Latest news with #VanVuuren
The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Hazyview Dojo wins seven medals at national karate championships
The highly prepared team of the Hazyview Dojo brought home seven medals from the National Championships recently held in Boksburg. Head of the dojo, Sensei Sandra van Vuuren, said she is proud of her team. ALSO READ: Hazyview Karate Dojo hosts first successful competition of the year 'We were prepared to ensure we bring medals as we are aware that we represent the entire Hazyview community. I wish to thank my players for their dedication and bringing the medals home. I know that all of them wanted to win gold, but managing silver and bronze, is a big win as well,' she said. ALSO READ: Hazyview Shotokan Karate Dojo more than ready for the new year Van Vuuren told Hazyview Herald that those who did not win any medals learnt a lot and are motivated to work even harder. 'We have a strong team. I have no doubt that in the future we will bring home even more medals,' she said. According to her, the Hazyview Dojo will continue to support their karatekas, training them for the next local games. She also said the dojo's door is always open to locals who wish to join or just to find out more about karate. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
UNTU prepares for possible strike as Transnet wage negotiations reach deadlock
Transnet's workers unions United National Transport Union (UNTU) confirmed on Friday that the three-day S150 Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) process on Transnet salary/wage 2025/26 impasse remains in deadlock after three days. Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers Transnet's ongoing wage negotiations have reached an impasse, confirming fears of looming industrial action by workers as the United National Transport Union (UNTU) made a clear statement on Friday. After three days of mediation by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) through the section 150 of the Labour Relations Act, UNTU reported that no progress had been made, compelling them to consider striking if their demands remained unmet. On Thursday, UNTU completed a ballot process with its members that disclosed a consensus to mobilise for industrial action should the wage negotiations fail. The union said the CCMA has committed to present a revised salary/wage offer by close of business on Monday. 'If no revised offer is forthcoming, UNTU will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial action,' it said in a statement. UNTU general secretary, Cobus van Vuuren, said the majority of ballots cast by the majority union's members was in favour of taking to the streets to demand a wage increment that reflected the deepening economic crisis facing Transnet employees and job security. Van Vuuren said the three-day S150 CCMA intervention facilitated by two senior commissioners failed to break the Transnet salary/wage 2025/26 impasse; therefore, the status quo remained in terms of this deadlock. 'The proceedings spanning over three days concluded on Thursday, without the parties reaching consensus on a revised salary/wage increase offer. UNTU participated in the S150 process in good faith, fully committed to securing a fair and sustainable outcome amid the rising cost of living and the ongoing operational and structural challenges facing Transnet,' he said. UNTU is demanding a 10% wage increase for 2025/26, a R2 500 housing allowance, R2 500 medical aid allowance, and the removal of a cap on overtime from Transnet. The union has also rejected a proposed wage increase of 6% over two years and 5.5% in the third year. Van Vuuren said that throughout the process, UNTU tabled a variety of salary/wage proposals for Transnet's consideration. 'We are confident we are in line with the economic and financial pressures facing our members, with a high emphasis on job security while at the same time paying due cognisance to the challenges Transnet faces. The proposals, which UNTU presented, cannot be disclosed at this time due to the confidential nature of the S150 process,' he said. 'We had hoped that Transnet and its mandate-givers would seriously consider these proposals, particularly given the potential economic impact of industrial action and the value of securing a longer-term agreement securing labour peace during this critical time in Transnet's turnaround into a sustainable self-funded entity.' Van Vuuren said that the resolution of the deadlock now rested with the CCMA, which he said has committed to present a revised salary/wage offer by close of business on Monday. 'Should no revised offer be forthcoming, UNTU will issue Transnet with a 48-hour notice of industrial action. This could potentially result in industrial action commencing on Thursday, 22 May 2025, in line with the overwhelming mandate secured from its members,' he said. 'UNTU has made the necessary logistical preparations to ensure our readiness for industrial action. If a revised offer is received, UNTU will initiate a structured mandating process to determine if our members accept or reject the tabled revised salary/wage offer.' The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) has backed UNTU as its affiliate in the wage negotiations with Transnet. 'Should the intervention by the CCMA fail and UNTU members find themselves compelled to embark on industrial action to secure fair wages, Fedusa will support them,' said the federation.
IOL News
21-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
CCMA proposes settlement to resolve UNTU and Transnet wage impasse
The United National Transport Union (UNTU) confirmed on Wednesday that Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) Senior Commissioners facilitating the Section 150 process between the union and Transnet have tabled a formal Facilitators' Proposal for Settlement to help resolve the ongoing salary/wage impasse between UNTU and Transnet. 'On Tuesday, 20 May 2025, the CCMA convened another facilitation session at the Transnet Bargaining Council and invited all the affected parties, including UNTU, Transnet, and SATAWU. The CCMA engaged parties separately, a decision we commend, as UNTU and Transnet remain the sole parties to the declared Dispute of Mutual Interest,' added Van Vuuren. UNTU General Secretary, Cobus van Vuuren said that after a lengthy and challenging round of wage negotiations for the 2025/26 period, UNTU confirms that the CCMA Senior Commissioners facilitating the Section 150 process have tabled a formal Facilitators' Proposal for Settlement to help resolve the salary/wage impasse between UNTU and Transnet. The United National Transport Union (UNTU) confirmed on Wednesday that Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) Senior Commissioners facilitating the Section 150 process between the union and Transnet have tabled a formal Facilitators' Proposal for Settlement to help resolve the ongoing salary/wage impasse between UNTU and Transnet. Transnet also confirmed that discussions are still ongoing. Van Vuuren said that the Commissioners' Proposal represents a final effort to avert protected industrial action by UNTU. 'The proposal has been shared with all parties for consideration. UNTU's Executive Council has met to determine the next steps, and a formal mandating process in terms of the Facilitators' Proposal for Settlement is now underway. Members will decide whether to accept or reject the proposal. Should it be rejected, UNTU reserves the right to initiate protected industrial action in line with the Labour Relations Act (LRA).' Van Vuuren said the proposal must also be considered by Transnet, and all parties are expected to respond to the CCMA by June 10, 2025. 'This development reflects the resilience and commitment of UNTU's negotiating defending members' rights to fair wage increases and job security, especially amid growing private sector interest in Transnet, one of South Africa's most important strategic assets.' Van Vuuren said that history will judge those who stood idle while UNTU pursued every legal avenue available to protect workers' job security amid the economic crisis facing the working class of South Africa. In response to a query, Transnet said they continue to participate in the conciliation process led by the CCMA to resolve the current wage dispute. 'The parties met on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 to continue with the discussions to resolve the dispute and will reconvene by 10 June 2025..' Visit:
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
How to protect the appliances that power your life
Now that load shedding rears it ugly head again, consumers have to ensure that they protect their appliances against power surges. If you ever wonder how you would get through life without the appliances in your house, you will know how important it is to protect them. The most expensive fridge in South Africa costs a whopping R1 million, while a top-of-the-range TV could set you back even more. However, for most of us, the total value of every single household appliance we own does not even come close to this figure. ALSO READ: Power surges and insurance: How to deal with the other load shedding monsters But this does not mean that we can do without them and should not take every precaution when it comes to protecting them, Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price Insurance, says. 'Protecting our fridges, TVs and other appliances from power surges and the effects of wear and tear will help to ensure that they continue to work for years to come.' Van Vuuren warns that power surges can damage sensitive electronic components like circuit boards and processors, causing appliances to stop working altogether. Power surges are sudden spikes in electrical voltage when the power supply to your home is suddenly interrupted or switched back on, or if lightning strikes. Best way to protect your appliances against power surges The best way to help prevent power surge damage is to install a surge protection device on your home's electrical distribution board (DB), he says. 'Using one device to protect everything that has a plug makes much more sense than buying separate adapters for each plug point. Because it covers all the phases and is always on, DB surge protection removes 'user error' from the equation and will likely also work out to be more cost-effective.' Van Vuuren says when choosing power surge protection for your DB, look for a SABS-approved device and have it fitted by a qualified electrician who can provide you with a certificate of compliance. ALSO READ: Load shedding can destroy your appliances – here's how to avoid it If you want to buy a new appliance, it is important to balance quality with affordability, he says. 'Some of the less expensive brands only offer guarantees or warranties for short periods of time and there may be no technical support if some of the parts fail. He points out that there are things you can do to prevent damage from wear and tear and extend the lifespan of the appliances you already have. 'Washing machines and dishwashers will benefit from being serviced regularly and keeping their filters and water connections clean. Why maintenance of your appliances is also important 'Most of the claims for household appliances that King Price sees are for fridges and while these cannot be serviced, keeping them clean, topping up the gas and defrosting them when necessary and dusting behind them regularly will help to keep them working efficiently for longer.' Van Vuuren notes that insurers generally do not cover damage due to wear and tear and therefore regular maintenance is critical. Insurers also do not cover damage that is the result of grid interruption, making protection at the DB board a very wise move. 'Ask your insurer if it has the option of adding cover for power surge damage due to loadshedding. Most home contents policies cover lightning damage. We advise all consumers to check their policy schedules to confirm whether they have this cover and also to check their policy documents to understand the difference between 'grid interruption' and 'loadshedding'.'
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Financial distress no excuse for not paying over pension fund contributions
The court judgment sends a clear message to companies and their directors that they cannot use pension fund contributions for anything else. A company's financial distress is not an excuse not to pay over employees' pension fund contributions and directors are personally liable for unpaid pension contributions deducted from employees' salaries, according to a judgment of the Western Cape High Court. The Engineering Industries Pension Fund took a company, Installair, to court to recover outstanding pension and provident fund contributions from May to July 2020 and hold the company's directors personally liable for the unpaid contributions. According to Nicolette van Vuuren, partner and Tshepiso Tshshonga, trainee attorney at Webber Wentzel, the fund relied on these provisions of the Pension Funds Act: section 13A(1), which mandates employers pay employee and employer contributions to the retirement fund in full and on time section 13A(7), which provides for the personal liability of individuals responsible for ensuring the employer's compliance with its obligations section 13A(8), which imposes personal liability on directors who are regularly involved in the management of the employer's financial affairs and section 13A(9), which requires retirement funds to notify employers in writing of individuals who may be held personally liable, read with Regulation 33, promulgated under the Pension Funds Act but which was since repealed. The aim of the Pension Funds Act is to protect the retirement savings and financial security of members by ensuring that contributions are properly deducted, managed and paid over to the pension fund. ALSO READ: Councils take pension billions Pension fund went after directors as company was in liquidation Installair was in liquidation and therefore the fund did not ask for any relief against the company, but instead against the company's directors. Van Vuuren and Tshshonga say the directors acknowledged that the company deducted pension and provident fund contributions from employees' salaries but failed to pay them over to the fund. The directors used the deducted amounts to subsidise employee salaries due to the company's financial distress and the directors argued that the failure to pay was due to circumstances beyond their control. They contended that they did not act recklessly or negligently. Van Vuuren and Tshshonga say one of the directors also claimed that section 13A(8) of the Pension Fund Act should not apply to her, as she was not involved in the financial affairs of the company. The directors also argued that liability under section 13(8) arises only where directors are unable to meet statutory obligations due to circumstances within their control and where there has been reckless or negligent conduct, which they denied. ALSO READ: Pension fund contribution arrears 'serious crime against humanity' Court finds directors clearly failed to meet their statutory obligations However, the High Court found that the directors were actively involved in managing the company's financial affairs and clearly failed to meet their statutory obligations under the Pension Fund Act. The court described the directors' defences as 'far-fetched' and 'untenable' and rejected them summarily. The court accordingly held the directors personally liable for the unpaid contributions, ordering them to pay the outstanding amounts, together with accrued interest. In addition, the court dismissed the argument that the Covid-19 pandemic justified the company's failure to pay over contributions. Van Vuuren and Tshshonga note that the period in question (January to March 2020) preceded the national lockdown, which was only imposed on 26 March 2020. They say that as the company was fully operational during this time, the pandemic could not be used as an excuse for non-compliance. ALSO READ: Only two employers convicted since 2019 for not paying their workers' pension fund contributions Directors had no viable defence and must pay up themselves With no valid defence presented, the court held the directors liable for the outstanding pension fund contributions. The court also emphasised that a failure to issue an order in favour of vulnerable groups would constitute a dereliction of its constitutional duty. In addition, the court noted that the increase in withdrawal claims under the two-pot retirement system highlighted persistent non-compliance with pension contribution obligations, a trend that threatens the financial security of retirees. Van Vuuren and Tshshonga say this case serves as a strong reminder that enforcement of pension fund compliance is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative to protect employee's long-term financial interests. 'We urge employers and particularly retirement funds to implement robust financial controls and regularly review compliance policies to ensure that all pension contributions are paid promptly and accurately, in accordance with the Pension Fund Act and the rules of the relevant fund. 'This will go a long way to shield directors and companies from severe legal penalties and reputational harm. Even in the face of financial difficulty, diverting retirement fund contributions for other uses is strictly prohibited. Directors cannot rely on financial distress as a defence to escape personal liability for unpaid contributions.' ALSO READ: Two-pot retirement system: Nothing for thousands of pension fund members Case underscores there is no way out of paying over pension contributions This case underscores a crucial legal principle that employers cannot avoid their pension obligations through delay tactics or legal posturing, Van Vuuren and Tshshonga say. 'The courts have made it clear that accountability in fulfilling statutory duties is non-negotiable. Companies that ignore these obligations do so at their peril. 'In today's challenging economic climate, many companies face financial distress and even insolvency. However, recent legal developments make it clear that financial hardship is no excuse for failing to meet statutory obligations, particularly the obligation to pay over retirement fund contributions deducted from employees' salaries.' NOW READ: FSCA lists 2 330 employers with pension fund contributions in arrears
