How Uganda's working to sell its ‘green gold'
With global demand for avocados surging, Uganda is looking to strengthen the industry's infrastructure to position itself as a key avocado supplier across international markets.
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News24
2 hours ago
- News24
Setback for casual workers as court rules forum is not a union
The Simunye Workers Forum (SWF) has lost its bid to register as an official trade union, preventing its 6,600 mainly casual worker members from access to formal representation in disputes. The Labour Court of Appeal ruled that the forum's non-hierarchical approach with no permanent office bearers fails to comply with the union registration requirements of the Labour Relations Act. The court said SWF can amend its constitution and reapply for registration. For more financial news, go to the News24 Business front page. In a blow to the Simunye Workers Forum (SWF), the Labour Court of Appeal has ruled that the forum does not qualify to be registered as an official trade union. The Registrar of Labour Relations appealed against an earlier ruling by the Johannesburg Labour Court, which directed the Registrar to immediately registrar the SWF as a union. This would have meant that the forum, which has about 6,600 members, mainly casual, vulnerable workers, would be able to represent them formally in disputes, wage negotiations, and in matters before the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). But Appeal Court Acting Judge President Kate Savage (with two judges concurring) has said the ruling was wrong. The SWF was formed with the assistance of the Casual Workers' Advice Office (CWAO), a non-profit organisation that assists casual workers with labour disputes. At the end of 2020, it decided to apply for registration in terms of the Labour Relations Act (LRA). To that end, it adopted a constitution, opened a bank account, and held an annual general meeting. In June 2022, its application to the Registrar was refused. SWF said it was a 'modern trade union', not constituted in the same manner as traditional trade unions, which it did not 'trust'. It had no 'hierarchical structure' or permanent office bearers It approached the labour court after the Registrar refused to register it as a union. In the lower court, Judge Andre Van Niekerk said SWF aimed to keep decision-making power in the hands of those members affected by the decision and to ensure that all work done by members was without remuneration, so as to remove any potential for personal financial interest. Membership fees were fixed at R12.50 a month or R150 annually. Ordinary meetings were convened when necessary. Each meeting elected a chairperson and a secretary for the next meeting. Decisions were taken by a majority vote. Judge van Niekerk said while the structure was unique, the Registrar had refused to register SWF, saying its constitution did not meet the requirements of the LRA. The Registrar did not consider it to be a 'genuine trade union' independent of the CWAO. He said since the LRA had been brought into operation in 1995, the labour market had changed and 'new forms of worker organisations will inevitably emerge to meet these challenges and better serve the interests of the more vulnerable'. There was no legal impediment to its registration, he ruled. Appeal court ruling But Judge Savage said the LRA dictated that unions had to establish permanent offices with defined functions and clear procedures for elections and removals. The SWF did not comply with these requirements. She said the Act created a framework for registration to ensure accountability, transparency and democracy. 'This serves to protect members, the organisation itself and the external parties with whom it relates,' she said. 'While the express intent of the SWF constitution is to keep decision-making powers in the hands of those members affected by the decision in question with all work done by members and no person remunerated for any work done, it fails to comply with the requirements for registration,' Judge Savage said. She said SWF should be permitted to revisit and amend its constitution, and it could apply again for registration. She upheld the appeal but made no order as to costs, saying 'the SWF and its members are the most vulnerable of workers, whereas the Registrar performs a regulatory function, resourced by the State'. A spokesperson for SWF said it had met its lawyers over the weekend and resolved to launch a constitutional challenge. GroundUp.
News24
3 hours ago
- News24
GAC Motor's lifetime engine warranty redefines SA car market
GAC Motor South Africa is entering 2025 with bold energy, a customer-first mindset, and a series of groundbreaking initiatives designed to solidify its position as a major player in the South African automotive market. With strategic price reductions, a historic industry-first warranty, new model launches, and dealer network expansion, GAC Motor is rewriting the rules of engagement in the industry — offering exceptional value, innovation, and quality to the South African consumer. Driving Change with Transparent Pricing In a move that underscores its commitment to transparency and customer-centric values, GAC Motor South Africa has announced a strategic price reduction on two of its most popular models — the GAC Emzoom and GAC Emkoo. This significant pricing realignment is not a promotional gimmick but rather a result of improved foreign exchange conditions and global cost-saving efficiencies that the company has opted to pass directly to consumers. 'Our customers deserve to benefit from favourable market conditions,' says Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of GAC Motor South Africa. 'This price drop reflects our investment in the market and our belief in long-term, honest relationships with our consumers and partners.' As of January 2025, the new retail pricing is: · Emzoom Comfort: R419,900 · Emzoom Executive: R439,900 · Emzoom R-Style: R489,900 · Emkoo Executive: R519,900 · Emkoo Executive Plus: R559,900 This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to increase accessibility and value, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the South African market. A Warranty That Redefines Industry Standards Taking customer confidence to a new level, GAC Motor South Africa recently unveiled an i ndustry-first Lifetime Engine Warranty across its entire vehicle lineup. This groundbreaking offer covers an unlimited number of years and mileage for the original vehicle owner, provided the car is serviced at authorised GAC Motor service centres using approved parts. This bold warranty initiative not only sets a new benchmark in customer service but also reflects GAC Motor's confidence in the quality, durability, and craftsmanship of its vehicles. It's a move designed to inspire trust and long-term loyalty among South African drivers. 'This warranty is a powerful promise — a declaration of the confidence we have in our products,' says Ramsoomar. 'It's about peace of mind, lifelong value, and building a brand that people can truly believe in.' GAC Motor is also expanding its model range to meet the evolving needs of South African drivers. Among the most anticipated new arrivals are the Aion Y electric crossover SUV and the all-new GAC Motor M8, both combining advanced technology with refined design. Additionally, new derivatives across existing models will offer drivers more choices to match their lifestyles. In alignment with global trends towards green mobility, GAC Motor will also introduce Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and fully Electric Vehicles (EVs) in South Africa during 2025 — showcasing the company's forward-thinking approach to sustainability without compromising on performance. Beyond its product lineup, GAC Motor is heavily investing in its national dealership network, growing from 28 to a projected 40 dealerships by the end of 2025. This expansion ensures that more South Africans will have access not just to vehicles, but also to GAC's comprehensive aftersales service and support. A Vision for the Future, Built on Innovation and Trus t As part of the Salvador Caetano Group, GAC Motor South Africa benefits from global expertise, including access to six international R&D centres and t hree state-of-the-art production facilities. This robust innovation infrastructure fuels the brand's ability to deliver high-quality, reliable, and forward-thinking vehicles for the South African market. 'We're entering a very exciting phase,' says Brian Smith, Marketing Director for GAC Motor South Africa. 'Our developments for 2025 reflect a long-term strategy focused on offering South Africans more choice, better value, and unmatched peace of mind.' Looking Ahead As GAC Motor South Africa ramps up its market presence with competitive pricing, innovative products, and customer-focused warranties, the brand is poised to transform the automotive landscape. It's not just about selling cars — it's about building a community of drivers who value innovation, trust, and quality at every turn. For more information, visit or contact your nearest GAC Motor dealership.
News24
4 hours ago
- News24
SA inflation now lower than Japan's - ‘amazing' chance to lower target, says Reserve Bank
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