minority union has been
confirmed and it now depends on a legal process
whether they will be allowed to be part of it or not.
We will keep you informed of developments.
SUGAR WAGE DISPUTE SETTLED WITH 7.5% INCREASE
Ravi Naidoo reports the good news that the
Sugar Industry wage dispute has been settled.
We have been able to deliver on the mandate given
to us by the members and we settled on 7.5%,
backdated 1 April. Family responsibility leave of 5
days and 50% of pay for sick leave when a member
exhausted his/her sick leave will be paid for 6
months. Other items such as housing and shift
allowances, medical aid & reduction of hours will be
addressed separately.
Congratulations on a job well done and thank for
the support from the members!
The late Allen Thompson who was brutally shot and
killed in Umhlanga.
AMANZI BARGAINING COUNCIL: WAGE NEGOTIATIONS
Wage negotiations in the Amanzi bargaining
Council is progressing well and the next
meeting will take place on 14 June 2018.
Click here to read the full report
HUMAN RIGHTS DAYWe all have rights, and so do others. Let
us remember and respect that. Cherish
yours today.
YOUTH DAYIn celebration of Youth Day, let us care for our
youth as they will care for us when they lead
us into the future.
STAFF MATTERS
28 UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
The information in this document is provided as general information. It does not constitute financial, tax, legal or investment advice and the PSG Konsult Group of Companies does not guarantee its suitability or potential value. Since individual needs and risk profiles differ, we suggest you consult your qualified financial adviser, if needed. Affiliates of the PSG Konsult Group are authorised financial services providers. PSG Insure is a division of PSG Konsult Limited.
For months, Capetonians have been bracing themselves for the eventuality of Day Zero. Even though this has been pushed out even further, the City is still depending on rainfall and continued water-saving efforts to keep Day Zero at bay. The crippling drought in the Northern and Eastern Cape has also yet to loosen its grip. While the threat of running out of water isn’t facing the entire country, the drought has made news headlines around the world, and fellow South Africans have become more conscious of their water usage.
Various questions around how your insurance might be impacted by a drought have no doubt crossed your mind, even if you don’t live in the Cape provinces. This newsletter focuses on some common queries. Should the municipal taps run dry, it’s best to be prepared.
What happens if a fire starts at my property and the water is off – will I be covered for damages? As per the National Building Regulations, it is the responsibility of individuals and businesses to provide, service and maintain any firefighting equipment (such as extinguishers), fire pumps and water tanks. These measures are also required for insurance cover. If a firefighter can’t get to you and you don’t have a fire extinguisher in good working order, there is a good chance your claim will be repudiated.
A wise move would be for businesses to train some employees to use fire extinguishers, and make sure everyone knows what to do if a fire breaks out. In addition – whether at home or work – make sure any electrical issues are dealt with immediately.
In a commercial or agricultural space, have infrared inspections done on electrical distribution equipment (this should be done annually in any case). Also make use of fire breaks and clean up any vegetation – particularly dead plants – so you can prevent fire spreading.
Can my geyser be adversely affected if the water goes off – and will it be covered?Unfortunately, when water supply is suddenly restricted to a geyser, it can cause some damage. To comply with the terms of your insurance cover, all your geysers, plumbing and electrical fittings must be installed by an accredited
professional. Damage from a cut to water supply due to drought will unlikely be covered, but claims may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It may be a good idea to switch off your geyser if you are going away for a day or longer, so that if there are any sudden cuts, it won’t be too damaging.
The City of Cape Town has also advised that residents adjust their water stop-cocks, which will help reduce water pressure and minimise any potential damage should water supply be temporarily or suddenly interrupted.
Can I insure my water-saving equipment?Many people – both for residential or commercial use – have invested in water-saving devices and systems. These may include JoJo tanks and boreholes, fittings and fixtures in bathrooms or kitchens, and irrigation or piping for grey water to feed outside. Any and all of these additions should be included in your contents or building insurance.
While you won’t need to specify the items, their true replacement value must be factored into your overall contents or building sums insured to ensure they are covered against damages. (It may be a good time to double-check in general that your contents and building cover is sufficient for your needs.)
Surely I can simply insure my business against any losses from the water crisis – why worry? Drought is considered an ‘act of God’ in insurance terms, which makes cover a contentious issue. Business interruption cover and profit loss cover are unfortunately not valid in this case, making it all the more important to prevent any Day Zero from hitting. All businesses rely on water to some extent, and some much more than others.
A full risk assessment of your home and office will go a long way to mitigating risks early. This will mean you are more prepared, should Day Zero arrive. Please chat to your adviser if you have any specific concerns or other questions about your cover.
Delayed Day Zero doesn’t mean ditching water saving efforts
MARCH 2018 | 1
INSHORT
If it does come, how will my insurance be affected? Your questions answeredThe Federation of Unions of South Africa
(FEDUSA) will lobby Labour Minister Mildred
Oliphant, for a determination or principle
in labour law that will compensate actors in the
event of injuries at work and give them to access a
package of collective bargaining rights including the
formalizations of their incomes and copyrights to
their works.
The decision follows a joint meeting on Monday
between FEDUSA, UASA the Union, an affiliate
of FEDUSA and the South African Guild of Actors
(SAGA), a section of UASA on the precarious nature
of the work of actors in the film production industry
and the dramatic arts in South Africa. A Task Team
led by FEDUSA General Secretary Dennis George
will be constituted to act as champions of the lobby.
As a point of departure the meeting recognised
that two key labour laws, namely the Labour
Relations Act which denied them workplace
dispute resolution mechanisms and other
Collective Bargaining rights because it classified
them as Independent Contractors, a class of
workers also informally known as Freelancers;
and COIDA or Compensation for Occupational
Injuries and Diseases which ring-fenced them
out of compensation for dangerous work, did not
offer actors social protection, rendering their
occupations precarious in terms of standards set
down by the International Labour Organization.
Over the years SAGA and UASA have mounted
various campaigns including lobbying parliament
mainly focusing on copyright and compensations
for dangerous work done by actors such as stunts
on film sets and exposure to accidents during live
events which was intensified recently by a death
on a film shoot in the Drakensberg during a scene
performed on the edge of a waterfall.
However the parties also recognized that rapid
technological advances and digitalisation of work
process was changing the nature of work in the
world which necessitated the need to move away
from classical definitions of work and industrial
relations; and explore progressive ways in which
actors could benefit from the changed environment.
International best practices in the Independent
Production Sector would also be closely followed
to guide the local performance industry in the right
direction.
FEDUSA TO LOBBY LABOUR MINISTER FOR THE SOCIAL PROTECTION OF ACTORS
Wage agreement signed with Western Suburbs Bowling Club, Port Elizabeth
Louis Buys from our PE office reports that they
successfully completed the following wage
negotiations with Western Suburbs Bowling club:
General Increase of 7 percent backdated to 1
April 2018.
9% increase on company contribution towards
pension fund
R15.00 per day transport allowance for workers
that commute to work paid in arrears.
Well done Louis and the PE team. You have done
well for the members.
STAFF MATTERS STAFF MATTERS
30 31UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
WILL YOU STILL HAVE A VOICE AFTER YOUR DEATH?
If you do not have a will in place, the answer to
this question might well be, “no”. This means
that you may have a problem.
Your will is not something you put in place,
when you know that you are dying from a
life threatening disease, or when you turn
75. Rather, it is a vitally important personal
document that you must get in order today so
that your voice will be heard and adhered to
after your death.
If you die without having a valid will, the
Master of the High Court will wind up your
estate and distribute it, according to the laws
of intestate succession. That means that you
will die “intestate” and the state decides how
your assets are distributed, according to
current laws.
Your estate may go to family members you
don’t get along with, or haven’t even met!
If you don’t have a say, the people near and
dear to your heart may be left with nothing
and will have no financial relief during this
difficult time.
So start working on your will today. If you
die and have a legally valid will, your estate
will be allocated according to your wishes. In
this way you can make sure that all of your
loved ones will be taken care of.
Godiva Barnard
LLB Attorney
Wealth Fiduciary Adviser
godiva.barnard@psg.co.za
Cell: +27 (66) 215 8890
ADDRESSING YOUR DATA BREACH RISKBy Preeta Bhagattjee, Director in the Technology
and Sourcing practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr
In the wake of recent data breach incidents, it is
imperative that businesses give the provisions of
the Protection
of Personal
Information Act,
No 4 of 2013 (Act)
their full attention,
even though
the substantive
provisions of the
Act are not yet in
force. This is borne
out by the reality
that these incidents
are affecting South
African businesses
more frequently
- which aligns with global statistics that point to
an alarming escalation in cybercrimes and data
breaches.
It is good business practice to ensure that your
business’s logical and physical security measures
and safeguards are robust and are at least aligned
to industry standards and where possible, to
industry best practices. This is the first step to
ensuring that your business is less vulnerable
to a data breach or cyber incident and that your
business is aligned to the requirements of the
Act. The Act requires that you ensure the security
and integrity of personal information in your
possession or under your control with appropriate,
reasonable technical and organisational
measures to prevent the unlawful access to or
the loss or damage or unauthorised destruction
of personal information, which measures and
safeguards should align to generally accepted
information security practices or industry specific
requirements or professional rules.
Nevertheless, even the most secure businesses
could still be on the receiving end of a data
breach as a result of the increasing skill and
sophistication with which cybercriminals operate.
This means that it is imperative to consider your
risks in relation to such an eventuality and to
have a robust,
comprehensive
data breach/
cyber incident
response plan in
place – which can
be immediately
implemented
should such an
event affect your
business.
By adopting
a pro-active
management
strategy rather
than crisis driven one and having a well-planned
and comprehensive data breach response
plan, you will ensure that your business is
protected - not just from a legal perspective
and to contain business interruption and ensure
business continuity - but also from a reputational
perspective. How quickly and how well you
respond is a key imperative in these situations.
Implementing a pre-defined data breach
response plan will also assist with protecting your
reputation.
Timeous notification to the relevant regulators
is critical and being responsive and transparent
with information relating to the breach with your
clients and stakeholders as well as the media can
go a long way in assisting to manage the impact of
a data breach on your business. The consequences
of not doing so are obvious. There are numerous
examples abroad of companies who had not dealt
with a data breach timeously or in compliance
with the law who have lost clients, share value,
credibility and who suffered financially following a
data breach (including where they have been faced
with extensive investigations, damages claims
and have incurred significant costs to fix the
vulnerabilities in their systems).
King IV also places an obligation on the board
of a company to be aware of and address the risks
relating to cyber incidents. The board is tasked
with overseeing business continuity and resilience
arrangements as well as the business’ proactive
monitoring of cyber incidents. This means that
cybersecurity should be a board level agenda item.
At present, the sections of the Act which
have come into effect are those that establish
the Information Regulator (Regulator) as the
regulatory body tasked with the obligation to
govern and ensure compliance under the Act, as
well as the sections setting out the procedure
for regulation-making by the Regulator. The
chairperson of the Regulator, Pansy Tlakula,
indicated in a recent radio interview that the office
of the Regulator will be operational by next year.
So, if this indication is anything to go by, it would
appear that the remainder of the Act could come
into force by next year.
Even though businesses would still have a
one-year grace period (which could be extended
for up to three years) to become compliant with
the provisions of the Act in respect of existing
processing activities and it would only be then
that punitive measures may be implemented
against non-compliant companies, the court of
public opinion is a real risk to businesses who are
affected by a data breach incident. Time has run
out! It is strongly advised that businesses become
compliant with the requirements of the Act and it
does not stop there.
To fully protect your business and ensure that
you do not cause unnecessary damage to your
reputation or at least are effective at mitigating
the fall out of any serious data breach impacting
your business, you should plan for such an
eventuality.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
also applies to certain South African businesses
and this is already in force - so urgency is
definitely the order of the day!
TOP STORIES TOP STORIES
32 33UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
AVRIL KOTZE REACHES 10 YEARS SERVICEWe congratulate Avril Kotze from our Durban
Office for having completed 10 years’
service at UASA. Avril is doing a sterling job, in
amongst other, the paper and wood and sugar
industries. She is a fearless negotiators and with her,
UASA members always come first.
OFFSHORE CONSIDERATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR WILL
Reduced global economic growth over the
last few years has prompted governments
worldwide to focus on increased inheritance and
wealth taxes to bolster the state coffers, and
South Africa is no exception.
Click here for more information.
STUDY GRANTS AWARDED TO 14 STUDENTS
We are pleased to announce the names of
the recipients of UASA’s study grants
for 2018.
Seven students were each awarded a grant
valued R 5 000 and seven were awarded grants of
R2 500 each:
GRANTS VALUED R5 000
MA Blom
H Botha
EM Eales
NM Mokonoto
A Sahadev
AR Tredoux
JC van der Poel
GRANTS VALUED R2 500
MA Adams
OG Denation
L Liphoto
C Manickum
MS Mkhwanazi
T Tsanganyado
KM Ubise
Congratulations to everyone. We wish you all
the very best of success with your studies.
The adjudicating panel applied their minds to all
the applications received and awarded the grants
to the successful applicants in accordance with the
following criteria:
Number of years’ uninterrupted membership of
UASA
Number of previous unsuccessful applications
Number of dependents
Previously disadvantaged groups
Number of enrolled children
Member’s annual income
Spouse’s income
Field of study
*We wish to remind our readers that the decision of the adjudicating panel is final and no correspondence shall be entered into regarding the final outcome as decided by UASA’s NEC.
UASA RUSTENBURG IS RELOCATING!
The relocation of the UASA Rustenburg
offices to no. 3 Safari Gardens, Arend
Road in Rustenburg was a temporary measure
while the building project of the new PSG
offices are still in progress. UASA will issue
a communication as soon as we we have
relocated to the new offices, which will most
probably be in November 2018.
Johannes en Mnr Hugo
Johannes Lichaba for an unbelievable 35 years’ service
LONG SERVICE AWARDSChief Corporate Officer Jacques Hugo presented two of our colleagues with long service certificates.
Congratulations to both colleagues!
Heidi en Mnr Hugo
Heidi Venter for 15 years’s loyal service
STAFF MATTERS STAFF MATTERS
34 35UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
BEYERS CLAASSENDis met groot hartseer dat ons moet meedeel dat
ons ou staatmaker-vriend en kollega Beyers
Claassen onlangs oorlede is.
Beyers het vir n lang tydperk n stryd gestry
teen nierversaking en later teen kanker ook.
Die aanslag was uiteindelik te groot en hy het sy
moedige stryd teen die siekte verloor.
Beyers was n Karoo-seun in murg en bloed en hy
het eers by Transnet as n treindrywer gewerk. In
die laat 90’s was hy een van die leiersfigure onder
n hele klomp treindrywers wat by die destydse
Salstaff aangesluit het. Ons het Beyers leer ken
as n vurige kampvegter vir die regte van werkers
en na die samesmelting met UASA in 2002, het
n n voltydse aanstelling by die vakbond aanvaar
vanwaar hy werksaam onder ons lede in die Suid-
en Wes-Kaap was.
Beyers laat sy vrou Jolanda en sy seun Louis
agter.
Ons betoon graag ons innige medelye aan al
ons UASA lede wat met Beyers te doen gehad het,
met sy Moeder en susters asook sy vrou en seun.
Mag ons Hemelse Vader julle vertoos en bemoedig
gedurende julle tydperk van rou.
Rus in vrede ou vriend. Die leemte wat jy
agterlaat sal moeilik gevul word.
It was with great sorrow that we had to announce
the passing of our stalwart, friend and colleague,
Beyers Claassen.
Beyers struggled with renal failure and later
with cancer as well for a long period of time, he
finally lost his last battle.
Beyers has been a son of the Karoo through
and through. He worked for Transnet as a train
driver and he was one of the leaders among a
group of train drivers that joined the then Salstaff
back in the late 90’s. We got to know Beyers as a
true leader among men, fighting for the rights of
workers and after UASA and Salstaff amalgamated
in 2002, he accepted full time employment at the
union from where he serviced UASA members in
the Western and Southern Cape.
Beyers leaves behind his wife Jolanda and his
son Louis.
We would like to express our condolences with
his members, his Mother, his sisters and his son.
May our Heavenly Father console you during your
time of bereavement.
Rest in peace dear friend. The gap that you leave
behind will not be filled easily.
CYNTHIA MABITLE
We were saddened by the passing of one of the
stalwarts of the union, Cynthia Mabitle, who
suddenly passed away after she complained about a
chest pain.
Cynthia has been active in trade unionism for
a long time and as far back as 2000, she has been
appointed National Treasurer of Hactu. After
the amalgamation between Hactu and UASA
on 1 February 2001, Cynthia has been one of
the elected office bearers who represented the
hairdressers on the National Executive Committee
of UASA, where she later also served as one of the
Vice Presidents.
Cynthia was very active on several bargaining
council committees and her trade mark has been
that the interests of the members always came first.
On behalf of the National Executive Committee,
the CEO, UASA staff as well as all members, we
would like to express our heartfelt condolences
to the family. We hope and pray that they will
receive all the support they may need and that the
mercy of God will carry them through this time of
bereavement.
Rest in peace Cynthia. We will all miss you.
REST IN PEACE SOON
Avril Kotze from the UASA Durban office
relayed the sad news that Mr. Soon Cronje
from the NBCWPS (National Bargaining Council
for the Wood and Paper Sectors) passed away in
hospital on Friday morning, 13 April 2018.
Soon was one of the founding members of
SAMRI in 1994 which later amalgamated with
UASA on 1 September 2001. After his retirement,
Soon and his good wife started their own guest
house in Amanzimtoti and he later became an
agent for the NBCWPS, a position he held at the
time of his passing.
We are saddened by the passing of Soon. He will
be sorely missed.
Our prayers are that the Good Lord with console
and strengthen his wife and the children during
their time of bereavement. Rest in peace Soon!
IN MEMORIAM
Rus in vrede Beyers
WE GOT TO KNOW BEYERS AS A TRUE LEADER AMONG MEN...
STAFF MATTERS
37UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
BADENHORST L RUSTENBURG PLATINUM BAPELA ME IMPALA PLATINUM LTD - RUSTENBURGCLOETE AM WIDOW MEMBERDE BEER HMP WIDOW MEMBEREDWARDS JJC ANGLO PLATINUM - MODIKWA MINEERASMUS AM WIDOW MEMBERFOURIE JAC OPTIMUM COLLIERYHAVEMAN V WIDOW MEMBERJANSE VAN RENSBURG GD IMPALA PLATINUM KEGEL MW WIDOW MEMBERKHATHWANE JR IZAZI MININGMOKATE SE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES NEL CE PENSIONER MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENTPIENAAR G WIDOW MEMBERPIETERSE MJ PENSIONER MEMBERSPOTGIETER RJG INDEPENDENT - EX BUFFELSFONTEIN GOLD MINESCHONFELDT SG LIFE MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENT
SMIT HJJ SIBANYE GOLD LIMITED - KLOOF DIVISIONUBISI PS FERRO ELEGANZA (PTY) LTDVAN DER MERWE CA INDEPENDENT VAN DER WESTHUIZEN MC WIDOW MEMBERVAN DER WESTHUIZEN JEG DALIFF PRECISION ENGINEERING (PTY) LTDVAN DEVENTER GH WIDOW MEMBERVAN WYK GM PENSIONER MEMBER - EX ERPMVENTER MM WIDOW MEMBERVORSTER OA PENSIONERWOLMARANS JG CARLSON ENGINEERING & CONS YANTOLO N ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI LTD - WEST WITS - SAVUKAZWANEPOEL AEM WIDOW MEMBER
ARENSTEIN WBR LIFE MEMBER - EX IMPALA PLATINUMBADENHORST MPA PENSIONER MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENTBEYERS PRHB LIFE MEMBER - EX RPMBUTI N INTERTOWN TRANSPORT (PTY) LTDBWITITI T PAARL TISSUE (PTY) LTD T/A CORREL TISSUECOMBRINCK CEM WIDOW MEMBERCRONJE AM INDEPENDENT DAVIDSON RE LIFE MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENTDE WAAL DAG LIFE MEMBER - EX IMPALA PLATINUMDILOANE FT IMPALA PLATINUM LTD - RUSTENBURGELS AJ PENSIONER MEMBER - EX ORYX MINEHANEKOM AE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINESHENDRIKSE L WIDOW MEMBERHERBST FJ LIFE MEMBER - EX SAAIPLAASJOAQUIM J BIC SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTDKRIEL E WIDOW MEMBERKRITZINGER SE WIDOW MEMBERLABUSCHAGNE PJ INDEPENDENTMAKHATHINI EMW ELGIN ENGINEERING (PTY) LTD MDLETSHE TR NOTEFULL 1294CC
MOCKE KG PENSIONER MEMBER - EX MIDDELBURG MINE SERVICESMORRIS PW PENSIONER MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENTNAIDOO DN MEREBANK MILL - MONDINEL OP RUSTENBURG PLATINUM NGEMA PT ZULULAND REFRIGERATION [PTY] LTDOOSTHUIZEN J PENSIONER MEMBERPRETORIUS FR LIFE MEMBER - EX PRESIDENT BRANDRYAN WJ PETRA DIAMONDS SA (PTY)SCHOEMAN HE PENSIONER MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENTSCHOUW WN COALFIELDS SUPPLIES AND SERVICESSTORBECK JJB PENSION MEMBER - EX PRESIDENT BRANDSTRYDOM G RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES TENNER MJ WIDOW MEMBERTOKOANE SM TSHEPONG SHAFT - FREEGOLD BUSINESS UNITVAN ASWEGEN WJ PENSIONER MEMBER - EX ANGLO GOLD MATJABENG MINEVAN DYK A IMPALA PLATINUM LTD - RUSTENBURGVERMAAK SS WIDOW MEMBERWITCHELL RS PENSIONER MEMBER - EX DYASON DESIGN & PRINTING
SURNAME INITIALS BRANCH DESC
SURNAME INITIALS BRANCH DESC
SURNAME INITIALS BRANCH DESC
MARCH 2018
APRIL 2018
MAY 2018
SURNAME INITIALS BRANCH DESC
SURNAME INITIALS BRANCH DESC
SURNAME INITIALS BRANCH DESC
Obituaries
Your partner in Financial wellness
YOUR Financial Wellness
We are here to help you BUILD, SECURE, GROW and ENJOY
your financial wellness.
BENZIEN CJ LIFE MEMBER - EX PRESIDENT BRANDBODENSTEIN AA LIFE MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENT BOSTANDER P ATKV HARTENBOS STRANDOORDBOTHA G TREES SOUTH AFRICA - GARDEN ROUTEBRAZER WD WESER ENGINEERING BURR-DIXON JJ PENSIONER MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENTCLUCAS RG LIFE MEMBER - EX VAAL REEFSCOX AC PENSIONER MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENTEDWARDS CR LIFE MEMBER - EX ISCORFITZGERALD SJ WIDOW MEMBERGAMBA MAC PETRA DIAMONDS SA (PTY)HOLDER M WIDOW MEMBERHOLTBY HT WIDOW MEMBERHUGO SC DBCM CORPORATE - KIMBERLEYKOCK M WIDOW MEMBERLOMBARD GB WIDOW MEMBERLUNDIE CH PENSIONER MEMBER - EX REGMMABITLE CN LIFE MEMBER - EX UASA STAFFMAGAGULA NJ FLUOR SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD - MASEKO ET MURRAY & ROBERTS POWER & ENERGY - MRPE KUSILE - CO3 - KUSILEWAGESMATHEBULA LL DEI PROJECTSMAVUSO JG WEG TRANSFORMERS AFRICA - HEIDELBERG BRANCH
MEYER SMG PENSIONER MEMBER - EX WESTERN LEVELSMKHIZE B ILLOVO SUGAR - UMZIMKULU MILLMYBURGH LM LIFE MEMBERNIENABER JF WIDOW MEMBERNXUMALO NP GOLD CIRCLEORTLEPP CGJ WIDOW MEMBERPHIRI CG MIS ENGINEERING [PTY] LTD TRADING AS MITAKRAUTENBACH HC PENSIONER MEMBERS - EX INDEPENDENTROSSOUW N COLUMBUS STAINLESS [PTY] LTDSAK S MEGA GROUP HOLDINGS PTY LTDSCHOLTZ CJ NEW ARK SESANA FD HAIR BY DIDISETHOLE EM EQUIPMENT DESIGN & GENERAL ENGINEERING [PTY] LTDSEWADAWADA LN CONEXUSSMITH KE AQUILA PRIVATE GAME RESERVETHERON A WIDOW MEMBERTSHIKARE DR RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES VAN DEN BERG CAL PENSIONER MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENTVAN DEN BERG MDB LIFE MEMBER - EX OPTIMUM COLLIERYVAN DER BANK SC WIDOW MEMBERVAN VUUREN JC WIDOW MEMBERVENTER LF PENSIONER MEMBER - EX INDEPENDENTZANDAMELA TG TAAG - LINHAS AEREAS DE ANGOLA - ANGOLA AIRLINES
UFSUASA FINANCIAL SERVICES
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38 UASA Quarterly Report – August 2018
It pays to belong to UASA
www.uasa.org.za
UASA Office Park, 42 Goldman Street,
Florida, 1709
Why wait?Contact us on 011 472 3600
or sms UASA to 32545
Financial Wellness
Besides the trusted support in respect of workplace representation, UASA also aims to help members through their life stages to BUILD, SECURE, GROW and to eventually ENJOY their financial wellness.
To be financially well, means to budget properly and to attend to a number of critical issues such as:
Last will and testament Funeral cover Budget Finance Saving for retirement Medical care Life cover Household cover Family care Investment
UASA Funeral benefit
Each and every active UASA member in good standing, his/her spouse (one only) plus four (4) dependent children under 21 years of age is automatically covered by this coffin and services benefit. It also includes payment of a cash benefit of R3000 in the event of a main member passing away, R1500 in case of the spouse and R1000 in case of a dependent child. T’s and C’s apply. Full details of the benefit can be obtained from UASA Head Office.
UASA’s new App has the following features:
Online membership application Online submission of funeral, maternity benefit queries and other forms Contact my representative Update my information Emergency number 24/7 Trusted support Financial wellness Sector news …and much more
UASA members the union in the palms of their hand, 24/7Download the app from the Google Play Store
Maternity leave benefit
Female members with at least twelve (12) months continuous unbroken membership of UASA and prior to the date of Confinement qualify for the Maternity Leave Benefit.
The benefit is a once-off payment of R1 700-00 (as of 1 March 2018) per pregnancy. It is paid to female members within two (2) days after the required “Application for Maternity Leave Benefit” form has been submitted to UASA. T’s and C’s apply.
This benefit is limited to 4 (Four) claims per active female member.
Marlicht holiday flats
Marlicht Holiday flats is owned and operated by UASA. It has magnificent sea views and are directly on the beach and a stone’s throw from Margate’s popular main beach, close to all amenities. Marlicht offers the ideal South Coast family holidays and members get a 20% discount off normal rates, right through the year.
There are 9, 7 and 4 sleeper flats and Standards Division of the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) unanimously awarded Marlicht the much sought-after AA Quality Assured in the category “Highly Recommended Self-catering Suites/Apartments” status.
The AA’s award bears glowing testimony of the immaculate way in which the holiday flats are managed, equipped and maintained to meet the expectations of our guests.
ABSAAquilla FinancialSolutionsAssupol LifeAuto & GeneralCapital LegacyEurope AssistanceEyewizeHollard
Infussion FinancialServicesMcCarthy CallacarMetropolitanOld MutualOptivestPSGTransAfrica
In order for UASA members to enjoy a trusted support service on their way to financial wellness, UASA interacts with legitimate and credible financial services providers (FSP’S) and accredit them. The result is that should they be in need of the services of an FSP, they can do so with peace of mind. Current the following FSP’s have been accredited by Fincents:
Accreditation of financial services providers
Study Grant Scheme
UASA pays a once off grant to qualifying members to enable them or their children to further their studies. In view of the skills shortage and economic growth, preference is given to those who are busy with grade studies in B Com, B SC and Medical disciplines or those studying at a technical college in the field of e.g. engineering, manufacturing and mining.
Grants are awarded to successful applicants who have completed at least their first years’ study at an
accredited learning institution and who can provide satisfactory proof of enrollment after the first semester of the following year.
Subject to the availability of funds, a total of twenty (20) grants are awarded per annum and the values thereof are reviewed by the UASA NEC from time to time. Currently, ten grants each worth R5000,00 are awarded to graduate students and ten grants worth R2500,00 each.
Legal adviceAn emergency which requires legal advice on the spot. Assistance comes in the form of free telephonic legal advice.
A medical emergencyThe call centre operator will assess the situation and immediately arrange for an ambulance/medical assistance to get you stabilised in the nearest hospital.
The crisis lineIf you want to speak to someone on the crisis line if you have been involved in an attack, hijacking,housebreaking, theft, fire and require trauma counseling. The operator will try and contact neighbour, nearest police station, security service provider or the nearest fire station to notify them ifthe incident and to call for assistance. They will monitor until the situation has been stabilised.
You need roadside assistanceThe operator will connect you to a service provider that can help with e.g. fuel, a flat battery, tow-in etc. Any services provided outside of the logged call is for the member’s account.
You need to speak to a teacher on lineThis CAPS aligned service which is relevant to private and public schools provides telephonic academic assistance for grades 4 to 12, Mondays to Thursdays from 18:00 to 21:00 during school terms.
Please call me serviceShould the need arise for the Emergency help centre to call a member, simply SMS *130*3272*77# and they will call you back.
EMERGENCY NUMBER
0861008272
From: Mary Berry Cooks | By Mary Berry
Preperation time: less than 30 mins | Cooking time: 10 to 30 mins | Servings: 6
INGREDIENTS
350g/12oz penne pasta
2 x 80g/3oz packs Parma ham, snipped into small
pieces
250g/9oz small brown chestnut mushrooms,
halved or quartered
200g/7oz full-fat crème fraîche
100g/3½oz Parmesan, grated
2 tbsp chopped parsley
salt and pepper, to taste
To serve (optional)
green salad
crunchy bread
METHOD
Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water
according to the packet instructions. Drain and
set aside
Heat a frying pan until hot. Add the pieces of
Parma ham and fry until crisp, remove half of
the ham onto a plate and set aside. Add the
mushrooms to the pan and fry for two minutes.
Add the crème fraîche and bring up to the boil.
Add the pasta, Parmesan and parsley and toss
together over the heat. Season well with salt
and pepper.
Serve with a green salad and crunchy bread.
RECIPE TIPS
If you want to use reduced fat crème fraîche, just
stir it through at the end of cooking otherwise
it will split. For special occasions, add a pack of
asparagus tips to the pasta four minutes before
the end of cooking time, then drain with the pasta.
This is my standby pasta supper as it is so delicious, so quick and everyone loves it. Great for everyday or for casual supper parties too.
15 minute pasta
Marlicht - GeneralMarlicht is the pride of the trade union UASA. When we acquired the property in 1991, the dream was to provide an opportunity for the ideal South Coast family holiday to UASA members and their families, as well as the wider public of course. Judging from Marlicht guests that are returning year after year, it tells us that Marlicht has indeed become a destination for the family to relax, to enjoy the ocean, to laze by the swimming pool and off course, to be a home away from home in our well-equipped and maintained units.
AcknowledgementThe Board of Directors of Marlicht decided that it is time to show our appreciation to those loyal guests who return year after year. Our appreciation comes in the form of discounts that we will give progressively for return bookings. Each guest will receive a Marlicht VIP card and this card will be the key to unlock bigger and bigger discounts for return bookings.
In addition to the above a further discount equal to 5 % of the customer’s final account to a maximum of R1 000 will be applied to the final account. The above is appli-cable to bookings of 7 nights and longer for high season bookings and 4 nights for low season as outlined in the annual Marlicht rate card. T&C’c apply. The directors reserve the right to change and or amend this loyalty program at their sole discretion.
Forest Road, Margate, KZN PO Box 261, Margate 4275Tel: +27 039 312 1052 Fax: +27 039 317 1870 Cell: +27 82 852 8207 Web: www.marlicht.co.za
E-Mail: admin@marlicht.co.za
Get away from it all!
Marlicht VIP CARD
VIPMarlicht is wholly owned and
managed by UASA – the union
This is how your VIP card will workThe following discounts will be applicable:1st return: 5% during high season and long-weekends or 7.5%
during low season2nd return: 6% during high season and long-weekends or 8.5%
during low season3rd return: 7% during high season and long-weekends or 9.5%
during low season4th return: 8% during high season and long-weekends or 10.5%
during low season5th return: 9% during high season and long-weekends or 11.5%
during low season(Bookings must be 7 days or longer for high season and minimum 4 nights for low season – T’s and C’s apply)
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