Lesufi announces new HODs in administrative shake-up of Gauteng govt
Lesufi announced the appointments of new HODs for a number of departments during a provincial legislature sitting on Thursday morning.
The departments of e-gov, infrastructure, sports, health, social development and education now have new HODs.
While three heads of department were fired and others resigned from the provincial government, some were moved to other portfolios.
Thirty-seven percent of high-ranking officials in the Gauteng government failed their lifestyle audits, which were conducted by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Moreover, an internal assessment found that some heads of department were at the centre of mediocre service delivery and questionable payments
The province's ethics advisory committee then recommended that Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi crack the whip on incompetent senior officials.
"In the last few months, we witnessed displeasing acts of under expenditures to the tune of R1.8 billion, senior members failing lifestyle audits, and underperformance by some departments. We taken a decision to reset government."
Albert Chanee will now head the provincial education department, which a forensic report revealed had the highest number of employees accused of unethical conduct.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Why FlySafair pilots are striking: It's more than just money
Long queues formed at the FlySafair counters on Monday morning as the airline grappled with a labour impasse that grounded some flights. Image: Jonisayi Maromo/IOL As hundreds bemoan the FlySafair strike, Solidarity has released a statement expressing the real reason why pilots have downed their tools - and it's not just about the money. While pilots overseas can earn up to R3 million plus housing and extras, earlier reports indicate that FlySafair pilots requested a raise. FlySafair responded stating that their Captains earn between R1.8 and R2.3 million annually, which, according to them, places the pilots within the top 1% of earners in South Africa. With regards to workload woes, FlySafair noted that its Captains spent an average of 63 hours last month in the cockpit flying passengers. It added that this is "well within regulatory limits set by the Civil Aviation Authority, IATA, and ICAO", which cap flight duty at 100 hours per month. While there is no doubt that that is a lot of money, the big question is: What is the point of having a full bank account if you cannot see your loved ones and your quality of life is low? According to Solidarity's statement, the improvement in the pilots' quality of life is the main issue. This is set to be tackled when the mediation process between Solidarity and FlySafair's management takes place on Wednesday. The process was requested by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act. "While the pilots are also seeking a reasonable salary increase – including to restore their compensation to pre-COVID-19 levels – improved working conditions are particularly important. A new rostering system, recently implemented unilaterally by FlySafair, has drastically changed the established working conditions of pilots, which have been in place for the past decade. This new schedule impedes adequate rest periods and undermines pilots' family life," the union stated. "As pilots' workdays often start before sunrise and last until late at night, sufficient rest is of utmost importance for the safety and well-being of pilots and passengers alike. In addition, pilots work seven days a week on a rotating schedule, which significantly impacts their family life compared to those who work standard office hours." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The proposals to achieve a settlement include, but are not limited to: that pilots will have at least one weekend off within each five-week schedule cycle, as well as two consecutive days off to properly rest and spend quality time with their families; the opportunity for pilots to exchange shifts with colleagues in cases where family responsibilities necessitate such flexibility; that if they have to fly on their days off, they will be compensated for these days off within the next schedule cycle. Additional schedule proposals will also be submitted to FlySafair's management during the mediation. It's worth noting that Solidarity stated that if FlySafair complies with the above requests, it will be prepared to review the salary increase demand and all other related claims and be willing to compromise. This statement comes hours after FlySafair has confirmed that all flights on Tuesday's schedule are departing as planned and assured customers that disruptions have been minimal so far. IOL
The South African
15 hours ago
- The South African
Striking FlySafair pilots are among 'top 1% earners' in South Africa
As striking FlySafair pilots continue to down tools, the low-cost airline has hit back publicly. Yesterday – Monday 21 July 2025 – saw 12% of scheduled flights cancelled due to the striking FlySafair pilots. This figure was, by all accounts, higher than anticipated, because of last-minute withdrawal of several available pilots. These striking FlySafair pilots had previously confirmed participation in scheduled flights for the week, says the airline. Nevertheless, the airline released a public statement on Monday, saying it regrets any disruption caused, reports Daily Maverick . Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, Kirby Gordon, also took the opportunity to give some context to its dealings with striking FlySafair pilots. The union, Solidarity, currently represents nearly 90% of the striking FlySafair pilots. As such, it is demanding a 10.5% increase in base salary. However, the airline explains that the full package – including flight pay, bonuses and other benefits – would represent a cost-to-company increase of 20%. It's too early to tell how long striking FlySafair pilots are prepared to down tools for. Image: File Moreover, the low-cost airline revealed that FlySafair captains currently earn between R1.8 million and R2.3 million annually. This already puts them in the top 1% of earners in South Africa. Furthermore, this puts them ahead of some Executive Committee members at the airline itself. As such, FlySafair believes its current counteroffer of 5.7% increase on the base salary is 'fair and responsible.' When fully costed, the offer equates to an 11% increase, cost to company. And it says Solidarity's demands are not only economically unsustainable, but they risk undermining the affordability of low-cost air travel in South Africa. Solidarity says FlySafair pilot workload is a concern. Meanwhile, the airline argues its captains average 63 hours of flight time per month. While the regulatory maximum is 100 hours per month, according to the SA Civil Aviation Authority. Therefore, it maintains its pilot utilisation is efficient, compliant, and in line with global standards. FlySafair issued a seven-day lockout, a standard labour relations mechanism, after Solidarity escalated a one-day strike to two weeks. 'Any affected customers are encouraged to consult the Travel Updates on And airport teams remain on standby to assist with rebookings, refunds, and alternative arrangements,' concludes Kirby. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
16 hours ago
- The Citizen
FlySafair cancels more than 20 fights as pilots strike continues
FlySafair says its pilots are already among the highest-paid in the country. A FlySafair plane parked in a hangar as pilots continue with their strike. Picture: Supplied Low-cost airline FlySafair has grounded more flights as the pilots' strike enters a second day. FlySafair said it had to cancel 26 flights on Monday, which accounts for 13% of its operations amid the ongoing wage strike by its pilots. Strike More than 200 pilots have gone on strike. The airline's pilots have rejected the airline's 5.7% wage increase offer, sticking to their demand of a 10.5% hike. Highest paid pilots On Monday, the low-cost carrier's chief marketing officer, Kirby Gordon, said that the airline's pilots were already among the highest-paid in the country. 'Our captains earn between R1.8 and R2.3 million annually. Many pilots earn more than members of FlySafair's executive committee.' NOW READ: FlySafair pilots down tools, travellers warned of delays and cancellations Cancelled flights However, the pilots are continuing with their strike for a second day, resulting in more flight cancellations. 'Due to the intensifying pilot strike, two of our flights departing on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, have unfortunately been cancelled,' FlySafair said. 'If your flight has been affected, we've put measures in place to assist you. All other flights will operate as scheduled for tomorrow.' [WATCH] FlySafair says it has put measures in place to reduce travel disruptions as over 200 pilots strike over wages. The airline has offered a 5.7% salary increase. Chief marketing officer Kirby Gordon weighs in on the impact and the way forward. #Newzroom405 — Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 21, 2025 Refunds Gordon said they regretted having to cancel the flights. 'It is with deep regret that we had to cancel some flights. Although we had commitment from several pilots that they intend to operate these flights, we had a number of them withdraw from duty late last night, which was obviously unanticipated. 'As a result of that, we were forced to cancel 26 of 174 flights today [Monday], leaving people to find other options to get from A to B,' Gordon said. Gordon said they are processing refunds to passengers who have been affected by cancelled flights. 'I believe most of them have already been processed on our side, so it's just a matter of bank clearing.' More cancellations Solidarity spokesperson Helgard Cronjé said the delay in negotiations could lead to further flight cancellations. 'FlySafair underestimated how disruptive the lockout would be. It is costing them too much, and the passengers are paying the price. 'Yet FlySafair has indicated that it is prepared to start the negotiation process only by Wednesday. As a result, thousands of passengers will still be affected before FlySafair comes to the table,' said Cronjé. Solidarity said it hopes that FlySafair's agreement to the mediation process will be the start of 'real solutions – solutions that approach its pilots' concerns with real seriousness and that could mean better working relations for the future.' ALSO READ: Planning to Fly? Acsa warns of flight delays at OR Tambo International Airport
