COSATU Media Monitor Special Bulletin, 20 May 2013
Norman Mampane
COSATU Media Monitor Special Bulletin
Monday, 20 May 2013
COSATU National Collective Bargaining, Organizing and Campaigns Conference Special Declaration
http://www.cosatu.org.za/show.php?ID=7062
COSATU has served a Section77 Notice at Nedlac on the 11th December 2012
http://www.cosatu.org.za/show.php?ID=6785
COSATU E-toll Campaign goes ahead in 2013.
http://www.cosatu.org.za/show.php?ID=6793
Stop Commodification of public goods!
The articles in the Media Monitor do not represent the views of COSATU. They are selected because we believe they deal with topics of interest to our readers, who will then be informed on how the media is reporting and commenting on these topics. It will enable them, if necessary, to respond to inaccurate, misleading or biased reports or comment.
If we have excluded other articles which readers wished could have been picked, this was not intentional but because of tight time-frames. If you have seen article worth to be shared email it.
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Contents
Workers’ Parliament
Ø Andre Kriel, SACTWU, General Secretary's Response to Jon Herskovitz on article titled 'Wage pegging, productivity a delicate balancing act, Business Report adted 19th May 2013 '
Ø OPINION-Amcu a group of vigilantes and liars, say alliance bosses
Ø Marikana strike affects business owners
Ø Sadtu, publisher in sweetheart deal?
Ø Unions, officials under attack: Numsa
Ø Doctors warned of work related risks in UAE
Ø Amcu meeting to discuss Amplats negotiations
Ø Strike at Lanxess mine
Ø Numsa decries physical attacks on its officials
Ø 'Mines cannot afford pay rises'
Ø Lonmin denies political pressure
Ø We live with death every day
Ø NUM seeks wage hikes of up to 60%
Ø Gauteng teacher accused of rape found guilty of misconduct at disciplinary
Ø Winning Women: Jobseekers’ guardian angel
Ø SAAF pays tribute to 13 fallen members
COSATU
Ø Ramaphosa and Cosatu president rejects Amcu’s claims
Ø Cosatu to move from political wrangling
Ø Vavi appeals for unity, tolerance
Ø Vavi tells union to be more militant
Ø Cosatu denies blocking wage subsidy
Tributes to Vuyo Mbuli
Ø TV and radio presenter Vuyo Mbuli dies
Ø Cheetahs shocked at Mbuli’s death
Ø Mbuli described as an African patriot and intellectual
Ø Zuma ‘saddened’ by Mbuli’s passing
Ø South Africa mourns 'patriotic and positive' Mbuli
Ø Young Communist League mourns Mbuli's death
Ø Celebs pay tribute to Mbuli
Ø Tributes pour in for Mbuli
Ø South Africa left in mourning after Mbuli's death
South Africa
Ø Unclear whether Guptas will be charged for air force base use
Ø Media statement on the landing of a chartered commercial aircraft at Air Force Base Waterkloof
Ø More food price hikes loom
Ø Sanral: W Cape tolls won't hurt poor
Ø SA Roadlink denies liquidation claims
Ø Compulsory isiZulu a watershed moment in education: PanSALB
Ø DA, Mpumalanga education dept condemn alleged racial segregation
Alliance
Ø ANC might discuss Gupta gate during NEC meeting
International
Ø Underground xenophobic attacks rife
Ø Africa gears up for Africa Day celebrations
Ø EU commission sees Greek recovery but few jobsTsvangirai confident he'll oust Mugabe in election
Ø Divisive women's law overlooked by Afghan Parliament
Ø COSATU E-toll Campaign goes ahead in 2013;24th and 31st May 2013 in Johannesburg & Ekurhuleni respectively
Ø COSATU Section77 Notice served at Nedlac on the 11th December 2012
Ø Shaka Sisulu: In memory of Walter Sisulu
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1. Workers’ Parliament
Andre Kriel, SACTWU, General Secretary's Response to Jon Herskovitz on article titled 'Wage pegging, productivity a delicate balancing act, Business Report adted 19th May 2013 '
Business Report, 19 May 2013
Jon Herskovitz has never spoken to me about his article ("Wage pegging, productivity a delicate balancing act", BR 19/05/2013). The consequence is that he quotes me completely out of context. Nevertheless, let's deal with some of the factual inaccuracies in his article: First, he just simply asserts that prescribed wages in an area like Newcastle is high. This is untrue. The new starting minimum wages for the clothing industry was recently gazetted. It came into effect on 22 April. For a machinist it is still only R441 per week, below the R525 per week recently gazetted for farmworkers. There is also no truth in his assertion that clothing industry job losses are primarily due to high wage levels. Wages are actually low. More importantly, the current main causes are high levels of illegal imports and depressed retailer pricing offered to local manufacturers. Bargaining council rates, he quotes Mr Lui of the Newcastle Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry as claiming, are not linked to productivity. This is simply untrue. The bargaining council agreement for an area like Newcastle has always allowed for a productivity-wage link. In fact, the current agreement allows for as much as 20% of the wage to be productivity incentivised. Herskovitz further quotes Adcorp's Loane Sharp as stating that bargaining council rates are determined by bigger companies which "...gang up on small- and medium-sized enterprises...". Untrue. Eighty seven percent (87%) of clothing bargaining council party companies are actually SMEE's...why would they gang up against themselves? Herskovitz further alleges that Newcastle companies complain that they are excluded from the industry wage negotiations. Nobody has excluded them. They have excluded themselves. In fact, they have never lodged any application to be included. They have not even submitted any proposals to the current round if wage negotiations, despite the bargaining council having invited them to do so. Finally, Herskovitz makes much of the comparisons between local wages compared to those in countries like Bangladesh. We hope that he is not promoting the notion that Bangladeshi wage rates are the ones which our domestic manufacturers should aspire to. Such a race to the bottom is not a sustainable growth path for our industry.
By Andre Kriel, SACTWU, General Secretary.
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OPINION-Amcu a group of vigilantes and liars, say alliance bosses
Rapule Tabane, M&G, 17 May 2013
·
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union is clearly the National Union of Mineworkers's worst nightmare.
Take last Sunday's political-school meeting by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), attended by about 1000 workers in Carletonville. Not one speaker completed their speech without a reference to this upstart union, which has been winning over membership from the NUM in the platinum, coal and mining sectors.
During their speeches the president of the NUM, Senzeni Zokwana, and the general secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), Blade Nzimande, devoted a great deal of time to lamenting that Amcu was not a trade union, but a group of "vigilantes and liars".
Leaders of the NUM feel under attack from Amcu, not only physically, but also in terms of representation in mining structures.
Their response is to warn their members against abaxhoki (those who mislead) and to encourage their shop stewards to do a better job of providing a service to their workers.
Zokwana, who delivered his entire address in isiXhosa, was particularly pronounced on the dangers of Amcu, accusing it of lacking its own programmes.
"What they do, instead of raising problems with employers, is just run to workers and instruct them not to go to work," he said. "And when members are fired, they are nowhere to be found. Miners are then left on their own."
Zokwana also accused Amcu of "business unionism", saying Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa owned five companies, a statement greeted with expressions of shock and disbelief in the crowd.
Violent union?
He went on to accuse the media of being dishonest in its characterisation of Amcu. "The media says Amcu is a militant union. Why can't they say it's a violent union?"
But Zokwana conceded that some of his union's wounds were self-inflicted: "Before our last congress, we had people making allegations that R6-million had disappeared and we were publicising people's salaries."
The members even decried Amcu in their singing: "Asiyazi lento le ifunwa ngu Mathunjwa [We don't know what it is that Mathunjwa wants"].
When Nzimande took to the floor, he did not mince his words, speaking out against Mathunjwa's union: "Comrades, we need to distinguish between a trade union and a group of vigilantes. Amcu is not a union and has never been a union. The best way to describe it is a vigilante union."
Nzimande said Amcu had coerced many to join it. "Some workers are in Amcu because of intimidation. We are asking law enforcement to act on this situation. We must be careful, but you can't keep attacking people without them retaliating. It's dangerous."
But he took the attack beyond Amcu, characterising it as only part of forces such as fellow Cosatu leaders, the media and mining houses that represent a threat to workers' interests and the ANC. He urged mineworkers not to be misled and to close ranks against these forces.
Independence in the alliance
Nzimande said some trade union leaders were attempting to drive a wedge between Cosatu and the ANC by continually criticising the ruling party.
"These habits of recklessly attacking the ANC are irresponsible. Those who say they do so because they are independent are wrong. There is no independence in the alliance."
Nzimande described the phenomenon of casting doubt about the ANC among workers as "Kadalism", referring to the leader of the previous century's powerful Industrial and Commercial Union, Clements Kadalie, who Nzimande said had tried to divide workers and the liberation movement and had been expelled from the union.
He told workers that in fighting corruption in the NUM and the ANC they must be careful not to project the organisations as corrupt themselves.
"Why is the media celebrating anyone who criticises the organisation? They praise everyone else in order to condemn the ANC. We are not paper heroes."
But Nzimande wants unionists to face up to their problems. "We will not defeat vigilantism if we do not improve our service to workers. The most serious threat to Cosatu is poor service to workers."
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Marikana strike affects business owners
SABC News, 19 May 2013
Business people in Marikana in North West say the recent strike at the Lonmin Platinum Mine has hit them hard as their customers raise safety concerns.
This is after Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) regional organiser, Mawethu Stevens, who was set to testify before the Marikana Commission of Inquiry, was shot dead.
He was shot dead by four unknown men at a local tavern last weekend. The murder prompted a two-day work stoppage at the mine.
Local business owners depend entirely on miners, around the Rustenburg Platinum Belt. Businessman Jannie van Rensburg says: “The thing is people don't want to give out money, they are not sure about their jobs at the moment, and they are not even sure they will have money in the next month, so they stingy and yeah times are tough.”
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Sadtu, publisher in sweetheart deal?
Carien du Plessis @City_Press, 19 May 2013
Teachers’ union orders members to ‘support’ company.
The SA Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) in Mpumalanga has ordered its members to “support” textbook publisher Shuter & Shooter – because the company is providing its members with training on the new curriculum.
City Press was this week leaked a copy of a memo from Sadtu’s Mpumalanga branch, addressed to “all regions and branches” and signed by the provincial secretary, Walter Hlaise.
In the memo, part of which Sadtu retracted in response to a request by Shuter & Shooter and action by the Publishers’ Association of SA (Pasa), Hlaise wrote: “All Sadtu members will support Shuter & Shooter by purchasing their books when orders for (textbooks and other learning materials) are made.”
He also wrote that the company would “sponsor activities of Sadtu (Mpumalanga)”.
In the memo, Hlaise wrote the union had resolved at its 2012 provincial general council to enter into an agreement with the company in which it would “run and fund Caps (curriculum) workshops for Sadtu members in the province on an intensive scale”.
The memo concludes: “We hereby remind all structures to initiate compliance with this decision and ensure principals of schools who are our members are aware of it.”
The Pasa wrote to Shuter & Shooter on Monday, registering its concern about the memo.
On Wednesday, the union retracted the clause encouraging teachers to buy the company’s books.
Shuter & Shooter’s managing director, Primi Chetty, said the memo “does not correctly reflect the nature of our relationship with Sadtu Mpumalanga”.
Chetty said the training provided by the company “is standard industry practice and teachers in the province will benefit from the training received.
There is no agreement between ourselves and Sadtu whereby their members are compelled in any way to purchase our product,” she said, adding that she was confident the training did not constitute a corrupt relationship.
But Steven Powell, a former state advocate and head of Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs’ forensic division, said a case could be made that the arrangement outlined in the memo “is a corrupt relationship based on the gratification provided to the union in the form of the sponsorship by the supplier of the union’s training functions”.
He said: “The quid pro quo is the instruction to use that company when orders are placed for learning material.”
He said the arrangement may also be an “anticompetitive practice”.
Officials, Powell said, would be abusing state funds if they preferred the sponsor’s product over better-quality or better-priced products as a result of the company’s “gratification” to the union.
“This could potentially also result in wasteful expenditure in contravention of the Public Finance Management Act,” said Powell.
When asked to clarify, Hlaise denied the memo amounted to a direct order for members to buy the publisher’s books.
“There is nothing sinister about it. We’re not saying we’re only buying Shuter & Shooter books,” he said.
“Supporting the publisher is not an instruction. We’re saying where our members can support them they must.
“Shuter & Shooter are helping us with teacher training. Why not support them when they are helping us for free?” He said rival publishers did nothing for the union.
“They’re just appropriating profits.”
Mandla Balisa, the chairman of Pasa, said the association was aware of the memo and had “started a process of engaging the publisher concerned and informing the department of education about the letter”.
He denied that other publishers did not provide teacher training, and said such training was facilitated through unions and provincial departments. Other publishers who spoke to City Press confirmed they had done training in Mpumalanga, but said they had dealt with education department district offices.
Mpumalanga education spokesperson Jasper Zwane distanced himself from the “so-called agreement in question”.
He said: “The arrangement is that schools are given a catalogue from which they order stationery or textbooks and each school or teacher would order based on their needs.
“At no stage would schools or teachers be instructed into choosing a particular publisher.”
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Unions, officials under attack: Numsa
The New Age, 17 May 2013
Attacks on Cosatu unions and its officials should be taken seriously, Numsa president Cedric Gcina said on Friday.
"These are not small matters," Gcina said at the National Union of Metalworkers of SA's (Numsa) 26th anniversary celebrations in Johannesburg.
"It is time the African National Congress government take these small, but consistent attacks on offices and homes of union officials seriously," he said.
Gcina said there was an unexplained attack on the Numsa offices in the Johannesburg CBD on Monday, and that the house of Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) spokesman Patrick Craven, whose wife works at Numsa, was recently burgled.
"It becomes hard to explain that a drunk person threw stones at Numsa offices at 2am, breaking windows and destroying Numsa signage," he said.
"These incidents are very worrying."
Gcina said the union would continue to reject the National Development Plan in its current form.
"The content that is in the NDP is not going to help workers and the country. It does not represent what the founders of this union strived for."
At the celebration, the union also launched a recruitment drive, aiming to increase its membership from 320,000 to 400,000 members by 2016.
Numsa organises in the tyre, rubber, motor, auto and engineering sectors, and at the power utility, Eskom.
Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi is expected to speak at the event.
-Sapa
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Doctors warned of work related risks in UAE
Sabc News, 18 May 2013
The World Medical Association says it will continue advising doctors about the risks associated with working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The association has welcomed the return of Professor Cyril Karabus after a nine-month ordeal in the UAE. The 78-year-old paediatric oncologist arrived home after being held for nine months on charges of manslaughter and forgery.
He was tried in absentia and convicted in connection with the death of a young patient he treated while working in the UAE years ago. He was arrested while in transit back to South Africa, prompting a diplomatic and legal battle. Karabus was found not guilty but he struggled for weeks to leave Abu Dhabi due to various delays.
Karabus is relaxing with his family at their Kenilworth home. He returned to South Africa from Abu Dhabi on Friday. His daughter Sarah says the family is happy that he's back home safely.
Meanwhile, International Relations Deputy Minister, Marius Fransman, says South Africa will continue to have strong ties with UAE, despite the criticism of the UAE over its treatment of Karabus.
Fransman says everyone in the country including the media played a role in Karabus' release.
"It’s important to respect the independence of another country, we strongly believed in the innocence of professor Karabus and our key issue was a fair hearing through the process, even the leadership in the royal family, assisted and I think we will continue to have a strong relation."
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Amcu meeting to discuss Amplats negotiations
SABC News, 18 May 2013
Mineworkers' union Amcu says it is meeting with its shopstewards in Pretoria this weekend to give them feedback regarding
negotiations between the union and mining company Amplats. Amplats announced this week that it intends to shed six-thousand jobs. This was not received well by Amcu, which earlier threatened labour action, should Amplats retrench workers.
Amcu President Joseph Mathunjwa gives the union's view of the negotiations.“This engagement of Amplats started earlier this year and therefore we were updating the leadership at the branch level of where we are as Amcu as mandated by them in those processes that were established by the government."
Meanwhile, Amcu says it's now raised its grievances in letters to Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and the Presidency. Mathunjwa says this is in relation to the continuing violence at Rustenburg platinum mines in the North West. Mathunjwa - who earlier threatened to bring mines to a standstill - says should their grievances not be responded to, they will take action.
“Amcu has been blamed for violence in the whole platinum sector. Num has been accusing us that we feed from violence. So we want to show the world that we are committed to peace. So that march that we are referring to, is for peace and to say enough is enough.”
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Strike at Lanxess mine
The New Age, 18 May 2013
Mineworkers at Lanxess chrome mine in Rustenburg are on an unprotected strike, the National of Union of Mineworkers said on Friday.
"Workers are demanding performance bonuses," regional co-ordinator Mxhasi Sithethi said.
Workers claimed the bonuses were approved by the company's head office in London in 2011, but never paid. The strike started on Thursday.
"The workers said a substantial amount of money is due to them. We are trying to get them back to work and [have] engaged the company on the issue. Our people went there this morning [Friday], but the gates were locked," he said.
The company was not available for comment. A security guard answered the phone, saying calls had been diverted to her guard room and no one was available on the premises.
According to the company's website it is a supplier of high quality chrome ore. It processes raw material into chrome chemical intermediates, and finally into products for, among others, working with leather.
It is situated about 14km from Rustenburg.
-Sapa
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Numsa decries physical attacks on its officials
SABC News, 17 May 2013
Metal workers union Numsa president Cedric Gina says attacks on its officials and at its headquarters in Johannesburg is worrying.
There have been a number of attacks at Numsa offices, as well as a burglary at the home of Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven, whose wife works at Numsa. Gina - speaking at Numsa's 26th anniversary celebrations in Johannesburg - has appealed to the ANC-led government to intervene. Gina says these are not small matters and it is about time that the ANC government takes very serious these seemingly small and unrelated attacks to the offices and homes of trade union officials.
Meanwhile, speaking at Numsa's 26th anniversary celebrations Cosatu General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi has called for unity and tolerance within the labour federation. There have been reports recently indicating that Numsa and the National Union of Mineworkers, both Cosatu affiliates, have been poaching members from each other. Vavi says without unity, the federation risks being weakened.
"It's absolutely important that even if we are painted in public as a divided house we have got to show all the time that, no that is the leadership speaking whether in the boardroom, on the ground we must hold each other's hand and we will refuse to be divided," says Vavi.
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'Mines cannot afford pay rises'
Reuters, EWN, 18 May 2013
LONDON - South Africa's mining industry can ill afford to offer wage rises during talks that are about to start with a new and unpredictable union, so it may well face fresh strikes, Impala Platinum said on Friday.
South African mining companies are due to embark on one of their toughest periods of wage talks in the next one or two weeks, with increasingly radicalised unions.
The world's biggest platinum producing country is hoping to avoid the 2012 wildcat strike action that cost billions in lost revenue and production.
Mining companies are hurting from a nearly 20 percent drop in platinum prices in the last two years, as the supply disruptions failed to offset weakness in demand for the metal used chiefly in motor vehicle catalysts.
Workers are hoping the unions can deliver deals like the 11-to-22 percent pay rise Lonmin gave illegal strikers after 34 were shot dead by police at its Marikana mine.
"I don't think we have a mandate yet for wage levels, I just know from the mines' point of view that any kind of increase is going to be difficult to afford," Derek Engelbrecht, Impala's group executive marketing, told Reuters in an interview.
"I think there certainly is potential for further industrial action in the form of strikes," he added.
Over the past year the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) has poached tens of thousands of members from the once dominant National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which has been hurt by a view that its leaders had become too close to management.
The AMCU leader, Joseph Mathunjwa, on Friday threatened to bring Africa's biggest economy to a standstill and the rand extended its slide after tumbling to a four-year low against the dollar on Thursday on fears of a strike at Anglo American Platinum (Amplats).
More than 50 people have been killed in more than 12 months of unrest stemming from a turf war between the two unions.
"We are now going into uncharted territory," Engelbrecht said. "We are going to negotiate with a new union that we have never dealt with before on wages, so trying to predict the outcome would be foolhardy."
The negotiations will start against a backdrop of jobs cuts and approaching elections.
Impala is looking at plans to cut capital and operational expenses, including staffing numbers, Engelbracht said.
"The whole thing has been reviewed to try and reduce both absolute and unit costs and improve productivity," he said.
The world's largest platinum miner Amplats plans to cut 6,000 jobs and mothball two unprofitable mines near the platinum belt city of Rustenburg.
However, a protest strike called for Friday by at least two AMCU officials failed to materialise.
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Lonmin denies political pressure
Gia Nocoliades, EWN, 17 May 2013
MARIKANA - Platinum producer Lonmin had on Thursday denied that it had given into political pressure to keep the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on the premises despite it not being the majority.
The claims surfaced as thousands of miners in Marikana in the North West went on an unprotected strike on Monday.
They belong to rival union Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) which is the now the majority and are demanding that NUM leave the mine.
Lonmin's Sue Vey said their main priority is a peaceful resolution.
“It would appear at times that decisions are made which favour one or the other, but our goal is to have equal representation appropriate for unions based on their members.”
While miners have returned to work their strike is not officially over until they are told by their leaders at another mass meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Amcu president Joseph Mathunjwa will report back to his members after a meeting he had with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to ensure that the union is recognised as the majority union at Marikana.
A total of three people including a high ranking Amcu official have been killed during the weekend, which is believed to a have sparked the protest.
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We live with death every day
Madala Thepa, Sunday World, 19 May 2013
It’s a hard life marikana.
The unprotected strikes that continue to rock the north west platinum belt do not only hurt the workers, but other people too, in the communities of nkaneng informal settlement and wonderkop.
Wanton strikes and violence seem formal. Nobody gets shocked anymore to hear that someone they know is killed. Nobody is disturbed that people go for days without food.
‘it’s the nkaneng way of life. We share what we have, that is how we survive. We see violence everyday. That too is part of life in kaneng’, said a young Mozambican guy who only wanted to identify himself as paulos.
‘the crime rate is high. People no longer mind. It’s a way of life. You have to go with what is happening. A friend got his car taken in his yard. They knocked on his window and asked him to give them the car keys.
‘he calmly woke up and handed them the keys. If he did not it would have been the last breath he took… this is normal here’.
Julius kino, a general worker at lonmin eastern mine, is just another face in the drowd until he talks about his trubles. Mkino is hungry. That is the first word he utters.
He travelled from klersdorp to marikana to attend the strike on Tuesday, hoping that the leadershoip of Amcu would finally address their issue with the contractors,Mvelo platinum group.
He says mvelo has not paid them since December last year and has since disappeared from the mine.
About 91 of his co-workers left the packed Wonderkop stadium disappointed that nothing was said about their problems.
He gathered his co-workers, about 20 of them, to speak to Sunday world.
‘the leadership of Amcu knows about our problems. They have since given up. We don’t know where to turn to. We go for days without food.
;lonmin does not want to hear our grievances. We are slaves of this mine…my stuff at home is going to be reposed because I failed to pay installments. We cant apply for jobs because we appear as employed in the lonmin system. The owner of the company, Daantjie, has vanished with our money.
‘the funny part is that we still get payslips bu the money does not get through to us’
Sunday world tried to contact Sarrel Dantjie but his phone was off. Lonmin spokesperson, Sue Vey said they have nothing to say on this issue and that the disgruntled workers should contact Mvelo platinum group.
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NUM seeks wage hikes of up to 60%
Reuters, Fin24, 19 May 2013
Johannesburg - The National Union of Mineworkers said on Sunday it would seek pay hikes of up to 60% from the country's gold and coal producers in upcoming wage talks which are expected to be among the toughest ever.
NUM said it was seeking an entry-level minimum monthly wage of R7 000 for surface workers and R8 000 for those underground in a submission to the Chamber of Mines.
Elize Strydom, the industrial relations advisor at the Chamber of Mines, said the minimum wage for surface workers was currently R4 700 and for underground miners it was R5 000, so the demands for the latter were 60%.
NUM also said it wanted 15% hikes for "all other wage categories", which would refer to more experienced and skilled workers.
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Gauteng teacher accused of rape found guilty of misconduct at disciplinary
Sapa, Times Live, 18 May 2013
A teacher who allegedly kidnapped, drugged, and raped a schoolgirl has been found guilty of gross misconduct in a disciplinary hearing, rights group Section27 said.
"We are still awaiting a decision as to whether any criminal charges will be brought against the teacher," it said in a statement.
A complaint about the teacher was lodged with the Gauteng education department in February last year. Spokesman Charles Phahlane said the teacher was initially found not guilty in a disciplinary hearing.
"The head of department in Gauteng then lodged an appeal, and the appeal came back and overturned the not guilty verdict, and so the educator was found guilty."
Phahlane said the next step would be to determine what sanction the teacher would face.
"As the department we welcome the verdict. We will not hesitate to take stern action against educators that abuse their positions of authority," he said.
Section27 said the EmUployment of Educators Act stipulated that any teacher found guilty of gross misconduct should be fired.
The rights group, and its affiliates in the case – Lawyers Against Abuse, Werksmans Attorneys, and the Treatment Action Campaign – welcomed the department's no-tolerance stance on sexual violence in schools.
They remained concerned, however, at how long it took for the complaint to reach the present stage, and intended working with the department to streamline processes for similar matters.
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Winning Women: Jobseekers’ guardian angel
Sue Grant-Marshall, City Press, 19 May 2013
Angela Dick, the CEO and founder of Transman, at the company’s head office in Parktown, Joburg. Picture: Muntu Vilakazi
Angela Dick, the CEO and founder of Transman, the largest privately owned, temporary-employment service provider in SA, has driven her company’s revenue from R85 000 in 1983 to R640 million today, writes Sue Grant-Marshall
Angela Dick’s decisions can potentially affect 120 000 people a day. That’s a figure that could keep a soul awake at night, and sometimes it does, for she cares deeply about the 10 000 breadwinners she employs.
“No matter what happens, my workers are paid their wages every Thursday. I am acutely aware that most of these individuals put food
on the table for between 10 to 12 family members.”
Dick knows what it is to go hungry. When money started to get tight in the early days of the business, she fed her family of five children on two loaves of bread a day.
At one stage she stopped paying the bond on the house for six months and sold household goods to afford petrol to get to work. “I do truly know what it is to have nothing,” she says.
Dick, a teacher by training, and her former partner, who was in the transport business, started their business in the early 1980s, training drivers in Joburg.
“Then a client asked me to find a driver for his company. I was stunned when 1 200 people answered my advert and that’s how we began.”
Dick had found a gap in the market, creating a temporary but stable labour force that was able to add value to their client’s operations.
Many people had only a few years of schooling but Transman helped train them to attain new skills and ensured they matched closely the specifications of jobs on offer.
“Today, 30% of the people for whom we find temporary employment obtain permanent jobs,” she says.
Dick doesn’t give up on anybody, describing a young man with no education and barely able to communicate, who arrived with holes in his shoes, wearing threadbare clothes.
“We found him a job helping to clear municipal waste. It was a start.”
She muses, smilingly, as she recalls the 42-page recruitment document that applicants used to sign. Today, that is one double-sided page.
She has literally and metaphorically, gone places that most other women would have run from in the then dangerous, totally male-dominated transport industry.
She would stride through workshops dripping with calendars of nude women, ignoring catcalls, always being respectful but firm.
“I’ve had experiences that you don’t want to hear about, but I made my boundaries very clear,” she says.
She set about transforming labour regulations, insisting on minimum wages, holiday pay and other benefits for her Transman workers in the road freight industry.
But that came at a cost. Other companies didn’t follow suit and in the early 1990s, they lost 60% of their business.
This brave, determined woman fought back, taking the then Motor Transport Bargaining Council to court for not enforcing an agreement with all suppliers to ensure temporary transport workers’ wages and benefits.
Eventually, the ruling was made that anybody supplying drivers to the transport industry had to comply with the agreement.
Today, Transman places people across a multitude of industries. But the struggle continues, this time with labour federation Cosatu in its
ongoing tirade against labour brokers.
“(Cosatu) has accused us of being ‘slave traders and traffickers’, and threatened to close us down and injure my staff in our Free State, office.
“I obtained an urgent court interdict preventing the latter action and am currently pursuing them through the courts with a defamation case.”
The steely ring to Dick’s voice is a reminder that the Durban-raised single child, whose mother died when she was only three years old, and who was brought up “to marry well”, has done well in spite of life’s arrows.
“I took total responsibility for myself from the moment I had my first child at the age of 22 and now that extends to my family of 120 000 South Africans,” she says.
The one-time schoolteacher – who was made the Business Women’s Association’s 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year, a highly sought-after award – has driven
her company’s revenue from R85 000 in 1983 to R640 million today.
And yet this avid collector of South African art, ranging from wire craftsmen to commissioned works by Tamlin Blake and Adriaan Boshoff, still has big goals in that busy, creative mind of hers.
One concerns expanding the company through a unique franchising concept that will focus on small to medium enterprises and on the black economic empowerment sector.
Dick is keenly aware of the massive unemployment figures that threaten South Africa’s future.
In a world that’s suffering from an economic meltdown and where employers are reluctant to hire permanent staff for fear of not being able to get rid of them, she is in the right business at the right time.
Her strength is that she brings to it her compassion for the vulnerable.
A small but powerfully poignant testament to this is the birthday album of good wishes that Transman staff from across the country compiled for her.
It’s not beautifully bound – more like a scrapbook, actually. But it is filled with pictures, sketches and words of genuine warmth for a
woman they so clearly admire.
» If you are a female entrepreneur looking for a springboard to future success, sign up for the fully sponsored Goldman Sachs-Gibs 10 000 Women Certificate Programme for Women Entrepreneurs. Visit www.gibs.co.za/10000Women for more information
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SAAF pays tribute to 13 fallen members
Janet Szabo, SABC News, 19 May 2013
The South African Air Force paid tribute to 13 members who died during the past six months in the course of duty at its annual memorial service in Pretoria today.
The service, held at Bays Hill overlooking Zwartkop Air Force Base, was dedicated to the memories of the 11 members who died in December 2012, when their C-47 Dakota patrol aircraft crashed in the Drakensburg.
In March this year, the SAAF lost another aircraft and two more members. In addition to the pilot and flight engineer, two Special Forces operators and a medic were killed when their Agusta A-109 helicopter crashed during anti-rhino poaching operations in the Kruger National Park.
Air Command Chaplain Mandla Mtila said this was an opportunity to remember the people who had sacrificed their lives for the good of others. He then read the names of the 13: Major K Misrole, Captain ZM Smith, Sergeant BK Baloyi, Sergeant E Boes, Sergeant JM Mamabolo, Corporal L Mofokeng, Sergeant L Sobantu, Corporal NW Khomo, Corporal A Matlaila, Corporal MJ Mthombeni and Lance Corporal NK Aphane who died in the Dakota as well as Captain J A van Rensburg and Captain MP Chabalala who were aboard the Agusta helicopter.
Air Force Chaplain Colonel Addie Burt highlighted the necessity to honour the heroes, saying "a hero is not someone with super-human abilities but is a person who is prepared to stand up for what is right. Some individuals are prepared to make personal sacrifices, even at the cost of their life".
Colonel Burt said how easy it is to forget the bravery of 65 years ago, the Second World War, or of even a few months ago - of December and March this year.
"And as we do remember these brave soldiers who fought for what is right, we may never, ever forget their memories, their faces. Let’s honour their dedication," says Burt.
As a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, wreaths were laid on behalf of the South African National Defence Force and the Air Force.
Then, the names of those who died in the Dakota and Agusta crashes were read out and next-of-kin were given an opportunity to honour their memories.
In addition, wreaths were laid by the defence attaches of the Netherlands, Korea, Brazil and Romania. Marking most of the major operations that the Air Force has participated in during its 93-year history, the South African Air Force Association, the South African Korean War Veterans Association, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission of South Africa, the Warsaw Flight Commemoration Committee, Alpine 44 Group and the Council of Military Veterans paid their tributes.
The memorial this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the current memorial dedicated to over 3 000 members who gave their lives in the service of their country in war and in peace-time.
This anniversary was marked by a symbolic fly-past of three vintage Harvards and a Dakota from the SAAF Museum. The iconic memorial was opened by the then State President, C R Swart, on 1 September 1963. The first official memorial stood at the gates of the Waterkloof Air Base, then only an Air Station. The original gates from the Waterkloof memorial were re-used at the main entrance.
Over the years, several other memorials have been added.
In 2002, a commemorative stone and eternal flame, representing all the forces constituting the Air Force after 1994, was unveiled. Granite plaque commemorating those on board the Dakota have now been added to these.
2013 also marks the 50th anniversary of another of the SAAF’s peacetime losses when 13 members died when their Avro Shackleton aircraft went down in Bainskloof in the Western Cape in August 1963.
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2. COSATU
Ramaphosa and Cosatu president rejects Amcu’s claims
Madala Thepa, Sunday World, 19 May 2013
ANC deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa and Cosatu president, Sdumo Dlamini have hot back at Association of mineworkers and construction union[Amcu] president,Joseph Mathunjwa, who this week leveled a series of accusations against them.
Addressing Amcus members at wonderkop stadium next to ikaneng informal settlement this week. Mathunjwa accused ramaphosa of condoning and encouraging violence in the platinum mining district.
‘on the may day in Olympia stadium ,Cyril Ramaphosa was stoking the fires when he told the crowd gathered there that Rustenburg belongs to NUM and that the platinum belt belongs to NUM.My question is how d you claim people? Are you God”?, said mathunjwa to much applause.
In response, Ramaphosa who is a shareholder at Lonmin mine, said ‘my remarks at the may day rally had nothing to do with stoking any fires. I was calling on NUM to recruit members so that it could be in a position to be strong again and service its members in the platinum belt.
‘it is no different to saying the ANC in the western cape should recruit members and regain its position of governance in the western cape’.
On Cosatu leadership, mathunjwa said ‘president of Cosatu was quoted as saying they will need the skills of Umkhonto we Sizwe, to deal with Amcu. Comrades, don’t allow NUM to be the stone on the road to our cannan. All they want is to see blood spilled again.they are using this narrow yellow politics on us’.
Asked about his views on mthunjwa’s comment, Dlamini says, ‘on may day I was in Kimberley addressing the workers and I never spoke about Amcu. I think mr mathunjwa is desperate and gradually he is seing that his supporters are realizing that he is a liar. He must check his facts correctly before he makes utterances about people’.
Mathunjwa also alleged that an attempt was made on his life during the Easter weekend and claims that police did nothing after he made them aware of the threats’.
‘it’s because senzeni zokwana, NUM presdent is in the SAPS bureau.he is with the police. That is why it’s only Amcu members who are being arrested.
‘I was supposed to die and I reported this incident to the police and nothing has been done. I’m here for a purpose.
‘God has placed me here to represent you. So my purpose was designed gy God before the earth was formed. My journey will be determined by jesus. They can kill the flesh but my spirit will live on’.
The crowd went wild.
But NUM spokesperson, lesiba seshoka says mathunjwa is a liar.
About the much-disputed office space at Lonmin mine, seshoka says in terms of the notice they are supposed to vacate the offices by July’
‘but the notice also says if we have not recouped our members by then, we must vacate. We will not vacate because we are confident we wil recoup our members. You must rember that Amcu forced people to sign their membership forms’.
Lonmin spokesman Sue Vey says this week’s illegal strike had put them on the back foot.
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Cosatu to move from political wrangling
Lehana Tsotetsi, SABC News, 17 May 2013
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) says too much time was spent on politics instead of addressing fundamental workers’ rights. This emerged at the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa’s 26th anniversary celebrations in Johannesburg on Friday.
With its house divided, Cosatu wants to return to its workers roots. To this end it wants to move away from political wrangling and back to fighting for workers’ rights.
Affiliates have taken sides on a range of issues, from the National Development Plan to its General-Secretary's future.
Speaking at Numsa's celebrations Vavi says: “We have to go back to the basics and the basics must be about loving thy member. Not this nonsense where comrades don’t even answer phones.”
Numsa has also announced another call for unity. Similar calls in the past have gone unheeded.
The African National Congress has volunteered to mediate.
ANC representative Enoch Godongwane says; “Without interfering in the domestic affairs of the federation we value the unity. We will humbly contribute in any way to achieve that unity.”
An orchestrated attack
Numsa also spoke out about the attacks at its offices and a burglary at the home of Cosatu spokesperson Patrick Craven.
The union believes it was an orchestrated attack.
Numsa president Cedrick Gina says: “It’s about time that our ANC government take very serious this seemingly unrelated attack to the offices and homes of trade union officials.”
Meanwhile, Numsa has launched a recruitment drive to increase its membership to 400 000.
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Vavi appeals for unity, tolerance
Sapa, The New Age, 17 May 2013
The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) can forget about recruiting more members if it does not practice unity and tolerance, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said on Friday.
"Unity is more important than anything.... Tolerance will take us through the current storm we are facing. We should guard our independence with jealousy," he said.
Vavi was speaking at a celebration in Johannesburg of Numsa's 26th anniversary, and the launch of a recruitment drive.
Numsa should not allow itself to be labelled a "darling union" which loved by capitalists, he said.
"You must be more militant and even risk death, do not run away."
Vavi said unions should go back to basics and serve their members.
"Perhaps we are spending too much time debating politics instead of why workers join unions.... As much as politics are part of us, we must remain worker unions and not lose focus."
He said that, according to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration, employers won 54 percent of the disputes it heard last year.
"Unless we fix that, you can forget about this 400,000 recruitment drive." Numsa spokesman Castro Ngobese said it currently has 320,000 members.
Numsa organises mainly in the tyre, rubber, motor, auto, and engineering sectors, and at power utility Eskom.-Sapa
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Vavi tells union to be more militant
Sapa, Fin24, 17 May 2013
Johannesburg - The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) can forget about recruiting more members if it does not practice unity and tolerance, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said on Friday.
"Unity is more important than anything.... Tolerance will take us through the current storm we are facing. We should guard our independence with jealousy," he said.
Vavi was speaking at a celebration in Johannesburg of Numsa's 26th anniversary, and the launch of a recruitment drive.
Numsa should not allow itself to be labelled a "darling union" which loved by capitalists, he said.
"You must be more militant and even risk death, do not run away."
Vavi said unions should go back to basics and serve their members.
"Perhaps we are spending too much time debating politics instead of why workers join unions.... As much as politics are part of us, we must remain worker unions and not lose focus."
He said that, according to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration, employers won 54% of the disputes it heard last year.
"Unless we fix that, you can forget about this 400 000 recruitment drive." Numsa spokesperson Castro Ngobese said it currently has 320 000 members.
Numsa organises mainly in the tyre, rubber, motor, auto, and engineering sectors, and at power utility Eskom.
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Cosatu denies blocking wage subsidy
Eyewitness News, 17 May 2013
JOHANNESBURG - The Congress of the South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) on Friday denied allegations it was intentionally perpetuating unemployment by influencing government to scrap the Youth Wage Subsidy.
Speaking in Orange Farm earlier this week, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille again alleged that government was bowing to the interests of its tripartite alliance partner by cutting the youth off from opportunity.
According to statistics, around half of South African youths are unemployed.
The proposed subsidy would allow employers to claim back half the cost of wages for youth employees at entry-level.
Cosatu's Patrick Craven said they did not believe the wage subsidy would make the required impact.
“What she [Zille] is doing is trying to create a completely artificial division between the interest of the unemployed and the employed, particularly those in Cosatu.”
The wage subsidy was first announced by President Jacob Zuma two years ago.
Many organisations, including opposition parties, welcomed the plan.
But Cosatu rejected it.
In February, Zuma said an accord on the subsidy would be signed by the government, business and labour later in May, despite objections from Cosatu.
This is not the first time the two organisations have disagreed on the issue.
In May 2012, clashes broke out between DA and Cosatu protesters in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, resulting in several injuries.
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3. Tributes to Vuyo Mbuli-
SABC presenter Vuyo Mbuli has passed away
The New Age, 19 May 2013
While watching the Cheetahs v the Reds Super Rugby match yesterday evening at the Free State stadium, Vuyo Mbuli was rushed to the Bloemfontein Mediclinic, and passed away early on Sunday morning, SABC Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.
Vuyo Mbuli’s last tweet before passing!
1st half done Cheetahs lead 18 - 6 at the Free State Rugby Stadium. Home side has played well with purpose & determination. 40 mins left.
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Cheetahs shocked at Mbuli’s death
SABC News, 19 May 2013
The Free State Cheetahs rugby franchise has expressed shock at the sudden death of SABC television and radio presenter Vuyo Mbuli.
Mbuli died last night at the Mediclinic in Bloemfontein after he collapsed in the Presidential suite at the Free State Stadium. He had been a guest there, watching the Super 15 match between the Cheetahs and the visiting Reds.
Free State Cheetahs' Managing Director Harold Verster says Mbuli was well liked. "Vuyo came to support the Cheetahs. He's a great cheetah supporter and we love him a lot and every once in a while he would drop in an Afrikaans saying and people just loved him. He just collapsed in the suite. We had medical staff right there on the spot, two doctors in the suite. They tried to recover him, but they took him away to the medical clinic and later on we heard the sad news that he passed on."
"It is such a sad thing that happened. The game was such a joy and he enjoyed it tremendously because his team was leading at half time. Right after half time he collapsed."
Meanwhile, Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille say she will remember Mbuli for his vibrant personality.
She said: "On behalf of the City of Cape Town, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Vuyo's family, his friends and colleagues. He will be remembered for his immense contribution to journalism. But last, he was a permanent feature in lives of so many South Africans both on radio and TV. And I will remember his warm, thoughtful and engaging style of conducting an interview, every time I had an interview with him. May his soul rest in peace."
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Mbuli described as an African patriot and intellectual
SABC News, 19 May 2013
The Western Cape Correctional Services Department has described late South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) presenter Vuyo Mbuli as an African patriot and intellectual.
The department says it will remember Mbuli for the great work he did in partnership with the department. Mbuli collapsed on Saturday evening while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and Reds at Free State Stadium. He died later in hospital.
"As a department we have worked very closely with Vuyo Mbuli on various community projects and he showed passion for programmes that are aimed at developing lives of the poor and the under privileged. To his family we send our condolences. May his soul rest in peace," says Western Cape Regional Commissioner Delekile Klaas.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) has sent its condolences to the Mbuli family.
Denosa says he played a big role in organising events which highlighted the strides that nurses have made in healing the nation.
In 2011, Mbuli hosted the first South African Nurses Conference which gave a platform to nurses to make their voices heard.
"His death is a regrettable loss to quality journalism in the country. Mbuli was very close to Denosa, as an organisation for nurses and he had been a great part of our key milestones as an organisation of 16 years," says Denosa's national spokesperson Sibomgiseni Delihlazo.
He says that Mbuli acknowledged the great contribution that nurses make in the provision of health care to the nation amid the difficult conditions that they work under.
"He also recognised the legacy left by stalwarts in nursing such as Mama Albertina Sisulu," added Delihlazo.
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TV and radio presenter Vuyo Mbuli dies
Sapa , Times Live, 19 May 2013
Renowned SABC television and radio presenter Vuyo Mbuli has died, according to a report on Sunday.
Mbuli collapsed while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium on Saturday night, the SABC reported.
He was treated at the scene before being rushed to the Mediclinic hospital in the city, it was reported.
He was 46 at the time of his death.
A family spokesperson told the SABC that the cause of death had not yet been determined.
The spokesperson requested that the family's privacy be respected as they tried to get to terms with the tragedy.
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Zuma ‘saddened’ by Mbuli’s passing
Zodidi Mhlana, The New Age, 19 May 2013
Tributes continued pouring in yesterday for the renowned SABC TV and radio news anchor, Vuyo Mbuli, who died at the weekend.
The 46 year- old died after collapsing during a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium on Saturday night.
The SABC expressed shock and sadness at Mbuli's death.
"The SABC will always remember him for his dedication and loyalty not only to his job, but to the South African public at large through his engaging and thought-provoking presentation style.
The public will fondly remember him for his catch phrase 'Sharp-Sharp'," SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.
Mbuli's Morning Live co- Presenter, Leanne Manas said: "I'm devastated! Not sure how to do it without you. I will miss you so much. We created magic together for 2 hours every morning for 9 years".
President Jacob Zuma, government and various political parties were also shocked and saddened.
"It is hard to think of a more patriotic and positive person than Vuyo. He was always cheerful. On behalf of government and the entire South African population, our words of condolence to the Mbuli family, friends and the SABC," said Zuma.
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South Africa mourns 'patriotic and positive' Mbuli
Sapa, Times Live, 19 May 2013
President Jacob Zuma, political parties and the broadcasting community expressed shock and sadness on Sunday at the death of SABC television and radio presenter Vuyo Mbuli.
The SABC reported that Mbuli, 46, collapsed while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium on Saturday night.
He was treated at the scene before being rushed to the Mediclinic hospital in Bloemfontein, where he later died.
Zuma praised Mbuli's contribution and said his death was a loss to the nation.
"It is hard to think of a more patriotic and positive person than Vuyo," Zuma said in a statement.
"He was always cheerful and the whole nation will miss his smile and encouraging words.
"I wish to express, on behalf of government and the entire South African population, our words of condolence to the Mbuli family, friends and the SA Broadcasting Corporation."
Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula described Mbuli in a statement as a giant of the broadcasting industry.
"We have just buried Ephraim Nkwe, one of the voices that led the views of [SA Youth Congress] during the pre-Codesa negotiations, now another giant is gone."
On behalf of the sporting community, Mbalula extended condolence's to Mbuli's family.
"A true sportsman at heart, is gone... You ran your race, we appreciate your time in this lifetime. Rest in peace my dear brother, my friend."
The African National Congress Youth League in Limpopo also expressed its sadness at Mbuli's death.
"His provenance for the use of all languages found in our country to greet... Morning Live [guests and viewers] was an indication of togetherness and acknowledgement of the diverse realities of our country," spokesman Klaas Mabunda said in a statement.
Earlier, the SABC expressed its shock and "great sadness" at Mbuli's death.
Spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said in a statement that Mbuli, who was a Morning Live and SAFM presenter, had shown his dedication and loyalty to his job, as well as the South African public through his work.
"He was one of the first presenters on Morning Live, when it began to broadcast in November 1999 and he had maintained his position until his untimely death.
"This speaks volumes of the love that the public had for him, and the great talent and skill he possessed through his presenting and knowledge base."
Kganyago extended "deepest and heartfelt condolences" to Mbuli's loved ones on behalf of the SABC board, management and staff.
Democratic Alliance spokesman Mmusi Maimane said working with Mbuli was always a pleasure.
"Vuyo was always fair – always asking the questions in a way that gave you a chance to state your side.
"He personified what it meant to be a warm, engaging and tolerant South African.
"On behalf of the DA, I extend our sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to his friends, family and colleagues at the SABC," Maimane said.
The Congress of the People echoed these sentiments.
Spokesman Dennis Bloem described Mbuli as "a zealous newshound who stood for the truth in public interest and remained fiercely objective at all times".
Mbuli had served the South African public through his work as a probing reporter, who was never afraid to ask difficult questions.
The Azanian People's Organisation said Mbuli would be sorely missed, particularly in the run up to the 2014 national general elections.
Spokesman Funani ka Ntontela described Mbuli as a "shining , vibrant , seasoned and most celebrated talk show host".
The party also praised Mbuli's multilingualism, saying this skill gave him the ability to make a broad spectrum of guests on his talk shows feel at ease.
ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu described Mbuli as "an outspoken linguist who took pride in celebrating the diversity of South Africa and its people".
He said: "For decades, Vuyo Mbuli has been a constant presence in South African homes, tackling various issues of national importance with wit, charm, respect and an all-embracing and inclusive manner.
The ANC also praised Mbuli's tireless efforts in promoting dialogue on various issues of relevance to South Africa's national discourse.
"As we remember him, it is one of his favourite phrases that today rings true -- 'mintiro ya bula bula' -- your work speaks for you."
The party extended its condolences to Mbuli's family, friends and colleagues.
"In this, the last time, his signature sign off – ‘Sharp Sharp’ - came too soon and he will be sadly missed," Mthembu said.
The Young Communist League of SA expressed its shock and sadness at Mbuli's death.
"The [YCLSA] is saddened by the news that renowned Morning Live anchor Vuyo Mbuli has passed away... We will miss his friendliness, fairness and being a very professional presenter," spokesman Khaya Xaba said.
"We send our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues at the SABC, and all the viewers of Morning Live," said Xaba.
A family spokesperson told the SABC that the cause of death had not yet been determined.
The spokesperson requested that the family's privacy be respected as they tried to come to terms with Mbuli's death.
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Young Communist League mourns Mbuli's death
Sapa, Times Live, 19 May 2013
The Young Communist League of South Africa has expressed its shock and sadness on the death of SABC television and radio presenter Vuyo Mbuli.
"The Young Communist League of South Africa (uFasimba) is saddened by the news that renowned Morning Live anchor Vuyo Mbuli has passed away...We will miss his friendliness, fairness and being a very professional presenter," said YCLSA spokesman Khaya Xaba on Sunday.
"We will also miss his famous trademark 'Sharp Sharp' .. We send our deepest condolences to his family, his colleagues at the SABC, and all the viewers of Morning Live," said Xaba.
Mbuli collapsed while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium on Saturday night, the SABC reported on Sunday.
He was treated at the scene before being rushed to the Mediclinic hospital in the city.
He was 46 at the time of his death.
A family spokesperson told the SABC that the cause of death had not yet been determined.
The spokesperson requested that the family's privacy be respected as they tried to get to terms with the tragedy.
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Celebs pay tribute to Mbuli
Jamil Khan, The New Age, 19 May 2013
Singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka, television and radio presenter Criselda Kananda and actor Tumisho Masha were among local celebrities who expressed their shock at the sudden passing of Morning Live presenter Vuyo Mbuli.
“I received the terrible text at 5.10am and I thought I was dreaming. A call at 7am was what woke me up to the reality. Vuyo was at school with my sister and I only knew him in later years but we become very good friends. I’m surely going to miss him and how he called me ‘Machaka’. I feel for Savita and the kids, they were really beautiful couple. We must appreciate and live to the fullest, because you never know when death will happen,” said Chaka Chaka
Motivational speaker and Metro FM presenter Criselda Kananda said: Metro FM “This is such a tragedy, Vuyo was not only mentor, when I started with my motivational speaking, he guided and he gave me a project to work with. He was such a humble soul and broadcaster of note. I listened when Minister Jeff Radebe said he was almost an icon, but to me he was already an icon.
He’s one of those of those people who made broadcasting look so easy. Whether it was live television, live crossing or a high level debate, Vuyo will execute with such wisdom and integrity. If we continue to lose people of such calibre we are going to remain with mediocrity.
More than anything, Kananda remembers him as a wonderful father to his children. “The love he had for his children was incredible. He’s one of those dads who will be there for his children sporting activities and if his children did something great he will brag about it.
Whenever any of children were asked who their role model was, they will proudly say “my dad”. We need more of those. It is such a loss for the local broadcasting industry. I haven’t spelt since ever since hearing about it.”
Afro jazz singer Sonti Mndebele said: “I always watch Morning Live and Weekend Live and this morning when I turned on the TV I screamed. I could not believe it. He interviewed me twice on Morning Live, the first time was in 2005 when I launched my album. He was such a nice person.
Morning news will never be the same again – we will never see that smile or hear ‘sharp sharp’ again the way he said it. My thoughts go out to his family.”
Masha said: “He was a great journalist. I don’t really have much to say right now because I’m still dealing with his unexpected passing, but he showed South Africa that anything is possible in the way he crossed over and did all the things he did.”
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Tributes pour in for Mbuli
The New Age, 19 May 2013
President Jacob Zuma, political parties and the broadcasting community paid tribute on Sunday to SABC television and radio presenter Vuyo Mbuli.
The SABC reported that Mbuli, 46, collapsed while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium on Saturday night.
He was treated at the scene before being rushed to the Mediclinic hospital in Bloemfontein, where he later died.
Zuma praised Mbuli's contribution and said his death was a loss to the nation.
"It is hard to think of a more patriotic and positive person than Vuyo," Zuma said in a statement.
"He was always cheerful and the whole nation will miss his smile and encouraging words.
"I wish to express, on behalf of government and the entire South African population, our words of condolence to the Mbuli family, friends and the SA Broadcasting Corporation."
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who was in London, paid tribute to Mbuli as a "constantly reassuring presence on our television screens over two tumultuous decades".
"With gentle and genteel style, perfectly suited to morning television and radio, his was for many people the first and most trusted analysis of the daily news," Tutu said in a statement.
SA Football Association president Kirsten Nematandani said in a statement that it was difficult to express the loss South Africans felt at Mbuli's death.
"...He was a great fan and admirer of our national football team. We pray for his family to remain strong as they mourn his passing away."
Former 2010 Fifa World Cup local organising committee chief executive Danny Jordaan said he was shocked by Mbuli's sudden death.
"We have worked with Vuyo on many occasions while bidding and during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
"He always displayed greatest professionalism in everything he did," Jordaan said.
The SA National Editors' Forum said it was deeply saddened by the loss of the "much-loved and respected journalist".
Chairman Nic Dawes said: "He was also known for his hard work, dedication and an ability to keep his cool under pressure".
SA Human Rights Commission spokesman Isaac Mangena said Mbuli left a legacy of journalistic integrity that established him as a legend of the media industry.
"As a veteran journalist and commentator, Mr Mbuli was always committed to creating a platform for discussion and debate on difficult human rights issues facing our country."
Earlier, Gauteng premier Nomvula Mokonyane said: "We have lost a patriot; a true believer in the ideals of South Africa; his wit and smile will forever be missed from our television screens".
Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille extended the City's condolences to Mbuli's family, friends and colleagues.
"His warm, thoughtful and engaging style of conducting interviews made every interview with him a pleasurable encounter."
The SA Communist Party said Mbuli's professionalism would be greatly missed, while the Inkatha Freedom Party said Mbuli had dedicated his life's work to the country he loved.
The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, the SA National Civic Organisation, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA and the National Union of Mineworkers also paid tribute to Mbuli.
Government Communications and Information System acting chief executive Phumla Williams said government was saddened by the veteran journalist's death.
"Government expresses its deepest condolences to his family, friends and the media industry. Vuyo has touched the hearts of South Africans through his work."
The SABC expressed its shock and "great sadness" at Mbuli's death.
Spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said in a statement that Mbuli, who was a Morning Live and SAFM presenter, had shown dedication and loyalty to his job, as well as the South African public, through his work.
"He was one of the first presenters on Morning Live, when it began to broadcast in November 1999 and he had maintained his position until his untimely death.
"This speaks volumes of the love that the public had for him, and the great talent and skill he possessed through his presenting and knowledge base."
On Sunday condolences poured in from parties across the political spectrum, including the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, the Young Communist League of SA, the ANC Youth League in Limpopo, Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula and the Democratic Alliance.
DA spokesman Mmusi Maimane said: "He personified what it meant to be a warm, engaging and tolerant South African".
Congress of the People spokesman Dennis Bloem described Mbuli as "a zealous newshound who stood for the truth in public interest and remained fiercely objective at all times".
Azanian People's Organisation spokesman Funani ka Ntontela praised Mbuli's multilingualism, saying this skill gave him the ability to make a broad spectrum of guests on his talkshows feel at ease.
ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu described Mbuli as "an outspoken linguist who took pride in celebrating the diversity of South Africa and its people".
"For decades, Vuyo Mbuli has been a constant presence in South African homes, tackling various issues of national importance with wit, charm, respect and an all-embracing and inclusive manner."
The ANC also praised Mbuli's tireless efforts in promoting dialogue on various issues of relevance to South Africa's national discourse.
"In this, the last time, his signature sign off - Sharp Sharp - came too soon and he will be sadly missed," Mthembu said.
The Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) described Mbuli as a lively and intuitive presenter with exceptional qualities.
"He was prone to using phrases such as 'Goeie Genade', 'Eita daar' and more famously his brand mark was 'sharp sharp',
"It is these small things that make such men unforgettable," it said in a statement.
The SA Democratic Teachers' Union said Mbuli made all South Africans feel welcome in their country.
"He greeted us in all eleven African languages...his presentations, peppered with South African lingo made many of us feel at home," said Sadtu's general secretary Mugwena Maluleke.
A family spokesperson told the SABC that the cause of death had not yet been determined.
The spokesperson requested that the family's privacy be respected as they tried to come to terms with Mbuli's death.-Sapa
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South Africa left in mourning after Mbuli's death
SAPA, M&G, 19 May 2013
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President Jacob Zuma, political parties and the broadcasting community has expressed shock and sadness at the death of SABC presenter Vuyo Mbuli.
The SABC reported that Mbuli (46) collapsed while watching a rugby match between the Cheetahs and the Reds at the Free State Stadium on Saturday night. He was treated at the scene before being rushed to the Mediclinic hospital in Bloemfontein where he later died.
Zuma praised Mbuli's contribution and said his death was a loss to the nation.
"It is hard to think of a more patriotic and positive person than Vuyo," Zuma said in a statement.
"He was always cheerful and the whole nation will miss his smile and encouraging words.
"I wish to express, on behalf of government and the entire South African population, our words of condolence to the Mbuli family, friends and the South African Broadcasting Corporation."
'Reassuring presence'
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who was in London, paid tribute to Mbuli as a "constantly reassuring presence on our television screens over two tumultuous decades".
"With gentle and genteel style, perfectly suited to morning television and radio, his was for many people the first and most trusted analysis of the daily news," Tutu said in a statement.
The Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund expressed shock at his death.
The fund's finance and audit sub-committee chairperson Warren Clewlow said, "[It is] not only the media world that has [suffered with Mbuli's loss] but also a number of interest groups where he served and the people he touched".
Mbuli served as a member to the Fund's board of trustees finance sub-committee.
Unique blend of journalism
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) hailed Mbuli for his responsible and fearless brand of journalism.
"He was a representation of a unique blend of journalism that shied away from [the] cheap bubblegum journalism that has began to stoke the respected profession," spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said in a statement.
NUM general secretary Frans Baleni praised Mbuli's ability to be "hard but down-to-earth".
Earlier, Government Communications and Information System acting chief executive Phumla Williams said government was saddened by the veteran journalist's death.
"Government expresses its deepest condolences to his family, friends and the media industry. Vuyo has touched the hearts of South Africans through his work."
Quality journalism
South African National Civic Organisation spokesperson Dumisani Mthalane paid tribute to Mbuli, saying his choice of subject matter for his talkshows reflected his patriotism.
"Mr Mbuli has been one of the country's great broadcasters who treated all listeners and viewers as human beings irrespective of race, colour, status, religious belief and political status," he said.
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa said Mbuli's contribution to quality journalism would be greatly missed.
Spokesperson Sibongiseni Delihlaz said, "Vuyo was a true example of the necessary bridge between society and the decision-makers while remaining humble [and] relaxed."
The African National Congress Youth League in Limpopo also expressed its sadness at Mbuli's death.
"His provenance for the use of all languages found in our country to greet ... Morning Live [guests and viewers] was an indication of togetherness and acknowledgement of the diverse realities of our country," spokesperson Klaas Mabunda said in a statement.
'Great sadness'
The SABC expressed its shock and "great sadness" at Mbuli's death.
Spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said in a statement that Mbuli, who was a Morning Live and SAfm presenter, had shown dedication and loyalty to his job, as well as the South African public, through his work.
"He was one of the first presenters on Morning Live, when it began to broadcast in November 1999 and he had maintained his position until his untimely death.
"This speaks volumes of the love that the public had for him and the great talent and skill he possessed through his presenting and knowledge base."
Engaging and tolerant
Democratic Alliance spokesperson Mmusi Maimane said: "He personified what it meant to be a warm, engaging and tolerant South African".
Congress of the People spokesperson Dennis Bloem described Mbuli as "a zealous newshound who stood for the truth in public interest and remained fiercely objective at all times".
Azanian People's Organisation spokesperson Funani ka Ntontela praised Mbuli's multilingualism, saying this skill gave him the ability to make a broad spectrum of guests on his talkshows feel at ease.
Call for privacy
ANC spokesperson Jackson Mthembu described Mbuli as "an outspoken linguist who took pride in celebrating the diversity of South Africa and its people".
"For decades, Vuyo Mbuli has been a constant presence in South African homes, tackling various issues of national importance with wit, charm, respect and an all-embracing and inclusive manner."
The ANC also praised Mbuli's tireless efforts in promoting dialogue on various issues of relevance to South Africa's national discourse.
"In this, the last time, his signature sign off – Sharp Sharp – came too soon and he will be sadly missed," Mthembu said.
A family spokesperson told the SABC that the cause of death had not yet been determined.
The spokesperson requested that the family's privacy be respected as they tried to come to terms with Mbuli's death. – Sapa
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Quotable
He was always cheerful and the whole nation will miss his smile and encouraging words.-
President Jacob Zuma on the death of SABC television and radio presenter, Vuyo Mbuli
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4. South Africa
Unclear whether Guptas will be charged for air force base use
Sapa, Times Live, 19 May 2013
The police and NPA were responsible for deciding whether the Gupta family would be prosecuted for the irregular landing of their plane at Waterkloof Air Base, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said on Sunday.
"That's the decision of the national police commissioner [Riah Phiyega], with her officers," Radebe said.
"Who has to be prosecuted? That decision has to be taken by the National Prosecuting Authority, which they must do without any fear, favour or prejudice and no one, including the minister, can interfere in those prosecutorial decisions."
Radebe was delivering a summary of the findings of an investigation by several ministers into the landing of a privately chartered plane by the Gupta family at the Waterkloof Air Force base on April 29.
The plane carried 270 guests who were attending the wedding of Vega Gupta, 23, and Indian-born Aakash Jahajgarhia at Sun City. The landing sparked widespread criticism.
In March, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and her adviser were approached by the Gupta family on different occasions, said Radebe.
"On 3 April 2013 this request was also turned down."
The Gupta family then resorted to the use of diplomatic channels with the support of an individual in the Indian High Commission.
This person "re-designated the wedding entourage as an official delegation" to enable them to use the base under the cover of diplomatic privilege, said Radebe.
The aircraft was cleared for landing and the correct clearance procedures were followed.
However, this was based on false information and abuse of privileges, by a group who acted in common purpose.
These included Chief of State Protocol Bruce Koloane, who acted in contravention of existing diplomatic protocols, and Waterkloof's officer commanding movement control, Lt-Col C Anderson.
Metro police officers were also found to have moonlighted contrary to regulations, carrying their firearms outside their jurisdiction and driving vehicles fitted illegally with blue lights.
"In the interest of the safety of all road users and taking into account that 121 vehicles were deployed by the event organiser, it was necessary that law enforcement officers take charge of the convoy to Sun City," Radebe said.
He said that due to the lack of vigilance of certain SA Police Service members, some cars fitted with these illegal blue lights pushed people off the road, caused delays and inconvenienced other road users.
"The public outcry that followed was therefore justified."
The event organisers paid for 296 security officers and deployed two fixed-wing aircraft and seven helicopters to ferry their guests from the base to Sun City.
Radebe said these flight authorisations formed part of the clearance already issued for the main flight.
He also confirmed that all helicopters used on the day were organised and funded by the Gupta family, and did not belong to the SA Defence Force or the police.
"All of the black BMW's used in the convoys were hired from a private company. Three Range Rovers had similar registration numbers; two Mercedes Benz had similar registration numbers; three of the BMW's had false registration," he said.
The report found that 194 government personnel and 88 government vehicles were deployed during the operation.
Asked whether the Guptas had landed at local air bases in the past, Radebe said he was not aware of "similar incidents".
International Relations and Co-operation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said the flight incident had not affected relations between South Africa and India, and that they remained "solid and sound".
She said government would share the report's findings with Indian authorities, following due diplomatic processes.
Home Affairs Minister Naledi Pandor said the Guptas' citizenship would not be withdrawn.
"We have strict tests in our laws with respect to loss of citizenship and that relates primarily to how one acquires it. If you acquire citizenship by fraudulent means or by false declaration, then you might lose citizenship," she said.
"However, if you commit an infraction of some kind in South Africa, the usual course of the law would follow and you will be charged in terms of the law. So there's no withdrawing of citizenship confronting us at this conference."
Radebe said he was not aware of Public Protector Thuli Madonsela conducting her own investigation into the matter.
The full ministers' report is expected to be made public during the course of next week.
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Media statement on the landing of a chartered commercial aircraft at Air Force Base Waterkloof
Issued by: GCIS, The New Age, 19 May 2013
On 2 May 2013, in the wake of the landing of a chartered commercial aircraft at Air Force Base Waterkloof on 30 April 2013, the Ministers of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster instructed a team of Directors-General to investigate the matter. On 3 May 2013, during a JCPS press briefing, we indicated the deadline of 14 May 2013, seven working days.
The Investigating Team was provided with the following Terms of Reference:
(i) Determine the sequence of events prior to, during and after the commercial aircraft's landing at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
(ii) Assess the actual events in the light of the established government and departmental legislation, regulations and protocols.
(iii) Interview and interact with relevant persons to establish facts, and factor in investigations currently under way; and
(iv) Make findings and recommendations to avert similar occurrences in future.
The deadline of 14 May 2013 was complied with, and the Investigating Team provided Ministers with a comprehensive report. The JCPS Ministers met on 17 May 2013 to discuss the content of the report.
In investigating this matter the team interviewed the role players involved; obtained sworn statements and affidavits; and conducted site visits. The team received the full cooperation of departments and role players, and is satisfied that no stone was left unturned in determining the truth of the matter.
In keeping with our undertaking we present the following findings from the investigation:
1. The Investigating Team has conclusively found that in February 2013 the Gupta family approached the Airports Company South Africa and requested landing rights and an elaborate reception for the wedding party. This would have disrupted the functioning of O.R. Tambo International Airport at the time of landing, particularly the operations of the National Immigration Branch at the airport. As a result, this was turned down. In March 2013 the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and her advisor were approached by the Gupta family on different occasions. On 3 April 2013 this request was also turned down.
The Gupta family then resorted to the use of the diplomatic channel with the support of an individual in the Indian High Commission who re-designated the wedding entourage as an official delegation to enable them to use the Air Force Base Waterkloof under the cover of diplomatic privilege. It is an undisputed fact that there was no official Note Verbale from the Indian High Commission to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, and therefore due process was not followed. An individual in the Indian High Commission communicated directly with individuals at the Air Force Command Post. The collusion of officials resulted in the irregular approval of the flight clearance.
2. Members of the Executive were not required to issue any instructions, did not issue any instructions, and did not create the impression that they ought to have issued any instructions.
3. The aircraft in question was cleared for landing by the Air Force Command Post, and the correct clearance procedures were followed, but based on false information and abuse of privileges, the combination of which resulted in the manipulation of the process by various persons who shared a common purpose and acted in concert. They include the Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador V.B. Koloane, who acted in the absence of a Note Verbale from the Indian High Commission in contravention of existing diplomatic protocols; and the Officer Commanding Movement Control at Air Force Base Waterkloof, Lieutenant-Colonel C. Anderson. The process of disciplinary hearings will continue to be pursued to determine the guilt or otherwise of these individuals.
4. The Air Force Base has seven functions: the conduct of operations; the hosting of training flights; receiving VVIP and VIP flights; receiving foreign heads of state, envoys and dignitaries; receiving registered military aircraft; serving as a diversion airfield for commercial aircraft; and conducting air shows.
5. As a result of the nature of these functions, the Air Force Base Waterkloof handles both civilian and military aircraft. This notwithstanding, the landing of the chartered commercial aircraft, Flight JAI 9900, was a direct result of manipulation of processes.
6. The Air Force Base Waterkloof is a strategic military base that resorts under the Defence Act, Act 44 of 1957. The Air Force Base Waterkloof is not a National Key Point and is not governed by the National Key Points Act, which is managed by the SAPS. This being a strategic military base, which also serves as an entry point into South Africa, it has even more stringent security measures.
7. The landing of Flight JAI 9900 following the exercise of undue influence had the potential to compromise the credibility of the Government of the Republic, and could have caused severe reputational damage to the state itself.
8. The activities of some of the persons involved were driven by the undesirable practice of the exercise of undue influence, and abuse of higher office. It posed a threat to the culture of professionalism that ought to characterise a caring and professional public service rooted in the Batho Pele principle. It undermines the quest to build a capable state and the requirement that it be served by professional public servants with foresight to understand the implications of their conduct for the reputation of the state.
9. While Flight JAI 9900 was in South African airspace, all procedures, protocols and instructions from air traffic control were complied with. The dramatised reports in the media, including social media, about the flight taking a tour over South African cities and disrupting air traffic are therefore unfounded.
10. Following the application for the SAPS, North-West Province, to exercise their responsibilities in terms of the Safety at Sports, Recreation and Entertainment Act, (SSAREA), the police were obliged to prepare and implement a safety plan for the wedding. This is despite their earlier refusal to do so, when they had adjudged it to be a private event. Had the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structure been convened, the involvement of other departments would have provided an opportunity to avert this breach.
11. The involvement of law enforcement agencies under the auspices and leadership of the South African Police Services, in providing convoy protection services was authorised, but involved officers who were moonlighting contrary to regulations. The officials from the Metro Police who carried their firearms irregularly to protect the event are only authorised to bear their firearms within their respective Metro jurisdictions. Their use in this instance was a violation of regulations. Some of them also drove vehicles that were fitted illegally with blue lights.
12. In the interest of the safety of all road users and taking into account that 121 vehicles were deployed by the event organiser, it was necessary that law enforcement officers take charge of the convoy to Sun City. However, due to the lack of vigilance of the SAPS members deployed for escort duty, who did not identify the drivers as non-SAPS members, they placed reliance on those drivers. This made it possible for the cars fitted with illegal blue-lights to push people off the road, cause delays and inconvenience other road users. The public outcry that followed was therefore justified.
13. It is now confirmed that all helicopters used in the operation were organised and funded by the Gupta family, and were neither SAPS nor SANDF helicopters. All of the black BMW's used in the convoys were hired from a private company. Three Range Rovers had similar registration numbers; two Mercedes Benz had similar registration numbers; three of the BMW's had false registration.
14. Overall, the total deployment of government personnel during the operation was 194 persons and 88 vehicles. 296 private security officers were deployed at the expense of the event organiser. The organisers also deployed two fixed-wing aircraft and seven helicopters to ferry their guests from the base to Sun City. This was authorised as a package linked to the already-issued clearance for Flight JAI 9900.
15. It is commendable, notwithstanding the manipulation by a few, that public servants in affected government departments and structures raised concerns, some of them repeatedly, as to what was transpiring. However, their concerns were neither addressed, nor acted upon by those in positions of authority over them bent on manipulating the system, working with individuals outside the state.
16. Despite this isolated breach, the system for the management of foreign visits and the requisite permits, policies and procedures is in place and functioning. That is why flights arrive and depart daily without incident. The breach in this instance was a consequence of manipulation by the responsible persons, who contemptuously manipulated the system to advance the wedding objectives at all costs.
We have accepted the following recommendations arising from the investigation to close all gaps that made this breach possible:
1. All affected departments must complete their investigations into this matter as soon as possible to ensure that justice is seen to be done, and the required disciplinary measures are fully implemented where deemed necessary.
1.1 This is to ensure that those who made the following transgressions are brought to book:
• SAPS Act, Act 68 of 1995: Contravening of Section 67(2)(a): Conspiring or inducing or attempting to induce a member not to perform duty or act in conflict with his duty; and Section 68: Falsely pretending to be a police officer.
• Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996: Section 89(3) and Section 68(1) and (2): Use of false registration.
• Companies Act, Act 71 of 2008: Section 214(1)(b): Person with a fraudulent purpose knowingly provided false or misleading information in any circumstances under this Act; and Section 214(1)(c): Knowingly a party to an act of omission by a company calculated to defraud a creditor or employee of the company, or a holder of the company securities, or with another fraudulent purpose.
• Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000: Section 120(1)(a): Failure to apply for renewal of a licence/permit/certificate authorisation before end of period determined by the Minister.
• Common Law Crimes: Fraud, falsely pretending or misrepresenting the existence of a company.
• Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority Act, Act 56 of 2001: Section 20(1): Conducting of security service contrary to the Act.
1.2 The following cases have been registered:
• Sun City CAS 16/05/2013: Contravention of the Firearms Control Act.
• Sun City CAS 18/05/2013: Contravention of the National Road Traffic Act.
• Sun City CAS 19/05/2013: Contravention of the PSIRA Act.
• Sun City CAS 20/05/2013: Contravention of the PSIRA Act.
• Lyttelton CAS 71/05/2013: Contravention of the South African Police Act.
We anticipate that more cases will be opened as the investigations proceed.
2. To avoid impunity and to address violations stemming from the landing of Flight JAI9900 at Air Force Base Waterkloof, relevant government departments have imposed fines and are taking corrective action. This includes the imposition of a fine of R80 000 for the failure of the pilot of Flight JAI9900 to obtain a Foreign Operators Permit.
3. Government, led by the Department of Public Service and Administration, should develop and implement a public service awareness campaign to discourage the negative culture of name dropping in the form of improper use of the names of members of the Executive in the public sector. In addition, the definition of acts of misconduct should be amended across government to include name dropping as gross misconduct.
Ministers are instructing their Directors-General to urgently action the relevant recommendations.
In conclusion, the landing of flight JAI 9900 at Air Force Base Waterkloof has brought to the fore serious issues that need immediate attention. These include the identified culture of undue influence, underpinned by poor ethical conduct and a lack of professionalism described in this report.
We believe that the unified public voice which condemned the incident, together with decisive government action, serves as a useful basis for the development of a partnership between our people and their government in the fight to combat crime and corruption in our country.
Notwithstanding the negative findings, the work of the Investigating Team has brought to light the many public servants who conscientiously and faithfully perform their duties and daily tasks, and whose work is a credit to our country that they serve
The report will be released in the course of the coming week.
Issued by the Chairperson of the JCPS Cluster Ministers
The Honourable Mr J. Radebe, MP.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
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More food price hikes loom
Fin24, 19 May 2013
Johannesburg - South Africans have been warned: brace yourselves for even more food price hikes in coming months.
Economists and consumer bodies warn that inflation, now at just under 6%, will rise to 9% by the end of the year.
They blame a weaker rand, high electricity and fuel prices, increased labour costs, droughts and international food price hikes.
The weak rand means that foods such as grain and red meat – staple foods for many middle class households – are expected to increase.
City Press went to five Gauteng supermarkets in January and again this month to see how the prices have changed.
We found prices to be relatively stable, except for a 20% decrease in the price of beef mince and a 10% drop in chicken.
National Consumer Forum CEO Thami Bolani said this was because “traditionally, the price of meat does tend to drop as we enter winter”.
He also said eggs are more expensive than before, as many use them for protein because meat, chicken and even beans have become “a luxury for many consumers”.
And there’s more bad news.
Efficient Group economist Dawie Roodt said: “Grain is traded on international prices and so if the rand weakens, prices will hike. If grain prices go up, red meat will follow suit, as red meat is grain-fed.”
In January, the National Agricultural Marketing Council found that the price of foods like oranges, tomatoes, cabbage, eggs, sunflower oil, tinned fish, fresh chicken pieces, bread and peanut butter were 8% higher than over the same period last year.
It also warned that maize meal prices could rise by up to 10% later this year and that “vegetable prices are significantly higher than a year ago”.
Debt burden
Dick Forslund, an economist and researcher at the Alternative Information and Development Centre in Cape Town, said: “Fuel prices, the weaker rand, high mark-ups by retailers, and expectations that prices will go up are the reasons food prices are always on the up.”
When fuel prices rose, he said, producers and retailers were quick to increase food prices. But when they fell – as happened earlier this month, by 70c a litre – food prices didn’t follow suit.
Shoprite group spokesperson Sarita van Wyk blamed increasing food prices on manufacturers and producers.
“Suppliers and manufacturers present prices to supermarkets and they are therefore in a better position to explain food-price increases and speculate on what possible increases to expect,” said Van Wyk.
She said the group’s internal inflation has remained at 4.6% over the last nine months, compared to the country’s 5.9%.
Pick n Pay spokesperson Tamra Veley also said they worked hard to keep prices as low as possible.
“We don’t know what inflation will be this year, but we can promise we will keep it as low as we can,” she said.
The anticipated food price hikes, Bolani said, will further burden the many already struggling to pay for expensive electricity on top of increased school fees and health insurance premiums.
South Africans are already heavily indebted.
Last year, the National Credit Regulator revealed that about 7.3 million of 19.3 million credit-active consumers had accounts more than three months in arrears.
About 3.6 million of these had “deeply impaired” credit profiles.
“Many will be forced to borrow money to buy food”, said Bolani.
- Sipho Masondo, City Press
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Sanral: W Cape tolls won't hurt poor
Sapa, Fin24, 19 May 2013
Cape Town - A proposed toll system in the Winelands in the Western Cape will not impact the poor, the SA National Road Agency Limited (Sanral) said on Sunday.
Sanral spokesperson Vusi Mona said in a statement: "The positioning of the toll plazas are such that those communities will be able to go around them."
He said allegations - suggesting communities in Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha would be negatively affected by the project for the N1 and N2 in the area - were "grossly misleading".
Mona said that his organisation's plans involved spending about R10bn to upgrade parts of these highways and also to build a second bore hole at Huguenot Tunnel, costing about R10bn.
The City of Cape Town is currently seeking an urgent court interdict to prevent Sanral proceeding with the toll project.
It first wants a court review over the project's legality to be completed.
Mona criticised, what he claimed to be, "the poor being used as a rented crowd" outside the Cape High Court earlier.
The toll project has been in the pipeline for nearly a decade.
The proposed concession route along the N1 extends from west of the R300 interchange through to Sandhills and the N2 portion of the proposed toll road concession extends from west of the R300 to Bot River.
According to a diagram on Sanral's website, 106km of the N1 and 70km of the N2 would be tolled should the project go ahead.
The Democratic Alliance said on Sunday that it was convinced that a fuel levy would cover the costs of road maintenance.
"There is no need for the wholesale construction of toll roads," said MP Ian Ollis.
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SA Roadlink denies liquidation claims
Sapa, M&G, 18 May 2013
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Bus company SA Roadlink has said that it is solvent despite reports that it faces liquidation if it does not repay a multimillion-rand bank loan.
"SA Roadlink Passenger Services is solvent and continuing with its daily business of providing coaches on the national roads, whilst serving public interests and looking after them on the road," it said in a statement on Saturday.
On Friday, the New Age newspaper reported that the company owed FirstRand bank R6-million and could be liquidated by Tuesday.
The bank had reportedly applied for a liquidation order in the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, claiming the bus company was in a "dire financial position and unable to pay its debts".
According to the newspaper, Roadlink bought five buses each worth R1.08-million in 2011, and was R1.4-million in arrears on the payments, excluding interest, by November 2012. It also reportedly owed Scania SA, a bus manufacturing company, R1-million.
R6.8-million joint loan
The newspaper reported that the bank took the R6.8-million joint loan with a company called Satlog.
In a statement on Saturday, SA Roadlink said the article was published without approaching it for comment or to provide accurate information, which resulted in "a misleading and factually incorrect article".
It said there were no overdue payments to Scania after they reached a mutually agreed settlement.
Spokesperson Marnus Kruger said the two parties have met out of court and the settlement would be made an order in court on Tuesday.
"There isn't going to be a liquidation application on Tuesday." – Sapa
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Compulsory isiZulu a watershed moment in education: PanSALB
Sapa, Times Live, 18 May 2013
The University of KwaZulu-Natal's decision to make isiZulu a compulsory course for all first-year students is a watershed moment in education, the PanSALB said.
"It offers us an opportunity to reclaim the value of linguistic pluralism in South Africa," the Pan South African Language Board said in a statement Friday.
The UKZN announced on Thursday the new policy would apply to all undergraduates, regardless of their programmes.
The PanSALB said language was critical in influencing education outcomes and determined scholastic and career performance.
"In its [language] absence important skills and knowledge, including numeracy, cannot be transferred. This in turn impacts on the availability of much-needed skills in South Africa, and thus impacting on unemployment in the long-term."
South Africa had a unique heritage of multi-lingualism, and all speakers of official languages should be granted the same opportunity to use and develop their language.
"We cannot continue to create a situation in which African children are made to leave their African languages at the gates of learning."
"Policies will need to be put in place that will take us beyond UKZN to the foundation phase of our education system to equip pupils at childhood development stage."
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DA, Mpumalanga education dept condemn alleged racial segregation
Sapa, M&G, 18 May 2013
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The DA and the Mpumalanga education department has condemned an alleged incident of racial segregation at Hendrina Combined School, near Middelburg.
The Democratic Alliance's provincial spokesperson Anthony Benadie said he was told on Thursday of a plan that would have black and white pupils hold separate matric dance events.
"[We received] information from angry parents who were ... notified at a meeting for the English matric class that the school's white parents and scholars had decided to host their own matric farewell, and that the black learners must hold their own," said Benadie in a statement.
The department said they were not aware of the incident but were looking into it.
"The department condemns any form of discrimination based on race, sex or colour that may take place in any of its schools and will institute a probe into this matter," said spokesperson Jasper Zwane.
The principal of the school Arthur Williams said he could not comment on the matter.
"I have been instructed not to speak to the media," he said.
According to the DA, white parents cited "cultural differences" as the reason for the separate events.
Benadie said he telephonically engaged with Williams on two separate occasions.
"During the first he stated that because the school was unable to pay for a matric dance, the required funds were raised by a parents' committee."
However, in the second discussion, Benadie said Williams changed his stance, saying that the school was hosting a combined farewell which all learners were invited to attend. – Sapa
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5. Alliance
ANC might discuss Gupta gate during NEC meeting
Sabc News, 17 May 2013
ANC Spokesperson Jackson Mthembu has not ruled out the possibility that the Gupta plane landing saga could be discussed by the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC).
The party’s highest decision-making body between conferences is meeting over the next three days in Pretoria.
Items on the agenda include preparation for next year’s elections as well as the 50th year celebrations of the African Union, previously the Organisation for African Unity.
Spokesperson Jackson Mthembu was quizzed by journalists about whether the Gupta matter would get an airing.
“I don't know indeed it may come through the discussions, so therefore I don't know. At the moment I can't tell, I am not a witchdoctor,” says Mthembu.
Government has made it clear that the Gupta report will not be made public at this stage.
The Gupta family jet caused national outcry when it landed at Waterkloof Air Force Base, a national key point, carrying about 200 guests attending a wedding in Sun City.
A task team of Directors-General has since been appointed to investigate the plane landing and have released a report to the ministers of departments involved in the Gupta saga.
There have been a number of calls for the report to be made public or for an independent investigation.
However the government has made it clear that the report will not be made public at this stage.
The ministers will provide feedback to the general public and members of the media at a press conference on a date to be announced.
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6. International
Underground xenophobic attacks rife
Irvine Makuyana, The New Age, 19 May 2013
“Underground xenophobic attacks are continuing in South Africa,” said the African Diaspora Forum (ADF) at the fifth anniversary commemorations of the 2008 assault on aliens in Yeoville, Johannesburg at the weekend.
ADF spokesperson Aline Mugisho said on Sunday a total of 80 attacks on foreigners had been reported between August 2012 and April this year.
In May 2008, 62 foreigners were brutally murdered, dozens raped, hundreds critically injured and tens of thousands displaced.
“It is very bad. People are being killed underground. Shops continue to be looted and attacked. A good example is the threats targeted at Pakistani’s owning businesses and living in the Mayfair area,” Mugisho said.
Foreigners stand accused of fuelling crime, accepting low wages, stealing jobs, illegal acquisition of RDP houses and increasing competition when it comes to women.
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Africa gears up for Africa Day celebrations
SABC News, 17 May 2013
Millions of Africans from the continent will be celebrating Africa Week, in the run up to Africa Day on May the 25th.
In Johannesburg, a commemoration of the 2008 xenophobic attacks has been planned.
Congolese born pharmacist, Philippe Longhe, escaped his strife-torn country 27 years ago and is now a South African resident making a positive impact locally.
"We thank this nation for accepting us and we are still carrying on every single day in contact with the community, and we are not only serving the foreigner community but also the South African community who come here, for advice,” says Longhe.
He added that he feels quite at home in South Africa; “African Day for me is very significant because today I’m in South Africa and I feel like I’m at home and I want to tell every African who are here to feel themselves at home."
According to recent stats, at least 52% of the people in Yeoville and Bellevue areas are from other Africa countries.
Yeoville and Bellevue are well known for their bustling African communities. According to recent stats at least 52% of the people the two residential areas are from other Africa countries.
“We have to take into account the reality of migrants being here, the socio-economic challenges in the area directly affect them as well. So we have a very good working relationship with the African diaspora forum and together we are working on the Africa day festival," says Maurice Smithers from Yeoville Bellevue Community Development Trust.
Another proud African, Marc Gbaffou, a member of the African Diaspora Forum, an NGO that promotes cultural diversity, tolerance and human rights, says the forum is necessary to address issues of discrimination.
“We have to have this platform to be able to address any type of discrimination including xenophobia. This platform is for us to meet as Africans and discuss about our challenges, like poverty, service delivery, but mainly how do we get together, how we do things together as Africans," says Gbaffou.
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EU commission sees Greek recovery but few jobs
Sapa, AP, 18 May 2013
Greece's international lenders say the country's six-year recession is still likely to end in 2014, but unemployment will remain above 20% for another three years.
The European Commission's report released Friday said Greece's economy is expected to grow by 0.6% next year, although it noted this depends on faster reforms in the product and services markets. Unemployment is projected to peak at 27% this year before dropping gradually to 21% in 2016.
Greece has depended on rescue loans from other eurozone countries and the International Monetary Fund since May 2010. While the government has said it aims to return to the bond markets next year, the report noted that full market access "will remain challenging in the years ahead."
-Sapa-AP
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Tsvangirai confident he'll oust Mugabe in election
Gillian Gotora, M&G, 17 May 2013
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Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says he is poised to sweep to victory in upcoming presidential elections.
He said he hoped to return the nation to the world community after years of isolation.
"We are going to be new brooms" for change, he told about 500 party leaders and activists at a party conference to finalise a platform. He will be pitted against long-time ruler President Robert Mugabe (89) in elections.
No date has been set but it is expected to be held around September.
Tsvangirai described his Movement for Democratic Change party as the main champion of a new, reformed constitution accepted by 95% of the vote in a March referendum. "We have a new Constitution, we must definitely have a new government" to open Zimbabwe for business and restore human rights and the rule of law, he said.
The conference, which went into closed session after Tsvangirai's speech, ends on Sunday with the release of an election manifesto.
Leaks to local media organisations of its proposals suggest the MDC intends to cut spending on the military, traditionally dominated by Mugabe's Zanu-PF party loyalists, and offer retirement to long-standing military and police commanders. The proposal is fraught with peril since commanders of the security forces are Mugabe loyalists and some have been disrespectful toward Tsvangirai.
It also calls for a full overhaul of chaotic voters' lists and electoral laws the party says have led to vote rigging in the past.
Tsvangirai said a return to stability will create jobs in the battered economy that faces record unemployment since a meltdown triggered by the often-violent seizures of thousands of white-owned commercial farms which began in 2000, collapsing the agriculture-based economy.
Reforms within the police and military are demanded in the coalition agreement between Tsvangirai and Mugabe forged by regional leaders after violent and disputed elections in 2008 but Mugabe has dismissed calls for such reforms.
Senior generals have repeatedly vowed their allegiance to Mugabe and have refused to salute Tsvangirai since he became prime minister in 2009, arguing he did not take part in the guerrilla war that ended colonial rule in 1980 and brought Mugabe to power.
The independent legal and constitutional research group Veritas said in a report on Friday that among reforms that have not been tackled as called for by the coalition agreement are ones on freeing up the media, including the sole broadcaster controlled by Mugabe, and the repeal of security laws stifling free expression and freedom of association.
Regional mediators are insisting that more progress be made on these reforms before elections are held. The chief mediator on Zimbabwe, President Jacob Zuma, is expected to make a state visit to Zimbabwe sometime in the next few weeks. – Sapa-AP
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Divisive women's law overlooked by Afghan Parliament
Miriam Arghandiwal, Ibrahimi Aziz, M&G, 18 May 2013
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Afghanistan's Parliament failed to pass a law banning violence against women, a severe blow to progress made in women's rights in the country.
The country's Parliament failed to pass a law on Saturday banning violence against women.
President Hamid Karzai approved the law by decree in 2009 and Parliament's endorsement was required. But a rift between conservative and more secular members of the assembly resulted in debate being deferred to a later date.
Religious members objected to at least eight articles in the legislation, including keeping the legal age for women to marry at 16, the existence of shelters for domestic abuse victims and the halving of the number of wives permitted to two.
"Today, the parliamentarians who oppose women's development, women's rights and the success of women ... made their voices loud and clear," Fawzia Koofi, head of Parliament's women's commission, told Reuters.
Women have won back the hard-fought right to education and work since the Taliban was toppled 12 years ago, but there are fears these freedoms could shrink once Nato-led forces leave Afghanistan by the end of next year.
Increasing insecurity is deterring some women from seeking work outside the home, and rights workers accuse the government of doing too little to protect women – allegations rejected by Karzai's administration.
'Change is coming'
"2014 is coming, change is coming, and the future of women in this country is uncertain. A new president will come and if he doesn't take women's rights seriously he can change the decree," Koofi said of the Elimination of Violence Against Women Law, which goes by the acronym Eval.
The election for a new president is expected to be held in April 2014. The constitution bars Karzai from running again.
After almost two hours of clashes between Koofi and the more religious members of the 244-member Parliament, speaker Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi said the assembly would consider the law again at a later date, but declined to say when.
Some members sought amendments, such as longer prison terms for crimes committed against women, such as beating and rape.
Many lawmakers, most of them male, cited violations of Islamic, or Sharia law.
"It is wrong that a woman and man cannot marry off their child until she is 16," said Obaidullah Barekzai, a member from south-east Uruzgan province, where female literacy rates are among the lowest in the country.
An Afghan man must be at least 18 years old to marry.
Age limits for women
Barekzai argued against all age limits for women, citing historical figure Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq, a close companion of the Prophet Mohammad, who married off his daughter at age seven.
At least eight other lawmakers, mostly from the Ulema Council, a government-appointed body of clerics, joined him in decrying the Eval as un-Islamic.
Abdul Sattar Khawasi, member for Kapisa province, called women's shelters "morally corrupt". Justice Minister Habibullah Ghaleb last year dismissed them as houses of "prostitution and immorality", provoking fierce condemnation from women's groups. – Reuters
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7. Comment
COSATU E-toll Campaign goes ahead in 2013; 24th & 31st May at Johannesburg & Ekurhuleni
For more information, contact COSATU Offices
Come one…..Come All!
Stop Commodification of public goods!
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COSATU Section77 Notice served at Nedlac on the 11th December 2012
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Shaka Sisulu: In memory of Walter Sisulu
Shaka Sisulu @City_Press19 May 2013
If I didn’t know better, I would think the common image of a good-natured, warm and ever-smiling revolutionary was no more than publicity for the victorious.
But I saw it first-hand in a man I was lucky enough to call Tat’omKhulu.
As a laaitie, visiting his office on the 10th floor of the majestic Shell House, the headquarters of the ANC after it’s unbanning in the early 1990s, was always a treat because no matter how serious the time, or the issues they discussed behind closed doors, he would always emerge with a wide grin and his trademark jocular disposition.
It is one of those remarkable hallmarks of a remarkable man, and I have come to appreciate it more as I get older and get weighed down by the seriousness of it all.
Often, it feels like there isn’t a reason to smile about anything. And yet, we have our liberty.
My cousin Zoya shared with me her earliest memories of Tat’omKhulu. They were of visiting him at Pollsmoor Prison.
The trip there was always difficult and peppered with harassment. But all of those feelings washed away when he walked in.
She and fellow grandkids Moyikwa and Nwabi would clamber all over him before turning him into a human guinea pig, mixing different concoctions of Cup-a-Soup flavours for him to taste.
“Of course, this was always with lots of laughter and that gentle smile – all his love and generosity concentrated in those short visits.”
Vuyelwa, another cousin, remembers how he used to listen, deeply, attentively to every word. And this was whether you were relating a story to him, telling him of your woe or simply reading to him.
She would come home from class and join him on the veranda. He would sit back and close his eyes as she read Long Walk to Freedom to him, interrupting occasionally to explain things (so she knew he was awake).
They would sit there until the sun went down and the shuffle of Gogo’s slippers preceded her voice.
Many of his grandchildren will tell you about reading for him, and then him drawing them into an analytical discussion about the newspaper article they had just read. I’m informed that is how they began political training in the old days.
When my older cousin Ginyi read Tat’omKhulu’s biography to him, he was amazed at how much he remembered, and the clarity with which he recalled details of events many decades ago.
He had an incredible memory. Our grandmother would often use him as her memory bank, referring certain questions we had about the past to him.
As a family, a fortnight ago, we recalled the day of his passing a decade ago, but this weekend we recall the anniversary of his birth a century and a year ago.
I hope South Africans will join us in remembering the authenticity of this gentle giant.
I hope we remember how he chose to be all these things, and we can too. Long live the spirit of Walter Sisulu.
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Norman Mampane (Communications Officer)
Congress of South African Trade Unions
110 Jorissen Cnr Simmonds Street
Braamfontein
2017
P.O.Box 1019
Johannesburg
2000
South Africa
Tel: +27 11 339-4911 or Direct 010 219-1342
Mobile: +27 72 416 3790
E-Mail: mam...@cosatu.org.za