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IOL News
3 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Gauteng government lost R300 million to ghost workers, says MEC Maile
Gauteng Finance MEC, Lebogang Maile, said Gauteng government was owed about R300 million paid to ghost workers. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers Gauteng provincial government is owed about R300 million 'mistakenly paid' to ghost workers who either retired, resigned, or deceased, according to Finance MEC, Lebogang Maile, who said 'it's not a huge problem' but rather 'isolated incidents'. In an interview with Newzroom Afrika on Wednesday, Maile attributed the financial loss to the government's payroll system not being linked to the Department of Home Affairs. This gap, he said, has allowed payments to continue long after employees have left the public service. 'The system for instance is not linked to home affairs. If someone passes on, the system will not know until we are made aware, once we are made aware, we will act immediately. But it's not a huge problem. So it's isolated cases. 'I think we're out about 300 million for such... Yes [It is a lot of money], but over a period of time. There's no little money in public government,' he said. However, Maile said they have resolved to have a panel of experts to help collect or recover the money. According to him, this would be much needed to finance education, the road infrastructure and service delivery-related services. 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 ✕ The provincial government has been battling with paying ghost workers. Earlier this year, IOL reported that the Gauteng Department of Health had to freeze the salaries of 66 employees who failed to verify their employment status. This was through the department's Ziveze (Reveal Yourself) campaign, launched in October 2024, designed to eradicate ghost workers from its payroll system amid growing concerns over wasteful expenditure. "We have limited resources at our disposal and cannot afford to waste money on ghost employees while hundreds of healthcare workers are looking for employment and thousands of people require access to healthcare services," said Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. IOL Politics
IOL News
20 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
FlySafair denies avoiding CCMA mediation as pilots strike over pay
FlySafair on Tuesday said it was operating a reduced schedule,with only two flights cancelled: the 16:45 service from Cape Town to Lanseria and the 19:30 return flight from Lanseria to Cape Town. Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers FlySafair has refuted claims suggesting that it has refused to engage with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), asserting that it has actively participated in all required discussions throughout the process. This comes as FlySafair experienced operational disruptions on Monday as it was forced to cancel 26 flights following the lockout of around 200 pilots who have embarked on industrial action. The pilots are demanding a 10.5% baseline increase alongside adjustments to flight pay and bonuses for the next financial year, and then 4.5% and 4% respectively for the two years thereafter. They rejected the proposed 5.7% salary increase by FlySafair. Trade union Solidarity had accused FlySafair of refusing to accept the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to mediate the dispute in terms of section 150 of the Labour Relations Act but resolving to lock out its pilots for seven days. However, the CCMA was roped in to mediate the dispute on Monday after FlySafair cancelled 13% of its scheduled flights. FlySafair on Tuesday said it remained committed to resolving this matter constructively and will be meeting with the CCMA on Wednesday. The airline said claims that it had refused to participate in the CCMA process were factually incorrect, adding that it has actively engaged with the CCMA throughout the process, as required by law to obtain a protected strike certificate, and continues to participate in CCMA-facilitated discussions in good faith. In a bid to reassure travellers amid ongoing industrial action involving a segment of its pilot workforce, FlySafair announced that all flights scheduled for Tuesday were departing as planned. The airline said it was operating a reduced schedule which was proactively implemented last week, with all customers affected by time changes notified via SMS and email using the contact details provided at the time of booking, well in advance of their departures. It said only two flights were cancelled: the 16:45 service from Cape Town to Lanseria and the 19:30 return flight from Lanseria to Cape Town. According to FlySafair, these passengers have been directly communicated with, and their preferences respected regarding rebooking and refunds. Kirby Gordon, chief marketing officer at FlySafair, expressed empathy for affected customers. 'We know that travel disruptions can be incredibly stressful, especially when plans are made well in advance,' Gordon said. 'We're truly sorry for the inconvenience this has caused and want to reassure our customers that we are doing everything in our power to restore full operations as quickly as possible. Our teams are working around the clock to support affected customers, and we remain fully committed to finding a fair and sustainable resolution.' Meanwhile, Solidarity on Tuesday said the improvement in their quality of life was the main issue for pilots when the mediation process begins on Wednesday. Solidarity said while the pilots were also seeking a reasonable salary increase – including to restore their compensation to pre-COVID-19 levels – improved working conditions were particularly important. However, it is the shift in working conditions that has taken centre stage, particularly following the unilateral implementation of a new rostering system by FlySafair. Solidarity said this change has disrupted established protocols that have governed the pilots' schedules for the past decade, causing a ripple effect on their work-life balance. The pilots have expressed concerns that the new scheduling system limits adequate rest periods. "This new schedule impedes adequate rest periods and undermines pilots' family life. As pilots' workdays often start before sunrise and last until late at night, sufficient rest is of utmost importance for the safety and wellbeing of pilots and passengers alike," the union said in a statement. "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. In the upcoming meeting under the auspices of the CCMA, it is therefore essential for FlySafair to demonstrate a willingness to ensure more flexibility in the scheduling system." Solidarity has encouraged FlySafair to show a commitment to flexible scheduling. Proposed solutions from the pilots include a guarantee of at least one weekend off within each five-week cycle to allow proper rest and family time, the ability to exchange shifts among colleagues to accommodate personal and family responsibilities, and compensation for any flights undertaken on their days off in subsequent schedule cycles. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
MKP supports Zuma amid accusations of betrayal from ANC and EFF
Former president Jacob Zuma's Morocco visit has sparked controversy over Western Sahara. Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has responded to accusations from the ANC and the EFF that their leader, Jacob Zuma, is a 'sellout' following his recent visit to Morocco. The controversy stems from Zuma's expression of support for Morocco's control over Western Sahara during his visit on July 16, 2025, where the South African flag was displayed alongside the Moroccan flag. The ANC recently condemned the use of the South African flag in Zuma's meeting with Moroccan officials, stating it was a 'reckless and provocative act' that constitutes a 'flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms'. The party demanded that Morocco apologise for the incident and called on the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to issue a formal diplomatic protest. 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 ✕ During the ANC's National Working Committee meeting in Cape Town on Sunday, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula accused Zuma of stealing ANC assets to form the MK Party. Mbalula said Zuma would be remembered for further dividing the ANC, labelling him a 'sellout' for his visit to Morocco. 'Zuma is no messiah. He is a sellout. For whatever reason, he is doing this; it is no surprise to us,' Mbalula added. However, the MKP defended Zuma's right to visit other African nations, with Treasurer-General Thanti Mthanti highlighting his role as a statesman. Mthanti specifically acknowledged Zuma's efforts in negotiating peace and ending political killings in KwaZulu-Natal during the 1993 conflict between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party. Earlier this week, the MKP released a policy position advocating for stronger bilateral relations between South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco, saying it is a stance that is rooted in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity. 'The MKP's identity is deeply rooted in the historic Struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa. Similarly, Morocco's history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity. 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles — South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule. 'In this regard, Morocco has played a pivotal role in supporting South Africa through its fight for liberation. Morocco was the first country to lend financial and military support to Umkhonto weSizwe in 1962.' During his visit to Morocco, Zuma said: 'Our party recognises the historical and legal context that underpins Morocco's claim to Western Sahara.' The MKP's policy supports Morocco's efforts to regain its territorial integrity, viewing it as consistent with the party's dedication to upholding the sovereignty and unity of African nations. The Moroccan embassy's phone rang unanswered on Monday. However, a diplomatic source close to the country defended Morocco, having displayed the South African flag during Zuma's visit, suggesting that the ANC's reaction is hypocritical. 'This diplomatic protest comes as a surprise. The South African flag was visibly displayed, alongside the Algerian flag, during a meeting in December 2023 between the ANC's secretary-general and Salah Goudjil, the former president of Algeria's Upper House. The flag was also present during talks between Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and senior ANC officials,' a diplomatic source said. EFF leader Julius Malema has also criticised Zuma's position on Morocco, calling it a 'sellout position'. Malema reaffirmed the EFF's support for the Sahrawi people's struggle for independence in Western Sahara. 'On the issue of Morocco, that was a complete sellout position,' he said on the sidelines of his court appearance at East London Magistrate's Court, in Eastern Cape, on Monday.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Zuma's visit to Morocco described as 'betrayal' of the Western Sahara
Former president Jacob Zuma's Morocco visit sparks controversy over Western Sahara Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspaper Former South African President Jacob Zuma's recent visit to Morocco has ignited controversy and divided opinions, with some describing it as a 'betrayal' of the Western Sahara. The visit, which occurred quietly on July 15th, was brought to light through social media posts from Moroccan officials and was confirmed by Youssef Amrani, Moroccan ambassador to the United States, who posted on X. During his visit, Zuma was photographed alongside the MK Party's Head of Presidency, Magasela Mzobe, and Moroccan officials, with both South African and Moroccan flags displayed. The visit has been interpreted as a significant shift, particularly in relation to the Western Sahara conflict. Critics argue that Zuma's support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara marks a betrayal of the African Union's (AU) long-standing position advocating for Sahrawi self-determination. Floyd Shivambu, former Secretary General of the MK Party, responded sharply, describing Zuma's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty as 'opportunistic' and a departure from the anti-colonial and revolutionary principles that underpin many liberation movements on the continent. 'This move contradicts our history of supporting oppressed peoples,' Shivambu said in a social media post. The controversy deepened when Fikile Mbalula, the ANC's secretary general, publicly called Zuma a 'sellout' during a televised interview and reiterated his disapproval on social media. 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 Pan African Forum Ltd & Associates chair, Dr. David Nyekorach-Matsanga, issued a formal condemnation on Sunday, describing Zuma's stance as a 'betrayal of African solidarity' and a violation of the AU's principles. 'Endorsing this occupation equates to endorsing colonialism,' read the statement.. 'It dishonours the legacy of the late Muammar Gaddafi, a key defender of the Sahrawi cause, which is a recognized member state of the African Union, and its right to self-determination is protected under Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.' He stated that Morocco's continued occupation of Western Sahara is a breach of international law and AU principles. 'Zuma's personal or party-level position does not override the AU's position nor reflect the will of South Africans. From Libya to now, Zuma's history shows a pattern of trading principles for favour. 'The AU Commission must reaffirm its official position on Western Sahara. The ANC must publicly distance itself from Zuma's stance. Pan-African organisations, civil society, and student movements must reject this betrayal,' read the statement. In response, Dr Magasela Mzobe, head of the presidency in the MK Party, said nothing stops Jacob Zuma from visiting other African countries. 'President Zuma and the MKP officials will soon take MK members and supporters into confidence about this historic visit to Morocco. We don't owe the ANC, DA, or any organisation answers but MKP members. The ANC doesn't speak on behalf of SA on international matters.' Meanwhile, Zuma's previous support for the Sahrawi cause as President of South Africa was well-documented, including meetings with Sahrawi leader Brahim Ghali. Critics now question whether this visit signals a significant policy shift within the MK party or a personal diplomatic move. Political analyst Joe Mhlanga expressed concern about the internal discord within the MK Party, highlighting ongoing internal struggles and leadership issues. 'The party appears to lack a clear direction; this flip-flopping on key issues like Western Sahara undermines their credibility and raises questions about their stance on international justice.' 'This is not different from supporting Israel over Palestine, because history reminds us that Morocco is the oppressor who continues to illegally occupy the Western Sahara, which is still under occupation," said Mhlanga. The MK Party released a policy position earlier this week explaining that they believe South Africa and the Kingdom of Morocco should be committed to strengthening their bilateral relations, grounded in shared principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and African unity. 'The MK Party's identity is deeply rooted in the historic struggle for liberation and dignity in South Africa. Similarly, Morocco's history is marked by its resistance to colonial domination and its determined pursuit of national unity. 'Both nations were shaped by their anti-colonial struggles, South Africa from apartheid and Morocco from French and Spanish rule.' IOL Politics
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs face challenging start to the season with tough fixture list as trip to Mamelodi Sundowns looms large
Kaizer Chiefs face a challenging start to the Betway Premiership season with tough fixtures against Stellenbosch FC, Polokwane City, Richards Bay, and champions Mamelodi Sundowns in August, as they aim to improve on their previous league performances. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media Though Kaizer Chiefs will not be involved in the opening weekend of local football action in the MTN8, they will still have their work cut out from the outset in their new Betway Premiership campaign. With Chiefs having finished outside the top eight in the league the last two seasons, there are increased expectations that the Soweto Giants will produce a much better showing. Even though Chiefs won their first piece of silverware with the Nedbank Cup title last season, it did not hide their underperformance in the league. Now, Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will have to ensure his troops hit the ground running from their first clash.
