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IOL News
3 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Is FlySafair's ‘fair' shift proposal for real? Put it in writing, Solidarity demands, as talks resume
FlySafair continues to operate a reduced schedule as the strike drags on. Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Media Negotiations between FlySafair and Solidarity, the union representing its striking pilots, were set to resume on Wednesday afternoon, with the airline's controversial shift scheduling system still leading the agenda. There appears to be a level of miscommunication between the parties following FlySafair's latest statement to the media, issued on Wednesday morning. The low-cost carrier said its pilots were indeed guaranteed rest weekends in the new shift schedule, and that pilots had access to the schedule. However, in a statement released later on Wednesday, Solidarity said this was 'new information' that had never been mentioned during the previous negotiations. The union's deputy general secretary, Helgard Cronjé, said there was no valid reason why FlySafair should not agree in writing to the pilots' demands regarding the shift schedule. 'The request for a three-day weekend in a five-week cycle cannot be accommodated by their system's algorithm, according to FlySafair. Such a shift schedule was among our conditions that were rejected. Yet some of our proposals are already being accommodated and used in the very system,' Cronjé said. 'Our request is simply this: put the agreement in writing so that the pilots can hold the company to it'. He claimed that FlySafair was refusing to put these provisions in writing, describing them as 'soft' rules that the company could change as it sees fit. ALSO READ: 'Is it too much to request a single weekend with our family?': Flysafair pilots issue open letter amid strike FlySafair said its most recent settlement proposal, which was rejected by the union, was designed to empower the pilot body to shape its own roster rules through an independently chaired committee. Solidarity stated that it is accepted practice in South African labour law for an employee's terms of employment, including working hours, to be stipulated in an employment contract. 'It's simple. Take these rules that are already being implemented and let's put them in an agreement so that pilots can enjoy the same protection as other employees,' Cronjé added. 'Instead, the company's conditions on which they were prepared to give the pilots a vote on a committee were that the pilots would first have to give up their right to strike on the issue. Furthermore, the committee will also have no powers to enforce recommendations'. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Solidarity believes that pilots would be signing away their only constitutional right, while the company retains its full powers to implement decisions. 'The company's argument is that we are seeking operational control (on behalf of the pilots). An agreement in which they have a say on shifts protects a basic right and is certainly not a takeover of operational control,' Cronjé explained. 'It rather serves as protection for an employee so that an employer's powers are limited to its business interests and so that it does not control the employee's life'. In its statement released on Wednesday, FlySafair said it was committed to reaching an outcome that protects the long-term health of the business and supports the well-being of all its employees. The pilot strike is now in its second week, with no resolution in sight. Over the weekend, Solidarity said FlySafair's offer of a 5.7% pay increase was largely acceptable, but the rostering system remained a point of contention. An open letter from the pilots, issued on Tuesday - read the full statement here - raised concerns over safety, fatigue, and a culture of intimidation at the airline. Pilots have been asking for fairer working conditions and at least one guaranteed weekend off per month. 'Let us be clear: this strike is not about greed. It is about dignity. It is about safety. It is about fairness. It is about being heard,' the letter declared. Although FlySafair claims its pilots average 63 flight hours per month, Solidarity countered that many line pilots fly 85 to over 100 hours monthly. Amid the strike, FlySafair said it continues to operate a 'stable but reduced' flight schedule, with more pilots returning to duty each day. IOL Business
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Life sentence for Boschfontein man who raped nine-year-old girl
Lazarus Manzini, 46, who had lured his nine-year-old victim threatened the girl to not tell anybody about the incident. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media A child rapist will serve life behind bars after being sentenced in the Boschfontein Regional Court this week. Lazarus Manzini, 46, who had lured his nine-year-old victim when she enquired about the whereabouts of her grandmother, threatened the girl not to tell anybody about the incident. Despite his attempts to cover his detestable deed, a vigilant neighbour noticed the girl was struggling to walk and appeared distressed while she was playing with a group of friends, said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa. The victim was living with her grandmother in Boschfontein at the time of the incident. 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 ✕ Throughout the trial, the man maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty. 'On 5 November 2021, the victim was walking home from playing with friends when she encountered Manzini. He deceived her by claiming her grandmother had gone to a nearby butchery to buy meat. Unable to find her grandmother there, she returned home, where Manzini grabbed her, dragged her to his house, and raped her. He then threatened her not to tell anyone. 'The following day, while playing with friends, another neighbour noticed the victim struggling to walk and appearing distressed. Upon inspection, the neighbour found her bleeding and, after questioning, learned of the rape, identifying Manzini as the perpetrator,' said Nyuswa. The grandmother was informed, and the victim was taken to the Tonga Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical examination and psychosocial support. The police were notified, leading to Manzini's arrest. In court, Manzini pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations. However, Nyuswa stated that the State prosecutor Joshua Sibeko presented compelling evidence, including the victim's testimony (facilitated through intermediary services to minimise trauma), as well as testimonies from the grandmother and neighbour. 'A J88 medical report confirmed the injuries. The court found the State's witnesses credible and dismissed Manzini's defence as implausible. In aggravation, Sibeko argued that Manzini, as a neighbour, was expected to protect the victim, not violate her, and urged the court to impose the prescribed life sentence. '(Sibeko) submitted a Victim Impact Statement, facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Lizzy Mhlongo, which detailed the victim's psychological trauma, enduring fear, and declining school performance.' The court, finding no substantial or compelling circumstances to deviate, sentenced Manzini to life imprisonment, declared him unfit to possess a firearm, and ordered his name added to the National Register for Sex Offenders. Nyuswa said the NPA welcomed the sentence, reaffirming its dedication to justice for gender-based violence victims and building safer communities. 'This ruling sends a clear message that sexual violence against children will face the full force of the law, and the NPA remains resolute in its pursuit of justice,' said Nyuswa.
IOL News
5 hours ago
- Health
- IOL News
Racial tensions and professional jealousy allegations at Life Westville Hospital
Some of the protesters picketing against Dr Ntando Duze's suspension outside the Life Westville Hospital. Image: Supplied A screenshot of the conversation between the plotting doctor and the patient, where a doctor was luring a patient to make a complaint against Dr Duze. Image: Supplied A patient, who found himself caught up in alleged fierce professional jealousy and racial battle between doctors at Life Westville Hospital in Durban, has revealed how a plot to get cardiologist, Dr Ntando Duze, suspended was hatched by a colleague. In a revelation contained in the affidavit deposed by a patient and a WhatsApp conversation between the patient and the doctor who hatched the supposed plot, seen by Independent Media, the doctor asked the patient to file a complaint against Dr Duze, even if there was no evidence. 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 ✕ However, the patient refused and instead reported the doctor to the hospital management. The hospital reportedly did not take disciplinary action against the said doctor, except for engaging with him, and the doctor apologised to the patient. Sources within the hospital said the plot to destroy the black doctor was allegedly engineered by another hospital, which is owned by a rival group. The hospital was said to have offered Dr Duze R15 million and a house to leave the Life group and join its hospital, which specialises in cardiology, but Dr Duze turned down the offer. Although the said patient refused to play along in the plot, it was believed that the orchestrators succeeded in getting to other patients on their side, which resulted in Dr Duze eventually being suspended. He confirmed his suspension but refused to discuss it further, saying the matter was now with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA), which was expected to investigate the complaints against him. A patient, who could not be named to protect his identity, confirmed the incident and the affidavit he deposed. He also confirmed the WhatsApp messages were intended to pressure him to complain about Dr Duze, even if there was no evidence. "I think this was driven by professional jealousy and greed. You will know that this sector, particularly cardiology, has been a terrain of Indian and white doctors for a long time; now they are upset by Dr Duze's good work. Every GP (general practitioner) refers their heart patients to him, which is not sitting well with those who had been dominating the sector," said the patient. The doctor's suspension has sparked anger among his patients, who picketed outside the hospital in support of him, yesterday. The patient's affidavit partly read: "This serves as an official complaint against Dr… regarding what I consider to be unprofessional and unethical conduct. At a time where I and my family were anxious about a medical procedure I was to undergo, Dr... was pestering me and putting me under pressure to report my doctor to the HPCSA, even though I tried to explain that I have no evidence against Dr Duze, he insisted that I file a case with HPCSA, which I found unprofessional, careless and driven by ulterior motives. "The doctor was not interested in helping me get a professional opinion, but in using me to further his agenda. Being a sick patient, I felt his action was insensitive and needed to be reported. He did not have to involve me in their politics while I was fighting for my life." The HPCSA has not yet responded to the questions sent to its communications team. However, Life Westville Hospital said it was aware of the allegations against the doctor in question by the HPCSA, and upon receiving this information, the hospital initiated an internal review, which was still ongoing. "Our investigation is still ongoing, and as such, we are not in a position to disclose further details at this time," said the hospital's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karisha Quarie.
IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
'Greedy' groom raped bride's minor relative at his wedding celebrations in Limpopo
After tying the knot, as people were sleeping at night, the groom sneaked into a room where the nine-year-old girl was, carried her to an unoccupied bedroom, and raped her. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media The High Court in Polokwane has imposed a life sentence on a 45-year-old man from Dennilton, in Limpopo, for raping a nine-year-old girl. The convicted rapist's name is withheld to protect the minor victim's identity. Limpopo spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said the incident occurred on 24 December 2023 during a wedding ceremony in Dennilton, where the accused man was the groom. 'The victim, her mother, younger sibling, and two aunts — part of the bride's family — were offered a room to sleep at the bride's residence after the celebration. In the early hours, the accused entered the room where the victim was sleeping, carried her to an unoccupied bedroom, and raped her,' said Malabi-Dzhangi. The little girl's screams for help prompted the rapist to flee. Her mother found her naked and immediately reported the matter to the police, which led to the accused man's arrest. 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 ✕ During trial, state advocate Shirley Mawasha presented compelling evidence, including a J88 medical report, DNA evidence, and testimony from the accused's uncle, who confirmed the accused admitted to sexually assaulting a child and expressed remorse to him. In aggravation, the prosecution argued that the accused betrayed the family's trust, exploiting his role as a protector. 'His actions turned a day meant for celebration into a horror, damaging the relationship between the two families irreparably due to his greed,' Mawasha submitted. The prosecution also highlighted the accused man's 'arrogance and lack of remorse' throughout the trial. In passing judgement, the judge condemned the accused man's actions, noting that as a newlywed, he should have shared his first night with his bride, not committed an act 'fit for movies, not real life.' The court emphasised that the accused knowingly took the child, left her on the floor, and fled, showing a ruthless lack of conscience. The judge highlighted that despite DNA evidence, the accused man's 'arrogance' persisted, and the trial left the minor and her family, who had supported him, in misery. Aligning with the prosecution, the court sentenced the accused man to life imprisonment, stressing the need to protect society, vulnerable groups, and deter similar offenders. The convicted man was also declared unfit to possess a firearm, added to the National Register of Sexual Offenders, and deemed unsuitable to work with children. Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority in Limpopo has welcomed the life imprisonment sentence imposed by the court. The NPA has reaffirmed its commitment to justice for victims of gender-based violence and the safety of communities. IOL News
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Allegations of professional jealousy and racial tensions at Life Westville Hospital
Some of the protesters picketing against Dr Ntando Duze's suspension outside the Life Westville Hospital. Image: Supplied A screenshot of the conversation between the plotting doctor and the patient, where a doctor was luring a patient to make a complaint against Dr Duze. Image: Supplied A patient who found himself caught up in alleged fierce professional jealousy and racial battle between doctors at Life Westville Hospital in Durban has revealed how a plot to get a good performing cardiologist, Dr Ntando Duze, suspended was hatched by a colleague. In a shocking revelation contained in the affidavit deposed by a patient and a WhatsApp conversation between the patient and the plotting doctor seen by Independent Media, the doctor asked the patient to file a complaint against Dr Duze even if there was no evidence. 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 ✕ However, the patient refused and instead reported the doctor to the hospital management. The hospital reportedly did not take disciplinary action against the said doctor, except reaching out to him, and the doctor apologised to the patient. Sources within the hospital said the whole plot to destroy the black doctor was allegedly engineered by another hospital, which is owned by a rival group. The hospital was said to have offered Dr Duze R15 million and a house to leave the Life group and join its hospital, which specialises in cardiology, but Dr Duze turned down the offer. Although the said patient refused to play along in the plot, it is believed that the plotters succeeded in getting to other patients, as Dr Duze was eventually suspended. He confirmed his suspension but refused to discuss it further, saying the matter was now with the Health Professional Council of South Africa (HPCSA), which is expected to investigate the complaints against him. A patient, who could not be named to protect his identity, confirmed the incident and the affidavit he deposed. He also confirmed the WhatsApp messages where he was being pressured by the doctor to complain about Dr Duze, even if there was no evidence. "I think this was driven by professional jealousy and greed. You will know that this sector, particularly cardiology, has been a terrain of Indian and white doctors for a long time; now they are upset by Dr Duze's good work. Every GP (general practitioner) refers their heart patients to him, which is not sitting well with those who had been dominating the sector," said the patient. The doctor's suspension has sparked anger among his patients, who picketed outside the hospital in support of him on Monday morning. The patient's affidavit partly read: "This serves as an official complaint against Dr… regarding what I consider to be unprofessional and unethical conduct. At a time where I and my family were anxious about a medical procedure I was to undergo, Dr... was pestering me and putting me under pressure to report my doctor to the HPCSA even though I tried to explain that I have no evidence against Dr Duze, he insisted that I file a case with HPCSA, which I found unprofessional, careless and driven by ulterior motives. "The doctor was not interested in helping me get a professional opinion, but in using me to further his agenda. Being a sick patient, I felt his action was insensitive and needed to be reported. He did not have to involve me in their politics while I was fighting for my life." The HPCSA has not yet responded to the questions sent to its communications team. However, Life Westville Hospital said it has been made aware of the allegations against the doctor in question by the HPCSA, and upon receiving this information, the hospital initiated an internal review, which is still ongoing. "Our investigation is still ongoing, and as such, we are not in a position to disclose further details at this time," said the hospital's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karisha Quarie.
