Latest news with #EPWP
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Think before you dump: New waste by-law in effect
Think before you dump: New waste by-law in effect Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) has officially adopted a revised Waste Management By-Law, which significantly enhances efforts to combat illegal dumping, a problem that damages the environment and costs millions annually to address. • Also read: Is Mogale winning the illegal dumping battle? MCLM communications officer Tendani Shavhani said this updated law introduces a more modern and sustainable waste management approach focused on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, which will be enforced by three dedicated waste enforcement vehicles and the appointment of full-time by-law officers. Key changes include allowing licensed private contractors to provide waste services under municipal supervision. However, misuse by unlicensed operators has led to rampant illegal dumping, prompting stricter enforcement measures. 'In response, the municipality has introduced an integrated waste management model, promoting collaboration between public and private sectors,' she said. She added that these new initiatives include: • Registration of small-scale waste collectors and buy-back centre operators • Use of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers for operational support • Launch of new vehicles dedicated to by-law enforcement She stated these efforts also support local economic development by helping small businesses and informal waste collectors access recyclable materials more easily. 'In addition, partnerships with Producer Responsibility Organisations are funding community waste minimisation projects. Recycling bins for electronics and other materials have been placed in public spaces like malls and schools. With the by-law now active, enforcement has ramped up. Offenders may face steep fines, vehicle impoundments or jail time. The message is clear: Legal waste disposal options exist and illegal dumping is a deliberate and punishable offence,' she concluded. Residents can report illegal dumping to MCLM through the following communication channels: • Via email at customerservices@ • By sending a WhatsApp to 083 787 2814 • By contacting 086 166 4253 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
COSATU takes swipe at DA-led WC govt, accuses it of misleading public on job creation
The union said there was a need for more to be done to create sustainable jobs in the Cape. The number of unemployed South Africans has seen a slight drop of 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024, bringing it to 31.9%. The Western Cape boasts an even lower unemployment rate countrywide at 19.6%. But Western Cape Cosatu secretary, Malvern de Bruyn, accused the provincial government of creating unsustainable job opportunities."We are saying that the DA government must stop abusing the EPWP system and claim to have created real jobs in the province, but they're not real jobs. We want jobs that people can say I can pay my debt, I can pay for my house, and I can pay for school fees." Hundreds of tripartite alliance supporters have braved the wet and cold Cape Town weather to be part of Thursday's festivities.
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Minimum wage increase is coming: Is your business prepared?
As the 2025 national minimum wage (NMW) amendments come into effect on 1 March, employers must prepare for the impact, both operationally and strategically, as they bring opportunities and risks alike. While these changes seek to improve worker livelihoods and address historical inequalities, they pose significant challenges for businesses already navigating economic pressures. Key highlights of the amendments - General minimum wage increase The NMW rises to R28.79 per hour, up from R27.58 in 2024, representing a 4.4% increase. - Learnership allowances: Weekly allowances for workers in learnership programmes have been updated in a new schedule, reflecting the importance of financial support during training. However, ensuring compliance and adequate employer contributions will require careful oversight. These amendments reflect a commitment to uplift vulnerable workers and promote skills development but demand deliberate strategies to address the ripple effects on businesses. What employers can expect The upside The 2025 amendments are a step forward in addressing income inequality. By ensuring that farmworkers, domestic workers, and EPWP participants receive fair pay, the government is making progress in reducing wage disparities. Additionally, the increased learnership allowances are expected to attract more participants into skills development programmes, which are critical for improving South Africa's long-term workforce productivity. Employers who embrace these changes may benefit from improved employee morale, reduced turnover, and enhanced productivity as workers feel more valued and supported. The challenges However, these changes are not without risks, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): - Increased costs: For many businesses, the rising minimum wages and allowances may strain already tight budgets. Employers may have to reevaluate their workforce structures, potentially leading to job cuts, reduced working hours, or increased reliance on automation. - Automation and AI pressures: With the rise of automation and AI in labour-intensive industries, businesses may fast-track these technologies to mitigate costs, further marginalising youth and entry-level workers who struggle to enter the labour market. - Economic-labour growth disconnect: South Africa's economic growth is projected to remain sluggish, with GDP growth rates below the levels required to stimulate significant job creation. Traditionally, a 1% growth in GDP results in only a 0.5% growth in employment. If the NMW is not kept realistic and affordable, the labour market risks excluding youth and low-skilled workers entirely. - Regional disparities: The differentiated rates for cleaning workers could create uneven labour markets, with rural workers migrating to urban areas for higher wages. This movement risks deepening unemployment and economic disparities in less developed regions. - Compliance risks: Implementing the updated learnership allowances and regional wage variations could prove challenging for employers, especially in the informal sector. Non-compliance risks penalties and reputational damage. Striking a balance: Recommendations for employers While the amendments present challenges, proactive steps can help businesses navigate these changes effectively: - Reevaluate budget allocations: Employers should assess how the increased wages and allowances will impact their payroll and operational costs. Identifying inefficiencies and reallocating resources strategically can mitigate financial strain. - Invest in upskilling: Employers who invest in employee development, especially through learnership programmes, may benefit from improved productivity and access to tax incentives, such as the Section 12H Learnership Tax Allowance. - Adopt workforce planning: With rising costs, businesses may need to optimise workforce planning. Flexible work arrangements, cross-training employees, and automation can help maintain operational efficiency. - Engage with government support: Employers should advocate for government support measures, such as wage subsidies or tax breaks, to ease the financial burden of compliance with the new amendments. A call for collaboration The success of the 2025 amendments hinges on collaboration between government, employers, and workers. Policymakers must strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, particularly in the informal sector, while also providing targeted support for SMEs. Businesses, in turn, should engage in transparent dialogue with employees, helping them understand the broader implications of these changes. Conclusion The national minimum wage amendments for 2025 demonstrate progress toward a fairer labour market, but their implementation requires careful balancing of worker welfare and business sustainability. The labour market's fragility, combined with pressures from automation and slow economic growth, underscores the importance of keeping the NMW realistic and affordable. Employers must approach these changes with strategic foresight, leveraging opportunities for growth while mitigating potential risks. With robust planning and collaborative efforts, South Africa can advance toward a more equitable and resilient economy. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
